Talon Cafe Opens in Camp Humphreys

Photo By Master Sgt. Krishna Gamble | Pfc. Germarr White, left, automotive logistic specialist with Company A, 602nd ASP from California; Pvt. Cetekia Snowden, left rear, transmissions operator with Company A, 34th Signal Battalion from Garland, Texas, and Pvt. Steven Deramus, right, automotive logistic specialist with Company A, 602nd ASP from Montgomery, Ala., enjoy desserts and pose for pictures after a hearty meal of steak, crab legs, corn bread, rice and salad, June 15, at the grand opening of the Talon Café at Camp Humphreys.  

06.15.2009

Courtesy Story

2nd Combat Aviation Brigade

USAG HUMPHEYS, Korea - Three years of planning and construction finally paid off Monday when the "Talon Café" officially opened at Camp Humphreys.

"This is the future of Korea," said Col. Joseph A. Bassani Jr., 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, commander, as he announced the grand opening of the new dining facility for Soldiers, which is part of the USAG-Humphreys construction project that will designate Camp Humphreys as the new base of operations for U.S. Forces Korea in a few years.

"It is a great leap forward for us," Bassani said. "After 35 years of history, we have one of the finest facilities on this peninsula."

"We made every effort to make this project successful, and I'm so pleased to report that it turned out to be," said Park, Dong-Woo, the project manager of the construction of this dining facility.

The Eight U.S. Army Band also helped to create a pleasant atmosphere playing a melody of classic and jazzy tunes while diners feasted on grilled steaks, crab legs, roast pig, cordon bleu, fried shrimp and a variety of salads. Many Soldiers describe the facility as a place to visit and socialize --- like a restaurant. As a special treat, 2CAB officers and senior non-commissioned officers served meals to Soldiers, surprising all who passed through the line.

"This doesn't look like a dining facility," said Spc. Henry Joseph, Black Hawk mechanic with Company B, 602nd Aviation Support Battalion. "The band adds atmosphere and [I wish] they could have a live band every day."

"This is more of a restaurant than a dining facility," said Staff Sgt. Preston Gardner, platoon sergeant with 602nd ASB who visited the Talon Café for the first time Monday. "The food is great."

"It's a nice dining facility and the food is good and there is good customer service," said Pvt. Cetekia Snowden, transmission operator with Company A, 304th Signal Battalion. "It's a great environment to socialize."

Many Soldiers participated in a raffle to select the name of the new D-FAC, and the one who got lucky was Pfc. Natasha Remillard, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd CAB. She unveiled the signboard with Bassani, Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Kim, USAG-Humphreys command sergeant major, and Sgt. 1st Class Donald Boyer, manager of Talon Café.

"This is a state of the art facility built to accommodate our young warriors and create an environment of comfort and home," said Sgt. Maj. Gary Fields, EUSA Foods Services sergeant major. I encourage Soldiers to keep coming back."

"We are trying to improve the quality of Soldiers' life on a daily basis, and we are so proud to open this new D-FAC here in Camp Humphreys," said Kim. "I hope Soldiers enjoy this new facility, and we will also continue to improve their quality of life 24/7."

• Date Taken: 06.15.2009
• Date Posted: 07.01.2009 02:38
• Story ID: 35829