Artesani Warrior Restaurant reopens at Fort Devens

1 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CSM Lombardo, LTC Colestock, Mrs. Eileen (Artesani) Sullivan and CSM Rogers cut the Ribbon at the official opening of the Artesani Warrior Restaurant. (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

CSM Rogers addressing the attendees at the ribbon cutting event. — 2 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CSM Jamie Rogers sharing a story that Mrs. Eileen (Artesani) Sullivan told her about her uncle MSG Richard Artesani whom the dining facility was named after. (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

3 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – LTC Trent Colestock speaking to the crowd and thanking those involved for their hard work and effort to open the Warrior Restaurant. (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

4 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers attending the grand opening of the Warrior Restaurant (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

5 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – LTC Colestock and Joseph Cunningham sharing a laugh at the Ribbon cutting event on Saturday. (Photo Credit: Mike Greenough) VIEW ORIGINAL

LTC Colestock and CSM Rogers hold open the doors to the dining facility at the grand opening. — 6 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – LTC Colestock and CSM Rogers hold open the doors to the dining facility as Soldiers eagerly walk in at the grand opening. (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

LTC Colestock, State Senator Eldridge, CSM Rogers and Mrs. Eileen Sullivan pose for a photo — 7 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – LTC Colestock, State Senator Eldridge, CSM Rogers and Mrs. Eileen (Artesani) Sullivan pose for a photo in front of the Artesani sign. The Artesani is named after MSG Artesani. (Photo Credit: Mike Greenough) VIEW ORIGINAL

8 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – LTC Colestock, Mrs. Eileen Sullivan niece of MSG Artesani, CSM Rogers and CSM of the Army CSM Lombardo pose for a photo in front of the Artesani sign. (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

9 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Warrior Restaurant personnel serving a Soldier lunch. (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

10 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Warrior Restaurant personnel scanning a Soldiers ID for lunch. (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

11 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers taking a break from drill to enjoy lunch at the new Artesani Warrior Restaurant. (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

Time to cut the cake. — 12 / 12 Show Caption + Hide Caption – LTC Colestock, Eileen Andrews Fort Devens Victim Advocate, CSM Rogers and CSM Lombardo cut the cake for Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month and Alcohol Awareness Prevention Month. (Photo Credit: Jaz Levario) VIEW ORIGINAL

By Jaz Levario

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Devens Public Affairs

April 5, 2022

USAG FORT DEVENS, Ma. (April 5, 2022) - - On April 2, 2022, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Devens personnel and leadership celebrated the reopening of the newly remodeled Artesani Warrior Restaurant. Joseph Cunningham, who served as the event's narrator, welcomed distinguished guests, military and civilian partners and thanked those responsible for completing the project.

"Big projects with large payoffs come with a ton of work," said Fort Devens Command Sergeant Major Jamie Rogers as she thanked all those that played an integral role in opening the Artesani Warrior Restaurant. "CSM Lombardo, your support was the major muscle movement for us to obtain the funding requirements. Please relay to Lieutenant General Daniels our appreciation."

The Artesani Warrior Restaurant finally reopened its doors after six long years of hard work and a 4.6 million dollar, state-of-the-art remodel. The Artesani Warrior Restaurant will provide healthy and hot meal options to over 3,600 Soldiers a day.

"Soldiers are our ultimate weapon and require premium fuel to operate. We are proud to deliver an evidence-based and nutritional program that optimizes our troops' performance readiness and health," said Fort Devens Garrison Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Trent R. Colestock.

The Artesani was originally named after Master Sergeant Richard Artesani, who ran the dining facility during his time at Fort Devens. MSG Artesani served at Fort Devens after being held as a Prisoner of War (POW) in North Korea during the Korean War. He fought to stay on active duty and not be medically discharged due to his injuries and took charge of the dining facility upon his return. MSG Artesani was known for his passion and commitment. "I will never let a man for who I am responsible go hungry." MSG Artesani said while being held as a POW.

"As a Senior Noncommissioned Officer, he truly made a difference. His sacrifice and dedication to taking care of Soldiers are beyond commendable. We are honored that you are here today, representing his legacy. Thank you!" said CSM Rogers as she addressed the crowd and thanked Eileen (Artesani) Sullivan.

The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Garrison Commander LTC Colestock, CSM Andrew Lombardo, CSM Rogers and Mrs. Eileen (Artesani) Sullivan.

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Devens provides premier training capabilities and base operations support to the Total Force in New England.

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