Article Display

20th FSS Airman receives Culinary Excellence Award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matt Davis
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Senior Airman Tamie Murdock, 20th Force Support Squadron food service specialist, was recognized as a top performer while stationed at Misawa Air Force Base, Japan, with the 35th FSS. 

The recognition earned her the opportunity to attend the Culinary Institute of America Greystone Campus in Napa Valley, Calif., for one week of training.

"I got to see many ingredients and cooking methods that we don't normally use in the Air Force," said Airman Murdock. "So I can take that back to base to train our (other) Airmen." 

According to information released by Randolph AFB public affairs, 21 Air Force food service professionals were honored at the 2009 Hennessy Travelers Association Educational Foundation Armed Forces Forum for Culinary Excellence Oct. 4 to 10.

The forum recognized a total of 25 members of the Armed Forces serving in food operations around the world.

Honorees like Airman Murdock were nominated by evaluation teams during a month-long worldwide tour to select the "best of the best" in military food service operations.

The evaluation teams consist of members from the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors, the Society for Food Service Management, the International Food Service Executives Association and military headquarters staff.

"The whole course is centered on cooking, but you also learn about the whole food industry," Airman Murdock went on. "I got to meet many executives from major food companies."

Each year, since its inception in 2006, servicemembers nominated during the evaluation process are invited to attend the forum where they get hands-on classes, seminars, tours and a roundtable discussion with leaders of the restaurant and food service industries.

Airman Murdock already impresses her leadership as a new member of the 20th FSS Team. 

"It's a pleasure to have Airman Murdock as part of 20th FSS. She's really stepped into the role as morning shift supervisor, "said Tech. Sgt. Latesha Figaro. "Her overall knowledge planning, preparing and executing the production of our breakfast and lunch meals has had a great impact on our mission. 

"She's been advising Airmen on accounting procedures, storeroom operations, and she's a really hard worker. Since she's been here she has been  sharing her skills with the rest of the Airmen at the dining facility. We are looking forward to displaying her talent."