ALPENA, Mich. -- “An army marches on its stomach” and variations of that quote have been attributed to Frederick the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte among others throughout history.
National Guard Airmen train monthly and often travel away from home station, much like the Security Forces Airmen of the Iowa Air Guard are this week and next week for annual training at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan.
It is Services Airmen that travel alongside and feed them.
The 11 Airmen from the 185th Air Refueling Wing sent along are responsible for providing healthy and nutritious meals to meet the needs of the Airmen.
“It takes a lot of struggle off not having to prepare meals and also focus on my training,” said Kolby Gries, 185th ARW Security Forces.
Master Sgt. Troy Martin, 185th ARW Services Superintendent, explained that preparing meals in the military setting is different than what many are used to when feeding themselves.
Using industrial ovens, stoves, and other equipment, the Airmen are able to provide food for large amounts of people.
“The difference is night and day between regular cooking and cooking for 400 people,” said Martin.
Tech. Sgt. Damian Huizar, 185th ARW Services, said he enjoys his job because it allows him to provide for people.
“It’s great to see someone’s face light up when they’ve been looking forward to a meal,” said Huizar.
In addition to cooking and food safety, the Services profession is also responsible for managing lodging, fitness and recreation, and mortuary affairs.