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MILITARY CULINARY AWARDS WRAP-UP

Performing to A Higher Standard

The 2018 Forum for Culinary Excellence Class Credits Teamwork

he same competition that declares team winners
Tof the Air Force John L. Hennessy and Air National
Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth W. Disney awards also
discovers outstanding individual culinary specialists who
are worthy of participating in the Armed Forces Forum
for Culinary Excellence.
These individuals are recognized for their accomplish-
ments by becoming nominees for the Hennessy Travelers’
Association (HTA) Award of Excellence and Disney Food
Service Excellence Award. Nominees receiving this presti-
gious recognition are invited to attend the Forum, which is
a weeklong training and education program at the Culinary
Institute of America’s (CIA) new Copia campus in Napa,
Calif., that kicks off on Veteran’s Day and continues the instructors, as well as leading food A classroom seminar led by
a CIA chef during the 2017
week of November 12. service executives, suppliers and Forum for Culinary Excellence.
Judges evaluating the Air Force culinary teams to select other industry leaders.
the Hennessy and Disney team winners also nominate Air Seminars and cooking activities during the Forum fo-
Force and National Guard culinary specialists who stood cus on areas that will enhance their military food service
out to them for exemplifying the highest standards, skill, skills, as well as inspire long-term hospitality careers. The
attitude, teamwork, knowledge, leadership, professional- forum also provides an opportunity for restaurant industry
ism, dress and appearance. leaders and sponsors to engage with those serving our
Each year, the National Restaurant Association Educa- country, provide mentoring and participate in roundtable
tional Foundation (NRAEF) brings these nominees together discussions. All training costs are funded by the NRAEF.
at the Forum for hands-on cooking activities, interactive The forum is a unique educational experience. Culinary
seminars, mentoring and career coaching. An overall Top specialists from the Air Force and Air National Guard work
Hennessy Traveler Award winner from each region is an- alongside colleagues from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps
nounced at the conclusion of the training program. and Coast Guard to develop their food service management
Hosted by the NRAEF, the weeklong educational program skills, as well as earn certification that can be applied to
aims to develop the service men and women’s culinary a career in the hospitality industry.
skills through guidance and feedback by working with CIA Much of the Forum is devoted to full-day culinary train-

NOMINEES FOR THE HTA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN REGION 1 (EASTERN HEMISPHERE)

AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JENNIFER AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JESSICA GARAY, AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MIRANDA WHITT,
MIRANDA, MACDILL AFB, FLA. HURLBURT FIELD, FLA. WHITEMAN AFB, MO.
“This was an amazing experience, just It means a lot to win this award since food “This means all of our hard work is pay-
because not every base is able to participate. service is my primary duty. I will be able to ing off. Everything we have worked for
Knowing we are one of a few bases in the increase my culinary skill set, as well as share has come to a wonderful evaluation that
world that get to perform for these inspec- the knowledge I receive from this great op- seemed more like a visit.”
tors, is an amazing opportunity and I am portunity with my peers. Lastly, thank you
glad to be a part of it.” to the AFSVA for this great program.”

12 GOVERNMENT FOOD SERVICE • JULY 2018