The Phoenix Recruiting Battalion brought some Army spice to the Arizona Career and Technical Education summer conference in Tucson, Ariz., by organizing a culinary arts TAIR presentation that received accolades from high school culinary educators.
Staff Sgt. Michael Macias, Fort Huachuca commanding general enlisted aide, showcased his Army
culinary skills to 60 educators at Mountain View High School in Tucson, Ariz., July 16.
He demonstrated how to properly debone a chicken then whipped-up a gourmet creation: chicken supreme stuffed with herb butter, and topped with white alfredo mushroom and onion sauce; tri-colored julienne peppers and zucchinis; roasted garlic mashed potatoes; and cabbage and hikama salad. Macias then put the educators to the test by having them practice their newly learned culinary techniques.
"This was by far the best culinary arts presentation we have ever had," said Chef Lisa Decota, Estralla Foothills High School Culinary Arts Instructor. "The food was fabulous; it was something you would only find in a five-star restaurant."
The five-day 36th annual ACTE conference held at the Loews Ventana and Westin La Paloma Resorts in Tucson drew approximately 1,500 Arizona educators who attended 200 instructional strategy sessions spanning 15 specialized fields.
The Phoenix Battalion also had an exhibit manned by Tucson Company Recruiters who answered educators’ questions about enlistment requirements, Army opportunities and education benefits.
During the conference, Phoenix Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Alfonso Mandujano Jr. was inducted into the ACTE Arizona President’s Circle of Distinction. In addition, he was elected into the National CTE Board of Trustees.
"I appreciated the Phoenix Battalion asking me to give the presentation," Macias said. "It was fun to interact with the educators and show them the culinary opportunities and talents the Army has."
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