Annual 445 AW chili cook-off raises money for CFC

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Snow flurries and a cold Ohio breeze didn't stop more than 60 people attending the 445th Airlift Wing's annual chili cook-off Oct. 31 in Bldg. 4026. This annual tradition has been going strong for more than 10 years and raises money for the Combined Federal Campaign. This year's cook-off netted $380.

"This has been a great turn out. I appreciate all who donated pots of chili and other items to make this year's chili cook-off a success. The money raised will go toward the 2,900 organizations that are in need of help from the CFC," said Master Sgt. Debra Hatter, 87th Aerial Port Squadron, NCOIC orderly room and 445 AW CFC co-chair.

Twenty-two simmering pots of chili with names such as, "My Chili is the Hurting Kind," "The Nikki Special," "Arizona Fresh Chili" and "Hot Buffalo Meat Chili," were in the competition. The aroma of spices, peppers and various secret ingredients wafting from the various crock pots continued to linger in the air even after the last tasty morsel was devoured at the conclusion of the event.

Judging the competition this year were Col. Michael Major, 445 AW vice commander, Chief Master Sgts. Peri Rogowski, 445 AW command chief, Aaron Mouser, 445th Maintenance Group, superintendent, and Sean Storms, 87th Aerial Port, air transportation superintendent.

Serving as a chili cook-off judge for the first time, Major said he enjoyed being a judge for the competition and was impressed with the variety of chili he sampled and the hard work and talent of the participants.

"This was a lot of fun. Narrowing it down to the top three was a very difficult choice," Major said.

Storms said flavor and spice is what he was looking for in making his selection.

"Each sample bite I was taking my time and thinking about the flavors, spices and even texture I could taste and sense," Storms said.

Once the judges set their spoons down and sipped more water after tasting some heated concoctions, a winner was selected, Staff Sgt. Tame Marshall, 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, communication and navigation systems craftsman, won this year's competition with her "Get some chili." Marshall included individual cups made of cornbread for chili enthusiasts to enjoy the whole chili experience.

"I'm flattered that my chili won. I didn't follow a direct recipe for this but just threw these items together. I always enjoy fixing something for my squadron members so this is truly a blessing," Marshall said.

Taking second place this year was Master Sgt. Timothy Back, 445th Force Support Squadron, cyber systems operations craftsman, with "Carnitas Chili with Cilantro." Third place went to Tech. Sgt. Keith Long, 445th Maintenance Squadron, aircraft hydraulics system craftsman, for his "Medium Hot" chili.

The wing's CFC goal for 2012 is $15,000. Besides the chili cook-off, several fundraising events have contributed to the wing getting closer to reaching its goal, including Penny Wars, raising more than $170 (the 445th Mission Support Group came in first place). CFC runs until Nov. 14.

"The chili cook-off was a fun event for everybody. This was a good turnout. It's nice to know our people want to contribute and do their part to help the CFC help others in need," Major said.