Cooking up camaraderie

The 435th Services Squadron held their first Iron Chef competition March 28 with hopes to build Airman camaraderie.

The team, Pepsi Challenge, was the winner.

***image1***Teams were judged on teamwork, preparation, timeliness, presentation and taste.

The Airmen were divided into two teams: the Spartans and Pepsi Challenge. Each team consisted of seven members including a team leader. The teams had to design a menu for the challenge and prepare and serve it to the judges within a certain time limit.

During the competition, the teams were given challenging wild cards. One wild card forced two teammates to tie their wrists together and continue preparing their individual dish.

All judges had positive comments about both teams.

“This was definitely some good old-fashioned fun,” said Master Sgt. John Silas, one of the competition judges. “Unfortunately, only one team can take first.”

All judges agreed that it was the best meal they’ve ever eaten and had a hard decision to make in choosing a winning team.

“Each team is a winner,” said Lt. Col. Benjamin Ward, 435th SVS commander.

Colonel Ward awarded the winning team with a two-day pass and the losing team a one-day pass.

According to the winning team leader, Airman 1st Class Billy Joe Galace, the event was very successful because of team work and hard work.

“The Iron Chef competition was fun but stressful at the same time,” he said.

The goal of growing camaraderie was definitely accomplished in the squadron, said Airman 1st Class Lance Michaud, Spartans team leader.

“The wild cards threw us for a loop and made the competition more exciting but stressful,” he said. “We will be well prepared for new things to come during the next one.”

According to Master Sgt. Tony Flowers, 435th SVS food service manager, the competition will now be a quarterly event. He hopes Iron Chef will branch out to all USAFE services squadrons.