Force support squadron NCOs honored

BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. - The 2009 Hennessy Travelers Association Educational Foundation Armed Forces Forum for Culinary Excellence held its annual educational experience at the Culinary Institute of America's Greystone Campus in Napa Valley, California from October 4th - 10th.

Twenty-five honorees from the Armed Forces who serve in foodservice operations around the world attending this opportunity. Of the 25, two members of the 104th Fighter Wing attended.

Staff Sgt. Quincy Cope and Tech. Sgt Tanya Sweeney were recognized as outstanding performers during the 2009 Kenneth W. Disney Award evaluations where the 104th Service Flight was selected as the top food service flight in the entire Air National Guard. The flights two outstanding performers were awarded the opportunity to take part in this culinary education program.

The week long forum provided the honorees with a customized culinary educational experience, including hands-on classes, seminars, tours and a roundtable discussion with leaders of the restaurant and foodservice industries.

During the week long tour of Napa Valley, the honorees took part in wine tastings and cooking classes with restaurant owners and world-renowned chefs. They were introduced to a variety of cuisines and sharpened their pallet. At the completion, the service members received certificates of completion from the Culinary Institute.