FORT SILL, Okla. (June 12, 2014) -- Food, service and atmosphere are all part of the package for the catering program at the Patriot Club.
Angela Cox recently joined the staff as the new caterer. She brings a wealth of experience in customer service and catering.
"For the past three years I worked as a catering and convention services manager for Disney, who are known for their customer service and putting the customer first because that is first and foremost the important thing, then fabulous food. So my experience with Disney has been awesome and it definitely got me excited about events, event planning and catering," she said.
Cox recently got married in Hawaii and helped open the Aulani Disney Resort. When her husband received orders for Fort Sill, she started looking online for jobs in her field.
"I saw the posting for the caterer job at the Patriot Club two months ago and I thought this cannot be true -- a job in my career field doing exactly what I want to do and on a military installation where my husband is being stationed. I did a phone interview with the previous caterer and the manager of the club," said Cox. "They wanted me to start earlier, but with PCSing and flights already booked and getting our stuff here we couldn't get here any earlier."
Cox and her husband arrived at Fort Sill a little over a month ago and their household goods arrived the same day she started working at the Patriot Club.
"I haven't been on the job very long, but with the Fires conference and everything going on, I have been busy. I think it's the best way to learn though, because you learn everything up front and you just go for it," she said.
She believes customer attitudes and perceptions of the club are changing.
"We are paying more attention to the quality and quantity of the food, and the service we provide to our Soldiers, their families and the Lawton-Fort Sill community," said Cox, who equates improved customer service as offering the personal touch.
She said catering can serve a variety of customer needs, such as promotion and retirement parties, birthday parties, weddings, receptions, balls and conferences.
The facilities available for customers to reserve include the Patriot Club, the Conference Center and the Polo Club.
"We can host parties for up to 500 people or as few as 20. We also cater off-site," she said.
"I have a lot of dreams and goals for this position, and I know that we are selling the food as much as we are also selling the event. I think this is a great facility and a wonderful opportunity to grow business here -- the options are unlimited," she said.
Catering services at the Patriot Club are open to all.
"You don't have to have a military ID to use the services or the facility," said Cox. "If you come in with a budget or specific foods in mind for your catered event, we can customize the menu to what you like, within reason. Chef Danny is awesome, and he will work with us to customize the menu to ensure you are satisfied."
Cox said the club is also following the healthy base initiative and offering many foods customers can enjoy with less calories while improving the nutritional value.
The club staff doesn't just stop with its normal clientele, they also work MWR concerts, where they run the VIP area and feed the performers and their crews.
"We also support other MWR programs and the command group with events like Spouse-a-Palooza, the St. Barbara's Day Ball, the Fires Seminar and the Association of the U.S. Army Banquet," said Cox. "We're here to support Fort Sill in any way possible."
Club membership also factors into the catering function. To learn more about catering discounts or other membership benefits, call 580-442-5300.
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