REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command team chose a spicy way to raise money for Army Emergency Relief as well as enjoy various styles of chili made by members of the command.
During the event, the command raised $722 in an hour, which doubled the amount raised from last year. This year there were 24 pots of chili made, up from 14 last year.
"Overall, everything was great," said G-3 Sgt. Maj. John Mattie who served as a judge during the competition. "There were different varieties of chili. Some that hid the hot sauces so they snuck up on you, and others that came right at you with the heat, so it was a good mix.
"The turnout from participants within the command has been outstanding," Mattie added. "We really appreciate all the support, and we continue to work as a team. I think next year's turnout will be even better."
Awards were given out during the competition for various categories.
This year the winners were:
Best Taste:
First: Sophia Malone
Second: Abe Borum
Third: Rose Mary Moore
Most Exotic:
First: Ben Spears
Second: David Crouch
Third: Donnie Vanzandt
Best Presentation:
First: Dale Murray
Second: Abe Borum
Third: Jessica Hamilton
Most Unique Chili name:
Theresa Morris
"When I cook, I love to see people eat it," said Donnie Vanzandt, G-2 special security officer, who made a beef brisket chili. "Having the largest container and it be the first to go tells me that it was pretty good and the people enjoyed it."
As the event went on, people were reminded of the importance of AER and how the support given will help support Soldiers and their Families in the future.
"I didn't know what to expect because I haven't been to one here before, but I am really impressed with the amount of chili that has been entered into the cook-off and very pleased with the steady flow of customers coming by to get some," said Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica, USASMDC/ARSTRAT commanding general. "This is a good opportunity for the command to come together in a fun way and raise money for AER. This is another way to raise additional funds and add to the money that the command will raise for AER. This is about the command bubbling up from within to support Soldiers and Families and that is exciting for me.
"I would add a heartfelt thanks to those who contributed chili so that we could raise money, to those who organized it and to those who came and supported the event," Formica added.
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