Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Debrah Sanders | Sgt. Jamaal Smith, a native of Summerton, S.C. and a food service specialist assigned...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD — A group of five personnel represented U.S. Division—Center during a monthly culinary competition that tests dining facility personnel's creativity and ability to work under pressure.
A team of four Soldiers and one civilian from the Iron Oasis dining facility participated in an "Iron Chef" competition in DeFleury dining facility at Camp Liberty, March 27.
The goal of the competition is to create at least five entrées within a one-hour time frame, said Staff Sgt. Terry Allen, a native of Galveston, Texas and food operations non-commissioned officer, Company B, Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Division.
Teams from all the dining facilities at Victory Base Complex were present. The team from the Raider DFAC was the most intimidating competitor, as they have taken the trophy the last three times the competition has been held.
Judges are normally command sergeants major, first sergeants, officers, warrant officers and civilians, said Allen. The teams are also judged on teamwork, taste, garnish, sanitation and appearance.
Allen, as the team supervisor, observes his team throughout the competition. He also said the teams rotate out so each Soldier gets a chance to participate in the competition.
Sgt. Jamaal Smith, a native of Summerton, S.C., a food service specialist, Co. B, DSTB, 1st Armd. Div. was the team leader for this competition.
"They did outstanding. They had a lot of good teamwork, and everyone gave their input," said Smith, after the competition.
"This competition keeps everyone up on their game ... It benefits the Soldiers; it teaches them how to work under pressure," said Smith.
Smith also said it is a good morale boost, allowing his Soldiers to break away from the daily routine.
Dining facilities on Victory Base Complex have mainly civilian personal working in them, and Soldiers, like Smith, supervising. Since civilians are normally the ones who prepare food for the Soldiers, Smith and others in his field conduct head counts or have other duties.
"It's a unique opportunity to really do our [military occupational specialty]," said Smith. In addition to that, the actual competition makes it fun.
The teams waited while the judges sampled and scored the entrées that had been prepared.
After a bit of deliberation the judges finally announced their decision. Iron Oasis was the winner out of the four teams that participated. The winners received the trophy from the Raider DFAC team, until the competition next month, when they will compete again.
| Date Taken: | 03.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 03.29.2010 15:19 |
| Story ID: | 47405 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 130 |
| Downloads: | 111 |
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