Military Hospitality Alliance Military Enlisted Aide of the Year 2008
The Military Hospitality Alliance Branch (MHA) of the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA) announces the
winner of the DOD Enlisted Aide of the Year competition, which was held on November 18th, hosted by the USO at their annual
Salute to Military Chefs dinner at the Ritz-Carlton in Crystal City, VA
Enlisted Aide of the Year
MSgt Craig Duclos, United States Air Force, won the Department of Defense Enlisted Aide of the Year Award for 2008. Rear
Admiral Moira Flanders, the head of the selection committee, said it was the tightest competition we've had. Admiral Flanders is
Director of the Inter-American Defense College.
MSgt Duclos' boss, General Carroll F. Chandler, Air Force Pacific Commander attended, as did The Chief of Naval Operations,
Admiral Gary Roughead, in support of his Senior Enlisted Aide, CSC Shawn McMahon. Army Sgt Alicia Hight's boss, Major
General Robert Radin, was also present. GySgt William Allison was the Marine Corps representative, and FS2 Edgar Carello was
the Coast Guard rep.
SFC Kathleen Willis, Chairperson of the award program, reflecting on the evening, stated, “I was so proud to see my fellow
Enlisted Aides recognized in front of so many high ranking officers. They all work so hard, so many hours, to ensure that their
Generals and Admirals can do their job without having to worry about all the details that go in to the job of an Aide. We help to
make our boss’s life more productive and a little less stressful. SFC Willis is the Food Advisor for the Army’s Old Guard, in
Washington, DC.
The award was co-sponsored by the MHA and the Starkey International Institute for Household Management in Denver, CO. MSgt
Duclos received $1000 cash, and each of the other finalists received $500 from MHA (Tyson, PepsiCo and Rose Packing
supported the effort). He also received an engraved Silver Platter from Starkey and a scholarship to Starkey's Restoring the Arts
conference, plus an IFSEA Food Safety Symposium.
IFSEA – The International Food Service Executives Association was the first hospitality association in the U.S., formed in 1901.
We have members in 25 branches throughout the world. Our programs include support of excellence in military food service – the
Navy celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Ney Awards in 2008; professional certification programs (Master Certified Food
Executive, Certified Bar Manager), food safety and HACCP programs; and scholarships for hospitality students.
IFSEA's mission is to enhance the careers of its members through professional and personal growth. Our focus is Networking,
Mentoring, Community Service and Fun!
BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
U. S. AIR FORCE FINALIST AND WINNER OF THE DOD ENLISTED AIDE OF THE YEAR
MASTER SERGEANT CRAIG M. DUCLOS
Master Sergeant Craig M. Duclos is the Enlisted Aide to the Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, Hawaii. He is 38 years
old and was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on 12 August 1970. After graduating from high school, Sergeant Duclos enlisted in
the Air Force in 1989 reporting to Lackland AFB, Texas, in March 1990 for basic training. Upon graduation, he reported for
technical training at Chanute AFB, Illinois. His first duty assignment was the 90th Organization Missile Maintenance Squadron, F.
E. Warren AFB, Wyoming in August 1990. While assigned to the 90th, he served in a variety of positions including Missile
Handling Technician, Team Chief, Missile Maintenance Technician, and Quality Assurance Evaluator.
In July 1999, Sergeant Duclos retrained into the Enlisted Aide Career Field and has served as an Enlisted Aide to a variety of
General Officers. His assignments include the Enlisted Aide to the Vice Commander, AETC, Randolph AFB, Texas, July 1999 to
July 2000; and Enlisted Aide to the Twentieth Air Force Commander, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, from July 2000 to August 2002.
Sergeant Duclos volunteered for assignment in Alaska at Elmendorf AFB on September 2002 and has served two Alaskan
Command and Eleventh Air Force Commanders. During his tenure in Alaska, Craig volunteered for deployment and served four
months as the Superintendant of Protocol for the Combined Air and Space Operation Center in Al Udied AB. He spearheaded his
protocol team for 27 divisions and 6 coalition nations and planned/deconflicted 43 events in AOR. His administrative and logistical
planning skills directly supported visits of 120+ DVs including SECAF, CSAF, and CMSAF and Prince of Wales visit.
In December of 2007, Sergeant Duclos attended the Starkey Household Management Course and excelled in every aspect. He
earned the honor graduate of his class and the overall number one graduate of the 2007 fiscal year with a 98.67 GPA. He was
selected as the Senior Enlisted Aide to the Commander Pacific Air Forces in December of 2007.
U. S. ARMY FINALIST
Sergeant Alicia D. Hight
Sgt. Alicia D. Hight presently serves as the Enlisted Aide to Major General Robert M. Radin, Commanding General of the U.S.
Army Sustainment Command (ASC) at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois and is responsible for maintaining the General’s Quarters and
Uniforms, planning and preparing monthly luncheons, among other tasks that aid the General in his primary duties.
Sgt. Hight is the fourth generation of her family to serve in the military. She was born on Laredo Air Force Base in Texas in
1972. Her father retired from the Air Force as a Technical Sergeant; her grandfather and great-grandfather served in the Navy
during World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
In 2000, Sgt. Hight enlisted in the Army. She served with the 4th Engineers at Fort Carson, Colorado from 2000 - 2002 and the
47th Forward Support Battalion at Baumholder, Germany from 2002 - 2007. From April 2003 to July 2004, she was deployed to
Iraq, where she cooked for her fellow soldiers in the 1st Armored Division under combat conditions. She was also Administration
NCOIC for the Iron Brigade Dining Facility, Squad Leader for her Section and instructed culinary classes at annual USAG Hessen
Culinary Workshops.
Sgt. Hight is one of twelve members of the U.S. Army Culinary Arts Team (USACAT) and competed with them at the 2006 Culinary
World Cup in Luxembourg ; as a member of USACAT, Sgt. Hight is responsible for teaching Pastry Classes at the US Army
Culinary Competitions. She is a Certified Working Pastry Chef with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and as a culinary
competitor, she has earned thirteen gold medals, four silver medals, three bronze medals, two “Best in Category” awards, and
three “Best in Show” awards in both ACF, Military and local competitions.
U. S. COAST GUARD FINALIST
Foodservice Specialist Second Class Edgar R. Carrelo
A native of Cataño, Puerto Rico, FS2 Edgar R. Carrelo started his military career by enlisting in the United States Coast Guard in
November 2004. Upon graduation of USCG Basic Military Training in January 2005, Petty Officer Carrelo reported to his first duty
assignment on board the USCGC FARALLON home ported in Miami Beach, FL. During his tour aboard the FARALLON, Petty
Officer Carrelo served in the Deck Division as Deck Force and earned qualifications as Quarter Master of the Watch (QMOW), In
Port Officer of the Day (OOD), Engineer of the Watch (EOW), and Duty Cook while Underway. During this tour, Petty Officer
Carrelo was selected to attend the US Coast Guard Food Service (FS) “A” School in Petaluma, CA, where He earned the
prestigious Tall Hat Award and the Honor Graduate Student of his class.
Upon completion of FS “A” School, Petty Officer Carrelo reported to the USCGC CONFIDENCE home ported in Cape Canaveral,
FL. While onboard the CONFIDENCE, Petty Officer Carrelo served as Duty Cook, and expeditiously qualified as Basic and
Advanced Damage Control man, AFFF Operator for all phases of training (General Quarters and General Emergency), helicopter
tie down crew, bearing taker for aids to nnavigation, surface rescue swimmer for MOV and Migrant Operations, Boarding Team
Member (BTM) Qualifications, and completed pepper spray training. In addition, he served as a Spanish interpreter during
Migrant Operations, and assisted the bridge on radio communications for distress calls during numerous patrols in the Caribbean
area of operations. During this time he was selected as Sailor of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2006.
In June 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Second Class Food Service Specialist and assigned to the duties of “Jack of the
Dust” where he was responsible for the procurement of all subsistence items, inventory control, cargo re-loads and menu
development as well as the training and mentoring of junior Coastguardsmen. During this time the crew of CONFIDENCE was
cross-decked to USCGC VENTUROUS in Tampa, Florida, where He completed a 69-day multi-crew patrol, migrant operations, and
law enforcement to the Caribbean.
In July 2007, FS2 Carrelo was handpicked as the Enlisted Military Aide to RADM Joel Whitehead, the Eighth Coast Guard District
Commander in New Orleans, Louisiana.
U. S. NAVY FINALIST
CSC(SW/AW) SHAWN PATRICK MCMAHON
CSC(SW/AW) McMahon was born in Livermore, California on 22 August 1968. Following graduation from Lee’s Summit High
School, in Lee’s Summit Missouri, he attended Longview Community College in Kansas City, Missouri for two years. Following his
time at Longview Community College, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1989, graduating from boot camp at Recruit Training
Command San Diego, California, and follow on Mess Management Specialist “A” school in San Diego.
In July 1989, his first tour of duty was in USS FORRESTAL (CV 59) where he advanced to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. In
February 1993, he reported to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida and was advanced to the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.
In March of 1996, he transferred to NSA Naples, Italy. In March of 1999, he attended Mess Management Specialist “C” school in
San Antonio, Texas, and then reported to USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) where he was promoted to the rank of Petty Officer First
Class. In December 2001, he reported to Commander, U.S. SECOND Fleet where he excelled in his duties and was selected to
serve as the Senior Enlisted Aide to Admiral Gary Roughead. From August 2003 to present he has served as Admiral and Mrs.
Roughead’s Senior Enlisted Aide at Commander, U.S. SECOND Fleet in Norfolk, Virginia from August 2003 to October 2004, then
to Deputy U.S. Pacific Command and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from October 2004 to May 2007.
From Hawaii he returned stateside and served as Senior Enlisted Aide to the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk,
Virginia from June 2007 to September 2007. He is currently serving as as the Senior Enlisted Aide to the Chief of Naval
Operations in Washington, DC.
U. S. MARINE CORPS FINALIST
GUNNERY SERGEANT WILLIAM J. ALLISON
GySgt William Allison is the Marine Aide for the Commanding General at Headquarters, Logistics Command in Albany, GA. His
culinary awards are numerous, including being selected the Military Chef of the Year in 2008 at the Army’s Fort Lee competition
and the Rising Star of the Year with the National Capital Chef’s Association, and was a member of the winning culinary team at the
Military Hospitality Alliance competition in DC in 2007. He is a Master Certified Food Executive, Certified HACCP Manager,
Certified Professional Food Manager and a Certified Executive Chef.
Joining the Marine Corps in 1992, GySgt Allison has been serving General Officers since 2002, including several Assistant
Commandants.
The Military Hospitality Alliance Branch (MHA) of the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA) announces the
winner of the DOD Enlisted Aide of the Year competition, which was held on November 18th, hosted by the USO at their annual
Salute to Military Chefs dinner at the Ritz-Carlton in Crystal City, VA
Enlisted Aide of the Year
MSgt Craig Duclos, United States Air Force, won the Department of Defense Enlisted Aide of the Year Award for 2008. Rear
Admiral Moira Flanders, the head of the selection committee, said it was the tightest competition we've had. Admiral Flanders is
Director of the Inter-American Defense College.
MSgt Duclos' boss, General Carroll F. Chandler, Air Force Pacific Commander attended, as did The Chief of Naval Operations,
Admiral Gary Roughead, in support of his Senior Enlisted Aide, CSC Shawn McMahon. Army Sgt Alicia Hight's boss, Major
General Robert Radin, was also present. GySgt William Allison was the Marine Corps representative, and FS2 Edgar Carello was
the Coast Guard rep.
SFC Kathleen Willis, Chairperson of the award program, reflecting on the evening, stated, “I was so proud to see my fellow
Enlisted Aides recognized in front of so many high ranking officers. They all work so hard, so many hours, to ensure that their
Generals and Admirals can do their job without having to worry about all the details that go in to the job of an Aide. We help to
make our boss’s life more productive and a little less stressful. SFC Willis is the Food Advisor for the Army’s Old Guard, in
Washington, DC.
The award was co-sponsored by the MHA and the Starkey International Institute for Household Management in Denver, CO. MSgt
Duclos received $1000 cash, and each of the other finalists received $500 from MHA (Tyson, PepsiCo and Rose Packing
supported the effort). He also received an engraved Silver Platter from Starkey and a scholarship to Starkey's Restoring the Arts
conference, plus an IFSEA Food Safety Symposium.
IFSEA – The International Food Service Executives Association was the first hospitality association in the U.S., formed in 1901.
We have members in 25 branches throughout the world. Our programs include support of excellence in military food service – the
Navy celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Ney Awards in 2008; professional certification programs (Master Certified Food
Executive, Certified Bar Manager), food safety and HACCP programs; and scholarships for hospitality students.
IFSEA's mission is to enhance the careers of its members through professional and personal growth. Our focus is Networking,
Mentoring, Community Service and Fun!
BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
U. S. AIR FORCE FINALIST AND WINNER OF THE DOD ENLISTED AIDE OF THE YEAR
MASTER SERGEANT CRAIG M. DUCLOS
Master Sergeant Craig M. Duclos is the Enlisted Aide to the Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, Hawaii. He is 38 years
old and was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on 12 August 1970. After graduating from high school, Sergeant Duclos enlisted in
the Air Force in 1989 reporting to Lackland AFB, Texas, in March 1990 for basic training. Upon graduation, he reported for
technical training at Chanute AFB, Illinois. His first duty assignment was the 90th Organization Missile Maintenance Squadron, F.
E. Warren AFB, Wyoming in August 1990. While assigned to the 90th, he served in a variety of positions including Missile
Handling Technician, Team Chief, Missile Maintenance Technician, and Quality Assurance Evaluator.
In July 1999, Sergeant Duclos retrained into the Enlisted Aide Career Field and has served as an Enlisted Aide to a variety of
General Officers. His assignments include the Enlisted Aide to the Vice Commander, AETC, Randolph AFB, Texas, July 1999 to
July 2000; and Enlisted Aide to the Twentieth Air Force Commander, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, from July 2000 to August 2002.
Sergeant Duclos volunteered for assignment in Alaska at Elmendorf AFB on September 2002 and has served two Alaskan
Command and Eleventh Air Force Commanders. During his tenure in Alaska, Craig volunteered for deployment and served four
months as the Superintendant of Protocol for the Combined Air and Space Operation Center in Al Udied AB. He spearheaded his
protocol team for 27 divisions and 6 coalition nations and planned/deconflicted 43 events in AOR. His administrative and logistical
planning skills directly supported visits of 120+ DVs including SECAF, CSAF, and CMSAF and Prince of Wales visit.
In December of 2007, Sergeant Duclos attended the Starkey Household Management Course and excelled in every aspect. He
earned the honor graduate of his class and the overall number one graduate of the 2007 fiscal year with a 98.67 GPA. He was
selected as the Senior Enlisted Aide to the Commander Pacific Air Forces in December of 2007.
U. S. ARMY FINALIST
Sergeant Alicia D. Hight
Sgt. Alicia D. Hight presently serves as the Enlisted Aide to Major General Robert M. Radin, Commanding General of the U.S.
Army Sustainment Command (ASC) at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois and is responsible for maintaining the General’s Quarters and
Uniforms, planning and preparing monthly luncheons, among other tasks that aid the General in his primary duties.
Sgt. Hight is the fourth generation of her family to serve in the military. She was born on Laredo Air Force Base in Texas in
1972. Her father retired from the Air Force as a Technical Sergeant; her grandfather and great-grandfather served in the Navy
during World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
In 2000, Sgt. Hight enlisted in the Army. She served with the 4th Engineers at Fort Carson, Colorado from 2000 - 2002 and the
47th Forward Support Battalion at Baumholder, Germany from 2002 - 2007. From April 2003 to July 2004, she was deployed to
Iraq, where she cooked for her fellow soldiers in the 1st Armored Division under combat conditions. She was also Administration
NCOIC for the Iron Brigade Dining Facility, Squad Leader for her Section and instructed culinary classes at annual USAG Hessen
Culinary Workshops.
Sgt. Hight is one of twelve members of the U.S. Army Culinary Arts Team (USACAT) and competed with them at the 2006 Culinary
World Cup in Luxembourg ; as a member of USACAT, Sgt. Hight is responsible for teaching Pastry Classes at the US Army
Culinary Competitions. She is a Certified Working Pastry Chef with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and as a culinary
competitor, she has earned thirteen gold medals, four silver medals, three bronze medals, two “Best in Category” awards, and
three “Best in Show” awards in both ACF, Military and local competitions.
U. S. COAST GUARD FINALIST
Foodservice Specialist Second Class Edgar R. Carrelo
A native of Cataño, Puerto Rico, FS2 Edgar R. Carrelo started his military career by enlisting in the United States Coast Guard in
November 2004. Upon graduation of USCG Basic Military Training in January 2005, Petty Officer Carrelo reported to his first duty
assignment on board the USCGC FARALLON home ported in Miami Beach, FL. During his tour aboard the FARALLON, Petty
Officer Carrelo served in the Deck Division as Deck Force and earned qualifications as Quarter Master of the Watch (QMOW), In
Port Officer of the Day (OOD), Engineer of the Watch (EOW), and Duty Cook while Underway. During this tour, Petty Officer
Carrelo was selected to attend the US Coast Guard Food Service (FS) “A” School in Petaluma, CA, where He earned the
prestigious Tall Hat Award and the Honor Graduate Student of his class.
Upon completion of FS “A” School, Petty Officer Carrelo reported to the USCGC CONFIDENCE home ported in Cape Canaveral,
FL. While onboard the CONFIDENCE, Petty Officer Carrelo served as Duty Cook, and expeditiously qualified as Basic and
Advanced Damage Control man, AFFF Operator for all phases of training (General Quarters and General Emergency), helicopter
tie down crew, bearing taker for aids to nnavigation, surface rescue swimmer for MOV and Migrant Operations, Boarding Team
Member (BTM) Qualifications, and completed pepper spray training. In addition, he served as a Spanish interpreter during
Migrant Operations, and assisted the bridge on radio communications for distress calls during numerous patrols in the Caribbean
area of operations. During this time he was selected as Sailor of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2006.
In June 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Second Class Food Service Specialist and assigned to the duties of “Jack of the
Dust” where he was responsible for the procurement of all subsistence items, inventory control, cargo re-loads and menu
development as well as the training and mentoring of junior Coastguardsmen. During this time the crew of CONFIDENCE was
cross-decked to USCGC VENTUROUS in Tampa, Florida, where He completed a 69-day multi-crew patrol, migrant operations, and
law enforcement to the Caribbean.
In July 2007, FS2 Carrelo was handpicked as the Enlisted Military Aide to RADM Joel Whitehead, the Eighth Coast Guard District
Commander in New Orleans, Louisiana.
U. S. NAVY FINALIST
CSC(SW/AW) SHAWN PATRICK MCMAHON
CSC(SW/AW) McMahon was born in Livermore, California on 22 August 1968. Following graduation from Lee’s Summit High
School, in Lee’s Summit Missouri, he attended Longview Community College in Kansas City, Missouri for two years. Following his
time at Longview Community College, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1989, graduating from boot camp at Recruit Training
Command San Diego, California, and follow on Mess Management Specialist “A” school in San Diego.
In July 1989, his first tour of duty was in USS FORRESTAL (CV 59) where he advanced to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. In
February 1993, he reported to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida and was advanced to the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.
In March of 1996, he transferred to NSA Naples, Italy. In March of 1999, he attended Mess Management Specialist “C” school in
San Antonio, Texas, and then reported to USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) where he was promoted to the rank of Petty Officer First
Class. In December 2001, he reported to Commander, U.S. SECOND Fleet where he excelled in his duties and was selected to
serve as the Senior Enlisted Aide to Admiral Gary Roughead. From August 2003 to present he has served as Admiral and Mrs.
Roughead’s Senior Enlisted Aide at Commander, U.S. SECOND Fleet in Norfolk, Virginia from August 2003 to October 2004, then
to Deputy U.S. Pacific Command and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from October 2004 to May 2007.
From Hawaii he returned stateside and served as Senior Enlisted Aide to the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk,
Virginia from June 2007 to September 2007. He is currently serving as as the Senior Enlisted Aide to the Chief of Naval
Operations in Washington, DC.
U. S. MARINE CORPS FINALIST
GUNNERY SERGEANT WILLIAM J. ALLISON
GySgt William Allison is the Marine Aide for the Commanding General at Headquarters, Logistics Command in Albany, GA. His
culinary awards are numerous, including being selected the Military Chef of the Year in 2008 at the Army’s Fort Lee competition
and the Rising Star of the Year with the National Capital Chef’s Association, and was a member of the winning culinary team at the
Military Hospitality Alliance competition in DC in 2007. He is a Master Certified Food Executive, Certified HACCP Manager,
Certified Professional Food Manager and a Certified Executive Chef.
Joining the Marine Corps in 1992, GySgt Allison has been serving General Officers since 2002, including several Assistant
Commandants.
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| EA of the Year Presentation.jpt - (l-r) General Carroll F. Chandler, Air Force Pacific Commander; William Altoff, Starkey International; DOD Enlisted Aide of the Year, MSgt Craig Duclos; Edward H. Manley, Military Hospitality Alliance. |
| EA of the Year MSgt Duclos with General.jpg - MSgt Craig Duclos (r) is the Senior Enlisted Aide for General Carroll F. Chandler, Air Force Pacific Commander |