SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii-- "An Army runs on its stomach." - Napoleon Bonaparte
That is why it is important to recognize the accomplishments of those Soldiers behind the scenes who fuel our Soldiers. The 2nd Annual 8th Theater Sustainment Command Food Service Recognition Dinner was held at Nehalani Club, Hawaii, July 2, 2015 to recognize food service Soldiers who excel.
During this celebration, more than thirty individuals were recognized for their selfless and above par contributions to their units and the Army while serving as members of the U.S. Quartermaster Corps.
Maj. Gen. Edward F. Dorman III, the 8th TSC Commanding General, was the event's guest speaker.
"Indeed this is a year of excellence, where the men and women in our military food service occupational specialty have turned cooking into an art-form," said Dorman. "You only have to flip a few channels these days in either direction on the television to see how food, how cooking and how chefs have permeated our daily culture… who knew? It used to be that everyone wanted to be infantry now everyone wants to be a chef. "
The first group of food services individuals recognized were those who were being inducted into the Order of Saint Martin. They, along with others in the Quartermaster Corps, received this prestigious award because of their selfless dedication and professional competence. 25 Soldiers from the ranks of Staff Sgt. to Capt., three of which were inducted into the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin, stood before a group of their seniors, peers and subordinates while receiving their medals.
Following the induction, the joint culinary arts team, who competed in the 2015 Military Culinary Arts Competitive Training event, otherwise known in the industry as the largest American Culinary Federation Culinary Arts Competition in North America, were recognized for their hard work and dedication.
"The team began training back in September working long hours with certified executive chefs to perfect the products they presented at Ft. Lee, Virginia," said Master Sgt. Adriana Ybarra, the advanced culinary arts senior noncommissioned officer. "This competition had 329 competitors across 23 installations with multiple services participating. Overall, team Hawaii placed first in the installation of the year award."
Another significant award was the presentation of the Philip A. Connelly runners-up award to the 25th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, formerly known as the 45th Sustainment Brigade, 8th TSC, for their outstanding diligence and motivation while competing in the 47th Annual Philip A. Connelly Garrison Competition.
"A wealth of knowledge was gained by the entire dining facility staff from this experience and will leave a lasting impression and impact on future of the 92G (food service specialist) participating in this event," said Sgt. 1st Class Lynette Elmore, the Dining Facility Manager for the sustainment bistro. "In recognition of our runner-up accomplishments, and essentially being crowned the second best dining facility Army worldwide, the Department of the Army and the National Restaurants Association has awarded us this plaque."
Other individuals awarded for their outstanding service were the 8th TSC Chefs of the Year, 8th TSC Food Service Civilian of the Year, and those who helped with the Thanksgiving Meal and Air Assault.
"So here we are. We find ourselves together to celebrate your accomplishments, your year of excellence, and your continuously and consistent outstanding work," said Dorman. "It takes commitment of excellence to produce a year of excellence and tonight becomes your legacy."
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