Photo By Jean Han | A special meal created by the BDAACH Nutrition Care Division team in honor of Black...... read more read more
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CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – Images of celebrated black figures in history adorned the walls while videos depicting black history events played on screens. Delicious smells of Cajun and Creole spices wafted in the air. The dining facility at Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital, also known as the BDAACH Café, had transformed to set the scene for a themed meal celebration on Feb. 29 in observance of Black History Month.
The Nutrition Care Division team had cooked up a storm. On the menu was oxtail stew, vegan jambalaya, southern fried catfish and chicken, BBQ ham hocks, and chili for main dishes; a huge variety of sides including fried cabbage, black eyed peas, southern collard greens, corn on the cobb, mac & cheese, cheese grits, sweet potato casserole, and honey butter cornbread; and peach cobbler and banana pudding for dessert.
U.S. Army Pvt. Bailey Humphery, a nutrition care specialist assigned to 502nd Field Hospital, 549th Hospital Center, 65th Medical Brigade, devised the menu based on his personal lived experience.
“I’m African American and I’m from the South, so I wanted to feature my comfort foods – foods that my grandmother and mother used to make back home in Mississippi,” said Humphery.
The event held special meaning for U.S. Army Sgt. Karima Sims, another member of the NCD team.
“There is a lack of recognition in the Army community…I’m used to seeing Black History Month celebrated in good fashion. In my hometown, we have the Martin Luther King Parade. In the last two years, I’ve been to big events with food, live music, and tournaments,” said Sims.
“This was our one day to do something for it, so we wanted to make sure that this event was promoted well and provided a taste of Black History.”
The line was out the door, a mixture of service members, KATUSAs, DoD civilians, DA civilians, and their families. The meal was a huge success. Over 360 pax came to chow down – one of the most attended special meals of the year, just shy of the 400 that usually come for the annual Christmas meal.
According to four U.S. Army wheeled vehicle mechanics assigned to 5-17 Air Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, the food was worth the wait.
“Today’s menu exceeded my expectations,” said SGT Reneangelo Jaravata.
Sgt. Rodney Brown agreed that the food was “better than the regular DFAC” and thought the sweet potatoes and chicken were the best, while SGT Sebastian Rodriguez Diaz preferred the mac & cheese.
As patrons enjoyed their meals, Humphery began the ceremony by introducing guest speaker U.S. Army Maj. Keith Johnson, executive officer of Eighth Army Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion.
Johnson, who had served in many vital positions including 3rd ID CBRN Officer, 25th ID Company Commander, and 2nd ID CBRN Deputy, had been invited to shed light on the importance of Black History Month.
“The establishment of Black History Month, initially known as Negro History Week, marked a crucial step towards acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of African Americans to American society. Over time it has grown in importance, becoming a catalyst for education, awareness, and inclusivity for all Americans,” said Johnson.
Johnson remarked that Black History Month serves as a reminder that African American history is an integral part of the broader American narrative.
“African American history is also American history…their struggles and achievements have shaped the country in diverse spheres such as politics, arts, science, and civil rights,” said Johnson.
“It also provides an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, fostering dialogue and empathy among different racial and ethnic groups. By learning about the struggles and successes of African Americans, people of all backgrounds gain a more comprehensive understanding of American history, society, and culture.”
To close out the ceremony, U.S. Army Col. Edgardo Ramirez, BDAACH deputy director and 549th Hospital Center deputy commanding officer, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ryan Cole, senior enlisted advisor to the hospital director and 549th HC command sergeant major, presented Johnson with a coin as a token of their appreciation.
| Date Taken: | 02.29.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.18.2024 21:15 |
| Story ID: | 468691 |
| Location: | PYEONGTAEK, 41, KR |
| Hometown: | CAMP HUMPHREYS, KR |
| Hometown: | PYEONGTAEK, 41, KR |
| Hometown: | PYONGTAEK, KR |
| Web Views: | 190 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, BDAACH cooks up soul food for Black History meal celebration, by Jean Han, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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