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TRAVELLER
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February 14, 2019
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www.fortleetraveller.com
Culinary event begins March 9; community spectators welcome T. Anthony Bell
Senior Writer/Special Projects
Spectators will see elaborately prepared dishes that could grace the pages of any nationally distributed food magazine during Fort Lee’s 2019 edition of the Joint Culinary Training Exercise March 9-14 at MacLaughlin Fitness Center. What they’ll also witness is the passion of preparation and the emotion of military chefs vying for top category and team championship titles. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Christopher D. Reaves, a Joint Culinary Center of Excellence instructor, said a strong sense of competitiveness is pervasive among JCTE contestants, and that translates to shear artistry on every plate. “The participants bring the same level of intensity every year, whether it’s their first event or the continuation of many JCTE appearances,” he said. “Most teams put months of practice into this before they come, then they’re here actually presenting plates and being judged in this professional atmosphere … it’s all part of the training experience.” Members of the community and general public who want to witness this 44th installment of the military culinary arts showcase can drop by the event site anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any of the competition days. Those unfamiliar with Fort Lee will be looking for building 4320, near C Avenue and 19th Street. The JCTE will culminate with an awards ceremony set for March 15, 10:30 a.m., in the Lee Theater. Attendance of that event is typically restricted to competing teams, installation leaders and military organizations that supported the event. JCTE got its start as a strictly cold foods competition in the 1970s. It evolved into an
event that now features static food displays, live cooking demonstrations, visits by celebrity Food Network chefs, entertainment and much more. This year, the marquee events – Culinary Team, Armed Forces, Student and Master Chefs of the year – will be joined by a new category, Pastry Chef of the Year. Reaves said it’s another opportunity for participants to improve their skills and strengthen the preparatory training that occurs prior to the competition. “When (the teams) get here, it’s all execution, further development in the cooking labs and going through the (competitive) process,” he said. “It’s very tiring but also very rewarding.” Among the most popular of the JCTE’s fare is the Military Hot Food Challenge. It is a competitive event in which teams produce meals for members of the public in a restaurant-style environment. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. each day of the event. Getting them as soon as they’re available is a good idea because seating is limited. In addition to the head-to-head competitive events, participants will vie for spots on the Army Culinary Arts Team. Those individuals will represent the Department of Defense in such events as the Culinary Olympics in Germany. More than 200 military culinarians from all five services as well as a few foreign countries are expected to participate in this year’s JCTE. The Quartermaster School is the proponent for the event, and the American Culinary Federation is the sanctioning body. ACF chefs serve as judges and oversee credentialing opportunities open to participants during the competition. For updates and more tidbits about the competition, visit www.facebook.com/army. culinary or call 804-734-3106.
Clinic Commander’s Call Set for Feb. 14 Kenner Army Health Clinic, Mosier Consolidated Troop Medical Clinic, Troop Medical Clinic 1 and all ancillary services except the pharmacy will close Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m., to allow staff to participate in a commander’s call and training. The pharmacy will operate with limited staffing. For assistance with medical issues during closures or after-hours, call the nurse advice line at 1-800-TRICARE and chose option 1. For an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Homebuyers Workshop Scheduled for Feb. 21 The Fort Lee Housing Services Office will partner with the Virginia Housing Development Authority to hold a free Homebuyers Workshop Feb. 21, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., in room 205 of the Soldier Support Center, building 3400, 1401 B Ave. Participants will learn about personal finance, credit issues, qualifying and applying for a loan and much more. The workshop is open to active duty military and spouses, reservists, national guardsmen, veterans, DOD Civilians and their spouses. For registration and details, visit www.vhda.com or call 804-765-3862 or 765-7621.
Kenner Announces Holiday Weekend Hours Kenner Army Health Clinic and Mosier Consolidated Troop Medical Clinic 2 will be open with normal business hours Feb. 15 for the President’s Day weekend training holiday. Troop Medical Clinic 1 will be closed that day. Trainees needing medical care will be seen at TMC 2. All clinics and ancillary services will be closed in observance of President’s Day on Feb. 18. Normal operating hours and services will resume Feb. 19. For assistance with medical issues during closures or after-hours, call the nurse advice line at 1-800-TRICARE and chose option 1. Active duty family members and retirees no longer require pre-authorization to visit an urgent care center. Active duty service members must request an authorization through the nurse advice line. For an emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
SFL-RSO Hosts Seminar for Soon-to-Retire Troops A pre-retirement seminar for military members who are within 12-24 months of separation from service will be held Feb. 22, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., in the Soldier Support Center auditorium, building 3400, 1401 B Ave. The free program will cover a variety of post-military-career topics including veteran benefits, entitlements, health care and more. Spouses of separating military members are welcome. For details, call 804-734-6555 or 734-6973.
AABHM Observance Set for Feb. 22 Dr. Gina Paige, co-founder and president of African Ancestry, Inc., will be the guest speaker for the installation’s annual African-American/Black History Month Observance set for Feb. 22, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., in the Lee Theater. Admission is free and all community members are invited. Paige’s organization pioneered a new way of tracing African lineages using genetics. The observance theme is “Black Migrations” and will include musical performances from the 392nd Army Band and the Virginia State University Gospel Chorale, entertainment from Ordnance Soldiers, informational displays and more. For details, contact Capt. Jelesa Anthony-Hall, Battalion S3/S2, 832nd Ord. Battalion., at 804-734-8780.
Hunt Heroes Scholarships Available Nine scholarships ranging from $1,000 - $5,000 are being offered to active duty military members or one of their dependents by the Hunt Heroes Foundation. The application deadline is Feb. 21. Applicants must plan to continue their education at a college, university or vocational school. To apply, visit www.scholarsapply.org/huntheroesscholarship. Assistance is available through email at huntheroesscholarship@scholarshipamerica.org.