Chef Robert Irvine Visits, Entertains Deployed Service Members
380th Air Expeditionary Wing - Southwest Asia
World renowned chef and Food Network host, Robert Irvine, entertained deployed service members with audience-inspired cooking challenges at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 1, 2016.
More than 15 joint service members were selected to assist and even compete against Irvine onstage during the Armed Forces Entertainment and United Services Organization sponsored event. “We’re bringing a taste of home to the theatre where folks are working. Our men and women in uniform are very important and we need to make sure our country remembers that our military works everyday around the world,” Irvine said. “It’s important to just let the folks know, the men and women who wear the cloth of our nation, that they are not forgotten.”
SSgt Anna, 380th Expeditionary Medical Group dental technician, was selected to participate in the event. “I thought the event was amazing! To see someone on TV and think about the likely hood of coming across a celebrity is like slim to none,” said Anna. “Knowing more about Chef Robert Irvine and his foundation and that he was part of the military and continues to show his support for the troops has made me feel good to know we are all appreciated.”
The success of the event was made possible by the efforts of the 380th Force Support Squadron. From coordinating the itinerary to working backstage, the 380 EFSS had a hand in nearly every aspect of the visit. As of Dec. 2, nearly 48 morale events have been executed.
380 EFSS commander Lt. Col. Tammy stated the importance of the 380 EFSS and the mission it accomplishes daily.
“What we provide to folks is when they’re done turning wrenches, when they’re done flying aircraft, the opportunity to come over here and a sit down and step away from what they’re doing every day and give them that relaxation and recuperation so they can get back at it the next day.”