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    Qatar dining competes for repeat honors

    Qatar dining competes for repeat honors

    Photo By Dustin Senger | James D. Riddle (right), International Food Service Executives Association committee...... read more read more

    CAMP AS SALIYAH, QATAR

    12.11.2008

    Story by Dustin Senger 

    Area Support Group - Qatar

    By Dustin Senger
    Area Support Group - Qatar Public Affairs

    CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – A Department of the Army Philip A. Connelly Award committee evaluated the Area Support Group Qatar food service operations at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Dec. 10. The command earned the Connelly Award in 2007, for providing the best large garrison food operation in the Army. It was the first evaluation, and subsequent win, for dining facilities in Southwest Asia. Although two-year winning streaks are uncommon, they intend to repeat the honors.

    "The Connelly competition gets stiffer each year – everyone gains experience and learns the tricks of the trade," said James D. Riddle, International Food Service Executives Association committee chairman. The IFSEA is a professional organization dedicated to raising food service industry standards. Riddle was joined by two Army evaluators: Chief Warrant Officer Jack C. Van Zanten and Sgt. Maj. L'Tanya Williams, from Fort Bliss, Texas. They visited finalists in Hawaii, Germany, Korea, South Carolina, Maryland and Washington – Qatar is the committee's seventh and final stop.

    According to the evaluators, areas of interests for an award-winning program include: command support; administration; headcount procedures; receipt and storage; sanitation and food handling; training and management; appearance; serving; equipment; and food preparation.

    "There is such a wide variety here," said Williams, while observing lunch time service in the Qatar facility. "They cater to just about anything you're after. People walk up and say 'this is the best dining facility' or 'we need more of this' – I have not heard one negative comment."

    "Camp As Sayliyah has a great chance at earning the Connelly again," said Chief Warrant Officer Eunice Buffington, from Memphis, Tenn. In September, she assumed duties as the installation food service officer. According to Buffington, over $360,000 was spent this year to improve the Qatar dining facility.

    "The staff here works hard to make each diner feel they have personalized service," said Buffington, a three-time veteran of Connelly competitions. "To me, that's what a successful food service operation is all about."

    Many customers are participating in the U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program. Since 2004, ASG-QA has recharged over 170,000 USCENTCOM war fighters. According to Buffington, the dining facility staff provides "a restaurant feel, with a taste of home."

    "The food looks really good," said Spc. Justin Clark, from Bremerton, Wa. Clark left Iraq to participate in the R&R program in Qatar, along with Marine Corps Cpl. Darius Brown, from Ashburn, Ga. "This food looks much better than what we get in Iraq!" said Brown.

    "I have been eating here for the last four years," said Robert Hamilton, a contractor from Tampa, Fla. "During that time, I have seen a lot of transformations. They keep getting better each year!"

    Winners of the 2008 Connelly awards will be announced later this month.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.11.2008
    Date Posted: 12.11.2008 10:00
    Story ID: 27524
    Location: CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA

    Web Views: 383
    Downloads: 339

    PUBLIC DOMAIN