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Sgt. Aaron Warren, 317th Mission Support Command cook, presents the dish he created for the Culinary Warrior of the Year cook-off competition Sep. 7 on Kleber Kaserne.
After a day of tough competition both in the kitchen and outside of it, two culinary specialists will represent the 21st Theater Sustainment Command at the U.S. Army Europe Culinary Warrior of the Year competition later this month.
Sgt. Aaron Warren and Spc. Vontrell Witter, both assigned to the 16th Sustainment Brigade, were the last two standing after a one-day competition held Sept. 7 at the Clock Tower Cafe on Kleber Kaserne.
Three noncommissioned officers and three junior enlisted Soldiers initially accepted the challenge to find out who would be named the best for a chance to compete at the USAREUR level later this month.
“These are the best of the best that were nominated from their units,” said Master Sgt. George Deloatch, senior culinary management NCO and board president. “Now, we need to find the top Soldier who will go on to represent 21st TSC.”
The competition presented three challenges: Army Physical Fitness Test, Basic Soldier/NCO and Food Service Knowledge Board, and the culinary cook-off. Competitors had to demonstrate that not only could they provide diners with the ultimate dining experience but they also had to present themselves as culinary professionals.
“I was just promoted to sergeant, and I love to challenge myself,” Warren said. “I felt I needed to use what the Army has to offer to better myself, and this was it.”
New to Germany, Warren felt the experience would help him develop into a better NCO and he could tell his Soldiers of his experience and encourage them to do the same. Moving forward, Warren understands it takes confidence and applying the judges’ critique at the next level will definitely help set him apart from his peers.
“Everyone in Baumholder loves my kool-aid,” said Spc. Vontrell Witter, 16th SB. “I wanted to prove I was more than that. The competition was fun, and it is something all culinary specialists should strive to achieve.”
“It was nice to see the degree of experience the junior Soldier and NCOs had at their level.” said Sgt. 1st Class Louis Anderson, 92nd Military Police Company culinary manger and critique judge. “We are here to help them better themselves and move forward in their career.”
With only two weeks left to prepare for the USAREUR competition, these two victors are looking to get back to their kitchen at their home station and prepare for their next challenge.
