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| The Chef of the Month Brought To You By: |
"Bridging the gap
between military and
civilian food service"
between military and
civilian food service"
| Certified MC3 |
| Certified CIA prochef |
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Unit: MCI WEST MCB CAMP PENDLETON CALIFORNIA
Title: Marine Aide to the Commanding General for Marine Corps Installations West, Major General Michael R Lehnert.
Date joined the Marine Corps: December 10th, 2001.
Marital Status: Married to an EOD technician in the US Navy, EOD2 Souza, Derek John. We have been married for 3
years and we met in Airborne Training, Fort Benning Georgia in 2006. We both graduated with our jump wings! For him
it was mandatory, for me it was something I wanted because I have hardly seen any female Marines with their jump
wings, or cooks for that matter!
Recent Personal Awards: Recipient of Pro-Chef Level 1 from the Culinary Institute of America, with a one week
scholarship award for graduating top of the class. Graduated May 22, 2009.
Deployments:
• (1) West Pack deployment on the USS Germantown where I was an assistant Chief Cook on ship.
• 1 year tour in Camp Fuji, Japan where I held the position of Chief Cook for the year that I was there.
• (1) 6 month tour in Camp TQ, Iraq.
Career Path: I am currently enrolled at The Art Institute of California San Diego, Associates of Science in Culinary Arts,
2 year degree and ACF certification. I have been attending the school full-time since 2007 taking the majority of my lab
classes at night from 6-11pm. Upon receiving my Associates I wish to continue my education at AICSD or CIA for my
Bachelors of Science in Culinary Management. My goal to one day become a Master Chef and to own my own B&B in
New York.
Current Status: I enjoy being an Aide and have had many wonderful experiences. My passion is cooking and I hope to
take it as far as I can. I would like to go back to CIA for Pro Chef Level 2 & one day, Level 3. The sky is the limit and so
far, I have exceeded my own goals and will continue to strive for excellence as a Marine and as an aspiring Chef!
Title: Marine Aide to the Commanding General for Marine Corps Installations West, Major General Michael R Lehnert.
Date joined the Marine Corps: December 10th, 2001.
Marital Status: Married to an EOD technician in the US Navy, EOD2 Souza, Derek John. We have been married for 3
years and we met in Airborne Training, Fort Benning Georgia in 2006. We both graduated with our jump wings! For him
it was mandatory, for me it was something I wanted because I have hardly seen any female Marines with their jump
wings, or cooks for that matter!
Recent Personal Awards: Recipient of Pro-Chef Level 1 from the Culinary Institute of America, with a one week
scholarship award for graduating top of the class. Graduated May 22, 2009.
Deployments:
• (1) West Pack deployment on the USS Germantown where I was an assistant Chief Cook on ship.
• 1 year tour in Camp Fuji, Japan where I held the position of Chief Cook for the year that I was there.
• (1) 6 month tour in Camp TQ, Iraq.
Career Path: I am currently enrolled at The Art Institute of California San Diego, Associates of Science in Culinary Arts,
2 year degree and ACF certification. I have been attending the school full-time since 2007 taking the majority of my lab
classes at night from 6-11pm. Upon receiving my Associates I wish to continue my education at AICSD or CIA for my
Bachelors of Science in Culinary Management. My goal to one day become a Master Chef and to own my own B&B in
New York.
Current Status: I enjoy being an Aide and have had many wonderful experiences. My passion is cooking and I hope to
take it as far as I can. I would like to go back to CIA for Pro Chef Level 2 & one day, Level 3. The sky is the limit and so
far, I have exceeded my own goals and will continue to strive for excellence as a Marine and as an aspiring Chef!
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