Twitter
Facebook
21st Special Troops Battalion command sergeant major, holds up a spoon full of chili during the 21st STB annual chili cook-off Jan. 29 on Panzer Kaserne.
As Soldiers entered the building, they were immediately hit with the smell coming from a nearby open door. A mixture of savory and sweet aromas filled the air and drew in passers-by. It was the smell of chili — a winter tradition used for a good cause.
The 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 21st Special Troops Battalion hosted its annual chili cook-off to raise money for the STB family readiness group Jan. 29 on Panzer Kaserne.
Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and family members were all invited to taste the flavor and feel the burn of 10 different chili flavors prepared and donated by 21st TSC Soldiers and their families. A $5 entry fee secured each attendee three taster cups, one full bowl of their favorite chili and a drink to put out the fire. The money raised will go toward future FRG functions, said Maj. Ryan Perusich, 21st STB executive officer.
“In the last few months, we have been throwing around ideas to raise money for the FRG, and this event was a huge success last year,” Perusich said. “We also wanted our event to coincide with the Super Bowl this year, which is why we chose this week. Just like last year, this was a great success.”
The “Always Ready” battalion also provided incentives to their chili culinarians in the form of prizes. Four judges from throughout the 21st TSC tasted each chili and cast their vote for Best Traditional Chili, Best Non-Traditional Chili and Five-Alarm: The Most Spicy. Each competitor brought different flavors and secret recipes to the competition.
“I am competing for the Non-Traditional Chili with my Buffalo Chicken Chili,” said Chaz Perusich, a 21st TSC family member. “I won last year with my secret recipe hot sauce.”
After the judges made their rounds and ate up a sweat, the three winners were announced. The Best Traditional Chili Award went to Cordula Richards, a member of the 21st TSC support operations team, for her Flavor Bursting Explosion Chili; the Non-Traditional Chili Award went to Chaz Perusich for her Buffalo Chicken Chili; and Five-Alarm: The Most Spicy Award went to Benedicta Arthur for her Spicy Chili Corn Bread Pudding. Each winner was presented with an engraved glass mug.
“I don’t know if it was just one or all the chili I’ve tasted today, but I am sweating,” said Col. Matthew Redding, 21st TSC chief of staff and one of the chili cook-off judges. “We have our winners here, but if you participated in this great event, then you are all winners in my book.”
The crowd of 21st TSC Soldiers and DA civilians socialized and ate chili for over an hour. As the event came to an end, one STB leader and judge had something to say about the event.
“This event is all about bringing our Soldiers and families together and to build the bonds between us,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Brian K. Mainor, 21st STB command sergeant major. “There was some amazing food here today. There is no better way to bring together a group of Soldiers than good chow.”
