thedrifter
01-10-06, 07:48 AM
Marines, KBR feed 50 millionth customer in Al Anbar
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story by:Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
AL ASAD, Iraq(Jan. 8, 2006) -- The Dining Facility operations in the Al Anbar province served their 50 millionth meal at Al Asad, Iraq, Jan. 8.
Army Master Sgt. Edward Smith, the communications chief with the 48th Brigade, 118th Headquarters Service Battery, was surprised as he walked in for breakfast by Kellogg, Brown and Root employees and Marines who run the Wings of Freedom Dining Facility. Smith, the 50 millionth customer, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his continued and valued support and awarded a ‘free meal.’
“This was a real milestone, considering we are serving meals in a war zone,” said Cathleen Oglethorpe, the area administrative specialist for KBR dining facilities in the Al Anbar province and a Spokane, Wash., native. “It takes a great deal of hard work to get our mission accomplished, but everyone pulls together and makes it happen.”
Smith, an Atlanta native, said the dining facility here is always reliable for good food, and he saves money by eating here instead of the food court.
“During an average month, we serve between 2 and 3 million customers,” said Oglethorpe. “We feed everyone in theater, from U.S. troops to all the forces who are supporting them.”
Oglethorpe has been working with KBR in Iraq for more than two years. She said it’s been an phenomenal experience she will never forget.
“You don’t understand what our forces go through until you are here,” said Oglethorpe. “It’s been an honor to support the troops here. Every role the different service members play is important. What we do for them is small compared to what they do for the United States.”
Gunnery Sgt. David W. Highter, the mess hall manager with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, said working with KBR employees can be challenging and requires patience and understanding.
But, overall they have a good working relationship, and together they provide the best possible support for all the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and civilians aboard the air base.
“This is my third trip to Iraq, and the dining facilities get better and better every year,” said Highter, a New Haven, Vt., native. “Therefore, the quality of life gets better too. Marines do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission. At the dining facility we oversee all operational tasks, logistics and maintain liaison between the military and the contractors. From deliveries, to ensuring the food is prepared properly and safely to prevent any food-borne illness breakouts occur, we do all the security for the dining facilities.”
Oglethorpe spent her Christmas working at the dining facility at Al Qaim, Iraq. During Christmas, she said the Marines there gave up their Christmas dinner so the food could be sent to the frontlines.
“In the states, Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners are taken for granted,” said Oglethorpe. “Here, just to have a special meal means so much more. Watching the troops support the troops in a critical situation was something I’ll never forget. For them to give up a meal meant a lot, and they loved every second of it.”
Ellie
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story by:Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
AL ASAD, Iraq(Jan. 8, 2006) -- The Dining Facility operations in the Al Anbar province served their 50 millionth meal at Al Asad, Iraq, Jan. 8.
Army Master Sgt. Edward Smith, the communications chief with the 48th Brigade, 118th Headquarters Service Battery, was surprised as he walked in for breakfast by Kellogg, Brown and Root employees and Marines who run the Wings of Freedom Dining Facility. Smith, the 50 millionth customer, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his continued and valued support and awarded a ‘free meal.’
“This was a real milestone, considering we are serving meals in a war zone,” said Cathleen Oglethorpe, the area administrative specialist for KBR dining facilities in the Al Anbar province and a Spokane, Wash., native. “It takes a great deal of hard work to get our mission accomplished, but everyone pulls together and makes it happen.”
Smith, an Atlanta native, said the dining facility here is always reliable for good food, and he saves money by eating here instead of the food court.
“During an average month, we serve between 2 and 3 million customers,” said Oglethorpe. “We feed everyone in theater, from U.S. troops to all the forces who are supporting them.”
Oglethorpe has been working with KBR in Iraq for more than two years. She said it’s been an phenomenal experience she will never forget.
“You don’t understand what our forces go through until you are here,” said Oglethorpe. “It’s been an honor to support the troops here. Every role the different service members play is important. What we do for them is small compared to what they do for the United States.”
Gunnery Sgt. David W. Highter, the mess hall manager with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, said working with KBR employees can be challenging and requires patience and understanding.
But, overall they have a good working relationship, and together they provide the best possible support for all the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and civilians aboard the air base.
“This is my third trip to Iraq, and the dining facilities get better and better every year,” said Highter, a New Haven, Vt., native. “Therefore, the quality of life gets better too. Marines do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission. At the dining facility we oversee all operational tasks, logistics and maintain liaison between the military and the contractors. From deliveries, to ensuring the food is prepared properly and safely to prevent any food-borne illness breakouts occur, we do all the security for the dining facilities.”
Oglethorpe spent her Christmas working at the dining facility at Al Qaim, Iraq. During Christmas, she said the Marines there gave up their Christmas dinner so the food could be sent to the frontlines.
“In the states, Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners are taken for granted,” said Oglethorpe. “Here, just to have a special meal means so much more. Watching the troops support the troops in a critical situation was something I’ll never forget. For them to give up a meal meant a lot, and they loved every second of it.”
Ellie