173rd leadership spouses learn teamwork with food

By Ms. Julie M Lucas (IMCOM)March 28, 2014

173rd leadership spouses learn teamwork with food
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spouses of the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) leadership compete in teams during a cooking competition at Army Community Service March 24. Following the competition, the spouses spoke about leadership and teamwork, which was a part of ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
173rd leadership spouses learn teamwork with food
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spouses of the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) leadership compete in teams during a cooking competition at Army Community Service March 24. Following the competition, the spouses spoke about leadership and teamwork, which was a part of ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Spouses of 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) leadership learned a "recipe for leadership" March 24 at Army Community Service.

Eighteen family members gathered at a meeting, not knowing that they would be getting their hands dirty. After a brief introduction by Reggie Foster, wife of the 173rd IBCT commander, Franny Packard, a former executive chef for two Ohio governors and current ACS employee, spoke about synchronizing in the kitchen.

"With proper timing, everyone's food comes out together and no one's is cold," Packard said. "That's the sign of a good leader."

The spouses were split up into groups and randomly drew what item they would be cooking from appetizer, main dish and dessert. Each group had two main ingredients and could add whatever they wanted to make the final product. A time limit of 30 minutes was also placed on the teams.

"I hope we get dessert," said one spouse.

Teams had to choose one person to be the food runner and select items for their product. With only two lemons available, trading and bartering took place.

"I'll give you half an avocado for some bell pepper," said another spouse.

Three celebrity judges tasted the final products and winners were determined. Following the food portion, the group began the rest of the class, where lessons of teamwork and leadership were shared. This was the first-ever training of its type for spouses.

"The idea to incorporate a cooking lesson and leadership training grew out of a Female2Female cooking event," said ACS acting director Julia Sibillia. "Reggie and I both thought it was a great opportunity for the spouses to work together on a fun and innovative project."

Related Links:

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Additional photos

Vicenza Military Community website