FORT SILL, Okla. -- The annual Military Culinary Arts Competitive Training Event was recently held at Fort Lee, Va., and Fort Sill sent their best-trained 92G or Food Service Specialist to compete in this one-of-a-kind event.
The MCACTE is the largest military culinary competition in the North America. The competition is sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation and showcases the talents of military chefs from around the globe in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade had four Soldiers representing the Fort Sill Team, from veterans to newcomers the competition brought out the best in these culinary experts.
Staff Sgt. Michael Gardner, a 92G assigned to 4-3 ADA, 31st ADA Brigade is a four-time competitor at this event. His first time competing was in 2001 when he was a Sgt. stationed at Fort Irwin, Ca., in the last 13 years the event has changed drastically.
"Some of the changes are the advancements in food preparation, the field competition in 2001 only used fresh meat and everything else was Unitized Group Ration or UGRA. Now they serve a three-course meal all requiring fresh ingredients and preparation prior to cooking.
Gardner suffered an injury prior to the competition but luckily he had a replacement.
"I was injured the day prior to the live-field cooking competition, but my wife a civilian who serves as a trainer/mentor for the team was able to step in to fill my role on the team. The team ended winning a silver medal."
The competition also saw first-time competitors throw their skills in to the arena. Spc. Jose Montero, a 92G assigned to 3-2 ADA, 31st ADA Brigade received a bronze medal for his fish platter during the competition. This was his first time competing in this competition and it certainly won't be his last.
"This competition was great, we don't get many chances to compete with culinary artists from around the world. I learned a lot and it only fueled my passion more for cooking and creating unique dishes," said Montero.
A native of Los Angeles, this former 11B Infantryman, chose to reclassify his MOS to a 92G, due to his passion for cooking. After hosting a few catering events in his personal time, he chose to do something that he loves while serving a country that he loves.
Montero hopes to continue his culinary career and apply for the C20 Program within the military. This program provides Flight Stewards for DoD Flag Officers and VIP's, their mission is to provide safety and comfort for the passengers in flight and to oversee the servicing of the aircraft cabin, develop menus, prepare and serve meals, refreshments, and maintain cabin discipline.
Serving in the U.S. Army is something these Soldiers are proud to do, and being afforded the opportunity to hone their skills as culinary artists is "just icing on the cake."
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