OKLAHOMA CITY – The 903rd Quartermaster Company has once again proven they are the culinary force to be reckoned with, taking home first place for the third consecutive year in the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s annual Culinary Excellence Competition held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma on February 7.
The victory solidifies the 903rd's reputation as a culinary dynasty within the Oklahoma Army National Guard, having won every state-level competition held to date.
A total of five teams, representing the 903rd and the forward support companies from the 700th Brigade Support Battalion, competed for the top honors.
The event challenged the culinary specialists to plan and execute a single meal for judges and fellow Soldiers, using either a container kitchen or a mobile kitchen trailer to simulate a field environment.
The winning team, comprised of Sgt. 1st Class Emmanuel Okonkwo, Sgt. Juliana Martinez, Spc. Lindi Corless, Spc. Jasman Lover-Said, and Spc. Brayden Buffalohead, showcased superior skill and teamwork to defend their unit’s title.
Taking a hard-earned second place was the team from Echo Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, made up of Sgt. Tyler Palmer, Spc. Devyn Newkirk, Spc. Georgia Smith, Spc. Myirs Shirley, and Spc. Alyssa Eddings.
For Buffalohead on the winning team, the victory was a testament to the unit's collective effort and high standards.
“It's inspiring to win and know we all contributed to the win. It shows we're all doing the right things right," Buffalohead said. "Winning really brings the team and unit together and increases morale. It shows the rest of the state it's not just one person, it's the skills of the whole unit."
Sgt. Maj. Brian Brown, Oklahoma Army National Guard logistics sergeant major, said while the competition drives Soldiers to perform their best, it brings together cooks from across the OKARNG and allows them to share best practices.
"The Soldiers are getting to grow and learn," Brown said. "Here they get to share ideas, share experiences and share tips and it builds knowledge across the entire Oklahoma Army National Guard."
By securing the 'three-peat', the culinary specialists of the 903rd Quartermaster Company have not only demonstrated their mastery in the field but have also set a high bar for excellence for years to come.