Photo By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson | Staff Sgt. Michael Hood, a Belzoni, Miss., native, and senior cook with Headquarters...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jason Thompson
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Some like it plain. Some favor more supreme. Others enjoy it topped with lots of different meats while others choose more vegetables. There's no debating it, pizza is among the most popular foods in America. With so many different combinations of toppings, who could resist a tempting slice of pizza?
Americans on average eat approximately 23 pounds, or 46 large slices, of pizza per person every year, according to a market research survey.
Now, with the help of one Multi-National Division – Baghdad chef, customers to the 4th Infantry Division's Ironhorse Oasis Dining Facility are able to enjoy a slice of home with fresh homemade pizza.
Early in his deployment, Staff Sgt. Michael Hood, a Belzoni, Miss., native, and senior cook with Headquarters Support Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., saw the opportunity to provide a piece of home to the Soldiers serving in Baghdad and began a pizza night, cooking fresh homemade pizza with everyday ingredients already supplied in the dining facility.
"While I was home on mid-tour leave and cooking for my family, I thought of the idea to bring a piece of home back here to Iraq for the rest of the Soldiers," said Hood. "I purchased cooking sheets, pizza cutters and other supplies that we didn't have here before and I shipped them here so I could cook pizza for these Soldiers.
"At first I was only cooking 10-15 pizzas during an occasional meal, but as it continued to grow more popular among the Soldiers eating here, we've had to cook more and more every meal that it is offered," Hood continued. "Now, it's at a point where we are making it a themed night and every Friday and Saturday we're cooking upward of 100-150 pizzas per meal."
Hood said cooking has long been a passion of his and often prefers cooking over other various forms of recreation.
"In my kitchen, I'm comfortable. It's my zone where I can disappear and relax," said Hood. "However, even more enjoyable than simply cooking is watching the reactions of the Soldiers who come in here and are enjoying the food."
The reaction from the Soldiers has been positive as they welcome the variety in the menu.
"I loved the pizza," said Sgt. Greg Kunkle, a team leader with the personnel security detachment for Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, the senior enlisted leader of 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B. "It is a great change from the normal menu, and it definitely brings a smile to my face after a long, hard day on the roads."
Whether you prefer deep-dish or a thin crust, extra cheese or light sauce, the combinations are endless and people across the globe are enjoying the great flavors of pizza – and now, Soldiers serving in Baghdad have an opportunity to share their own slice of the pie.
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2008 13:16 |
| Story ID: | 26164 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 85 |
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