1. 8/24/2015 MANG Warrior Chefs serve up eggstra­special entrées
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Staff Sgts. Sara Hardy and Todd Monroe, the fourth
quarter Warrior Chef Competition’s winning team, pose with
their trophy skillets Dec. 4 at the Elkhorn Dining Facility.
Both are from the 120th Force Support Squadron,
Montana Air National Guard. Standing with them are Maj.
Karen Dayle­Horsley, 341st Force Support Squadron
commander, and event coordinator Staff Sgt. Amber
Moore, 341st FSS noncommissioned officer in charge of
missile alert feeding operations. (U.S. Air Force
photo/Tech. Sgt. Christina Perchine)
MANG Warrior Chefs serve up eggstra­
special entrées
by John Turner
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
12/12/2014 ­ MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. ­
­ Eggs were on the menu as five culinary teams
scrambled for top honors in the fourth quarter Warrior
Chef Competition Dec. 4 at the Elkhorn Dining Facility.
In a departure from past events, two of the teams were
from outside of the Air Force's services career field. This
was to diversify the competition and build camaraderie
on base.
The chefs worked as two­person teams and had 70
minutes to plan and prepare their meals. In a change
from previous Warrior Chef competitions, teams could
only use the ingredients provided in a bag of mystery
groceries revealed at the start of the competition. The
theme of the competition­­eggs­­was also kept secret
until then. Chefs were allowed to bring their own spices,
condiments, utensils and dishware to the event.
Staff Sgts. Todd Monroe and Sara Hardy, both from the Montana Air National Guard's 120th Force Support
Squadron, took home first­place trophy skillets after wowing judges with a grand slam breakfast bowl and
apple crepe dessert.
"The excitement in the kitchen provided an extreme amount of positive energy, especially towards the end,"
said Hardy. "Although it was stressful, the competition was a lot of fun."
This quarter's competition allowed teams from outside of the services career field to participate. Facility
managers from the 341st Operations Group were invited to compete in this Warrior Chef because FMs often
voluntarily assist with food preparation at missile alert facilities, said event coordinator Staff Sgt. Amber Moore,
341st Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of missile alert feeding operations. While only one FM team
accepted the challenge, the offer generated additional interest within the 341st OG and two missile officers
became the fifth team to enter the crucible of the kitchen.
"We're trying to open Warrior Chef to the entire base so other people can compete if they are interested," said
Moore. "We wanted to make this a smorgasbord or competitors."
As the chefs completed their presentations, they brought samples before a panel of judges to review. Col. Ken
Speidel, 341st Maintenance Group commander, Lt. Col. Allan Fiel, 341st Security Forces Group vice
commander, Gerrard Contreras, Malmstrom Air Force Base Commissary manager, and Senior Airman Austin
Beaty, 341st Communications Squadron and Air Force Association representative, scored each presentation
based on taste, appearance, creativity and use of the theme ingredient. The dress and appearance of each
chef team was also included in the tally of points.
Ultimately, the friendly competition was a way to promote creativity and allow teams to express their culinary
skills.
"I encourage the squadron leadership to have their members participate in future competitions," said Hardy. "I
know there are some creative chefs out there and this is a great place to show off their talent."