Page 40 - gfs0517_Magazine

MILITARY CULINARY AWARDS

Connelly: A Steady Influence

on Army Food Service

Competition and Training Improves Quality, Raises Esteem

Sgt. Justin Burns, a U.S. Army Reserve culinary specialist with the 391st
Military Police Battalion, serves lunch to soldiers during the Philip A. Connelly
Competition at Camp Atterbury, Ind. (Photo by Sgt. Audrey Hayes, USA)

he 49th annual Department of the Army Philip A. Con- categories: Active Army Garrison, Active Army Field, Army
Tnelly Awards Program promotes food service through National Guard Field and Army Reserve.
incentives and competition that recognizes deserving units The 2017 Connelly program awards are being recog-
for superb performance, as well as awards individuals for nized Friday evening, May 19, during the annual National
stellar management practices. Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Military
Much of the credit for the professionalism, improved Food Service Awards Dinner.
quality and high level of service associated with the con- Military culinary teams from each service branch also
temporary Army Food Program goes to the Connelly com- being recognized during the dinner include the Air Force
petition. (John L. Hennessy Award), Air National Guard (Senior
Competition motivates food service teams to perform to Master Sgt. Kenneth W. Disney Award), Marine Corps (Maj.
higher standards, which raises professionalism and results Gen. William Pendleton Thompson Hill Memorial Awards),
in a higher quality of meals prepared and made available to Navy (Capt. Edward F. Ney Awards) and Military Sealift
supported diners across garrison and field environments. Command (Capt. David M. Cook Awards).
Exposure to the expertise of the program’s military Each of the winning food service teams also participates
and civilian evaluators becomes a personal challenge that in a three-day training program that further enhances
inspires professional development and sparks personal their culinary skills, as well as tests their ability to work
responsibility in the culinary participants. together in groups. The teams spend two days at Kend-
The program also helps instill Army culinary specialists all College in Chicago, learning about concept develop-
with a sense of prestige and dignity. ment, and present a business plan to a panel of industry
Specialized training scholarships at the Culinary In- professionals for critique. In between, the attendees visit
stitute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, Calif., that selected exhibitors on the NRA Show floor and attend a
Connelly winners earn through the National Restaurant few educational sessions.
Association Education Foundation add motivation and
expertise in Army dining facilities. SELECTION
Connelly winners are selected through a multi-level
AWARDS AND TRAINING competition starting at the lowest military echelon. Army
Finalists for the 2017 Department of Army Philip A. Sustainment Command (ASC), Army Service Component
Connelly Awards Program were still being evaluated at Command (ASCC), Army Commands (ACOMs) and Army
press time. Connelly awards are won in four dining facility National Guard (ARNG) each submit finalist nominees to
40 GOVERNMENT FOOD SERVICE • MAY 2017