A community of culinary specialist

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  MacDill's 6th Force Support Squadron dining facility teamed up with Chamberlain High School' s Culinary Operations Academy to give students an insider' s look at the culinary world, military style, Jan. 14, 2014.

Upon arrival to the Diner' s Reef, 21 students received a short brief, and then paired up with Airmen assigned to different work zones including salads, deli, Mediterranean, main-line cooking, light grilling and express.

During this career exploration, visiting junior and senior students had the opportunity to interact with 6th FSS food service members.

Students received hands-on training pertaining to next-day menu preparation and industry standard recipes. They also became familiarized with an assortment of culinary art skills such as different types of cutting, slicing, dicing, and serving techniques.

The students also assisted with lunch preparations and customer service.
"To see them interact with adults and have professional conversations using the language of the business is amazing," stated Erik Youngs, Chamberlain High School culinary operations academy lead instructor. "That's something they don't get to do at the high school, which is the biggest take away for them. They now know they can interact in a professional environment."

This opportunity not only allowed the students to put their skills to use, but also to get an inside look at life in the military.

"These students choose to be in this class. Most of the Airmen didn't choose to be a chef. I think that for the Airmen to see young students who are passionate about being culinary experts reinforces to our Airmen that this is a great career and that they are valuable," said Master Sgt. Michelle Jefferies, 6th FSS dining facility assistant manager.

This is the third year MacDill has successfully hosted the culinary operations academy.

"It's been such an inspirational visit. I have learned so much and am grateful that the Airmen took the time to teach us," said Talia Gaines, Chamberlain High School student.