DFAC enhances menu options for troops
Story by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr, U.S. Army Europe
YAVORIV, Ukraine-Building strong relationships doesn't just occur on the frontline, it can also begin in the kitchen. Soldiers assigned to 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division worked hand-in-hand with Ukrainian civilian cooks to enhance the variety of food served at the dining facility July 29, 2016 at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center.
The IPSC's dining facility provides nutritional meals for approximately 1100, U.S., Ukrainian, Canadian, Lithuanian and Polish Soldiers, per meal, three times per day. Being able to provide adequate meals for a large number of people can be difficult with selective menu options.
"Our goal is to expand their knowledge and show them that they can make a variety of food with a limited amount of products on hand," said Staff Sgt. Brian Stout, food operation manager for the IPSC dining facility.
These challenges were met when the food-service specialists assigned to 6-8 Cavalry introduced the Ukrainians to chicken macaroni, and worked together to prepare the meal.
"We are here to share American culture in cooking so the Ukrainians understand our techniques, ways on improving the food, and how to keep the food safe to eat," said Spc. Mario Miller-Givens, a food service specialist assigned to 6-8 Cavalry.
The Soldiers are provided interpreters to ensure working as a team is successful for the Ukrainian and American cooks.
The language barrier gets a little difficult at times; however, it doesn't interfere with our work, said Pvt. Destiny Washington, a food service specialist assigned to 6-8 Cavalry. "They seemed happy to be able to make the meal with us."
The Soldier's have a unique experience with being able to work in close proximity with the Ukrainians and understand their strong work ethic.
"The Ukrainian cooks have shown me how hard they can work," said Miller-Givens. "Everyone works really well together and it's a really good environment."
Establishing a cohesive relationship with the Ukrainian workers helps boost morale and confidence within the workplace and build lasting relationships.
Working with the Ukrainians will help us to build a bridge of communication and overall trust to form better relations with the people of the country, said Miller-Givens.
Providing a variety of meal options will increase morale and overall performance among the troops at JMTG-U, which will essentially build and sustain the capability within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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