DAEGU, Republic of Korea – Culinary artistry is a flavorful blend of select skill sets baked in passion – and a dash of grated zest for creativity. In the world of culinary specialists, every dish tells a story, and every bite evokes an emotion. At the 48th Joint Culinary Training Exercise (JCTE), held from March 1st to 8th at the MacLaughlin Fitness Center on Fort Greg-Adams, Virginia, Sgt. Kylie De La Roche, assigned to the 498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the Materiel Support Command-Korea (MSC-K), mesmerized spectators and judges alike. Her remarkable talent secured three Silver medals and a Gold medal.
CULINARY PASSION UNLEASHED
Sgt. De La Roche’s relentless dedication to perfecting her craft fueled her journey to culinary excellence. "I've always had a passion for cooking," she shared. Competing at the JCTE was a dream come true." De La Roche’s eyes light up with excitement as she reminisces on the timeless question many chefs love to hear: “Who made this meal?” She added, “We love it when people ask us that question, especially if you were the chef,” she explained.
De La Roche's path to the JCTE was paved with hard work and determination. Her innate talent and relentless pursuit of excellence propelled her to the forefront of the culinary world. "I've learned that preparation is key to success," she said. "Understanding the rules and regulations was vital. After that, I had to figure out what dish I would create."
A MOTHER’S LOVE
De La Roche's journey to culinary excellence is not just a solo endeavor – it's a testament to the love and support of her biggest cheerleader: her mother, Ms. Kenya De La Roche. While De La Roche was competing, her mother stood by her side, offering encouragement from afar. However, this year marked a noteworthy milestone as her mother traveled from California to Virginia to experience her daughter's culinary gallantry firsthand in a culinary battle.
As the day wore on and guests began to trickle out, a solitary – but familiar figure remained seated in the front row, right in the spotlight of the cooking floor and in full view of the judges: Ms. Kenya De La Roche. For Sgt. De La Roche, catching sight of her mother's proud smile was a moment of pure joy. It had been a year since they last saw each other face-to-face, and having her mother there, witnessing her in action, was a priceless gift. While her mother had heard about her achievements, seeing her daughter shine on the competition floor was a moment she wouldn't miss for the world.
A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
As she entered the spotlight, Sgt. De La Roche's strategy was clear: teamwork and collaboration. "Our strategy was to divide and conquer," she explained. "Teamwork was paramount. Seeing who would make specific meals helped us prepare more efficiently."
Her menu, a symphony of design, flavors, and textures, showcased her creative genius and culinary flair. "I wanted to create dishes that not only tasted delicious but also looked beautiful," De La Roche said. “Each dish was carefully crafted to impress the judges and tantalize their taste buds," she added.
De La Roche faced every obstacle with graceful determination and resolve. "The most challenging part was staying up for 36 hours," she admitted. "As time progressed, attention to detail and overcoming sleep deprivation became crucial. Having the support of my team helped me overcome these challenges."
For Sgt. De La Roche, culinary excellence is about more than just winning medals – it's about the journey of self-discovery and growth. "This experience has impacted my growth and development by opening my eyes to different types of cooking and their specific categories," she said. Also, networking has been huge for me. I've met chefs from all over the world, people with different backgrounds and experiences."
BE ALL YOU CAN BE
As she looks to the future, De La Roche remains committed to her craft, eager to continue her culinary journey and inspire others. "It will be a lot of work and long hours," she advised aspiring chefs. "You may want to give up and quit, but keep going. It will be worth it in the end."
With her talent and determination, the sky's the limit for this extraordinary chef. As she continues to inspire others with her culinary creations, her legacy will endure as a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, dedication, and a love for the culinary arts. De La Roche’s story is a testament to Soldiers pushing themselves to be all they can be. As the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commemorates 60 years of sustainment excellence within Korea, Sgt. De La Roche's story exemplifies the ethos of continuous improvement and striving to be the best in all endeavors.
To learn more about joining the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command visit https://www.army.mil/19thESC. To learn more about becoming an Army culinary specialist, visit www.GoArmy.com.
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