445th Airlift Wing "chefs" serve up fun at CFC chili cook-off

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The aroma of chili filled the air over at the 445th Airlift Wing as 15 "chefs" from various units across the wing gathered to compete in the annual Combined Federal Campaign chili cook-off Oct. 27.

Armed with spoons and bowls, Col. Stephen Goeman, 445th Airlift Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Mouser, 445th Maintenance Group, and Chief Master Sgt. Homer Carter, 445th Military Personnel Flight, judged the cook-off, sampling different concoctions such as southwestern chili buffalo and elk, sweet dirty brew and mango-curry chili.

"I noticed a melody of flavors as I was judging. Everyone did a great job and they put a lot of effort into the contest," Chief Mouser said.

The winning chili, titled, "acres chili," was prepared by Tech. Sgt. Michael Pennington, 445th Security Forces Squadron. This is the third time Sergeant Pennington has entered the contest and his first win.

"Patience, trial and error and feedback from my kids is why I'm in the winner's circle today. I don't have a written recipe. I just add a little bit here and a little bit there," Sergeant Pennington said.

Second place went to Master Sgt. Sandy Richards, 445th Military Personnel Flight, with "hearty chili." Third place went to Master Sgt. Alicia Lavender, 445th Maintenance Group, with "Frito chili."

445th AW CFC chairpersons Tech. Sgt. Linda Thrasher, 87th Aerial Port Squadron, and Tech. Sgt. Joan Weldon, 445th Mission Support, helped set up the chili cook-off.

"The chili cook-off was a big success. We made a profit of $417.86 for the CFC," Sergeant Weldon said. The wing's overall goal for the CFC is $13,000.