Written by U.S. Army Spc. Kimberly K. Menzies
Task Force Currahee Public Affairs
Paktika Province, Afghanistan – Food service personnel from Company E, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, treat Soldiers to delicious meals and desserts at Forward Operating Base Waza Khaw.
“It was a big eye-opener to see the response to our food,” said U.S. Army Spc. Carlos D. Love of Fayetteville, NC, a Task Force Red Currahee food service specialist from Co. E. “When I bring out a fresh homemade dessert, like my cheesecake, the Soldiers will form a line to be able to get some.”
“Our food is a definite morale booster,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Ailea N. Hundley of Chicago, TF Red Currahee. “When Soldiers come back from missions to more of a home-cooked meal, seeing how they can’t be at home, our meals make a big difference.”
Though the Soldiers enjoy special desserts such as cheesecake and apple turnovers, made special for them, they also look forward to days with specific meals.
“The Soldiers really look forward to the days we cook things like soul food and Italian food,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Aaron E. Shishido, a food service noncommissioned officer from Co. E and native of La Habra, CA.
“These are the best cooks I have had on a deployment so far, and I have been on four,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Edwin J. Davis of Lynette, AL, from Co. D, 1st Bn., 506th Inf. “I love their tacos and chicken alfredo.”
Though they enjoy keeping the Soldiers full of delicious food, they also understand their impact on the Currahee mission.
“Good meals keep the Soldiers focused on the battlefield,” said Shishido. “This is how we help do our part, boosting morale with delicious meals and a few special desserts.”