Courtesy Photo | Spc. Michael McDonald, a Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, food service...... read more read more
By Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft,
3rd Combat Air Brigade,
3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq - It's been a mere 13 days since March 1, when Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, took over the Camp Striker dining facility from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), but changes are already underway.
Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Howard, who now runs the facility as lead contract officer technical representative, said transitioning from "Hard Rak Café" to "Falcon Café" has been easy.
"Everyone's been very supportive – from the brigade, to the division, to the civilians," said Howard, a Savannah, Ga., native with Company E, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment. "We haven't had any big challenges, just a few minor bumps here and there."
Howard, who has worked in the food service military occupational specialty for 17 years, said the smooth changeover has made it possible for her to focus on making improvements in the facility, which feeds 25,000 people everyday.
"We've upgraded the VIP room, made some menu adjustments and implemented the gyro sandwich bar," she said. "My goal is to improve the facility itself, as well as the quality of the food and service."
Additionally, she aims to increase the variety of specialty bars in the DFAC, and attempt to create a more comfortable dining atmosphere.
"Just because we're in Iraq, it doesn't mean we can't sit down for a pleasant meal," she said. "It doesn't need to feel like a cafeteria."
The Falcon Café caters to service members, civilians and contractors all over Camp Striker, and is staffed by 32 Soldiers. Workers with the government-contracted Kellogg, Brown and Root work alongside the Soldiers and do the majority of the cooking and cleaning.
Integrating the staff with the new 3rd CAB Soldiers was not difficult, Howard said.
"A lot of them had already been working there (since before the switch), so it was just a change of management," she said. "Their reactions (to the new modifications) have been really positive."
Even if that hadn't been the case, Howard said the responsibility of running the Falcon Café is its own reward, and she plans to make the most of it.
"This is something I've wanted for 17 years," she said. "This is what I've worked for my whole career."
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.14.2008 17:32 |
| Story ID: | 17386 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 63 |
| Downloads: | 37 |
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