<B> FORT STEWART, Ga.--</B> Salt, pepper, meat, bread, rice, soda, juice. This list does not even begin to scratch the surface of the food items that Sheila Edmonds, supply technician in the Directorate of Logistics Food Service and Troop Issue Subsistence Activity, orders for Soldiers. Whether it's for one of the eight dining facilities, Soldiers out in the field on an exercise or here for mobilization, Edmonds is the main person a Soldier see to get their food provisions.
"Orders are placed on a weekly basis," said Edmonds. "And they can make their pick ups here, also."
With all the orders, one would think the purchases are made locally. But that is not the case. Edmonds explained that orders are sent to their distributor, U.S. Foods, in Atlanta. All items are then shipped from Atlanta, or their branch office in Macon.
Even still, fresh produce such as apples, oranges, cucumbers and tomatoes come from a completely different source.
"Jacksonville and Savannah are the suppliers of our produce," said Edmonds.
There are times when Edmonds and others in the office find themselves inundated with large and repetitive orders. They continue to keep track and ahead of them.
"Holidays, mobilizations, and when the complete 3rd Infantry Division is back at home are our busiest times," Edmonds added.
A Jaconsonville native, TISA has been her Edmonds' home-away-from -home for the last seven years.
Being the spouse of Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Lewis Edmonds, Jr., afforded her the opportunity to travel to such places as Germany, where she worked in a finance office, and to Virginia. Along with her husband, Edmonds credits her life being fulfilled by children Kyla, Desiree, Kendra, and Marquez, who have now given her three grandchildren.
"In my spare time, I enjoy the thrill of being with grandchildren, Jamaya, Jaman, and Jyair, who is in Korea with his parents," said Edmonds.
Edmonds' supervisor, Cornelius Williams, Installation Food Advisor, recognized her as an exceptional employee.
"She goes beyond the day-to-day things. Have you noticed all the decoration in the dining facilities'" Williams asked. "Well, Sheila was instrumental in ordering those items and making them happen for the dining areas."
When it comes to working for the division, Edmonds words echoed her expression.
"I love working with Soldiers. Meeting all people that come from everywhere can be a good thing and a bad thing," Edmonds explained. "It is always a good thing to meet them in the beginning, but it is a bad thing because you know they eventually have to go. In my opinion, Soldiers are the best friends to have."
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