Courtesy Photo | Col. Shawn Morrissey, commander of the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Gaelen Lowers
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq— “If you ain’t first, you’re last” is a phrase made famous by Ricky Bobby, a character in the movie “Talladega Nights.” It is now a common phrase used by winners everywhere.
The same statement was repeated by Maj. Steve Koehler, “Mike Honcho,” executive officer for the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a Hickory, N.C., native, and his partner, Maj. Jeffery Livingston, “Jefe Pistola,” officer in charge of the 3rd STB’s current operations, and an Orlando, Fla., native, after winning the 3rd Sust. Bde.’s chili cook off Oct. 31 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
“It’s really a team affair,” said Koehler. “We put a lot of love into our chili.”
The competition consisted of batches of chili from five different teams. The ingredients were checked beforehand to ensure all “unique” ingredients were edible and approved by the Chili Master, Maj. Richard Haynes, security forces embed for the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Sust. Bde., and a Boyce, La., native. All ingredients were to be cooked on the premises over an open-flame cooking fire pit.
“Five different teams from across the spectrum, different ranks, all jumped in; it’s all good stuff,” said Haynes. “Each team brought in their own secret ingredients, and I had to make sure it was all edible and not gun powder or anything crazy.”
The winning team confided that their secret ingredients were three Hershey bars and strong black coffee.
The judging was based on specific categories: texture, flavor, consistency, spice and taste, aroma and color.
“No two chilies were alike,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton Johnson, senior enlisted leader for the 3rd Sust. Bde., one of the judges for the day’s competition, and a Lima, Ohio, native. “Each chili had its own personality. I think you end up siding with what you are used to.”
Personality extended further than just each team’s chili. Each team had a unique team name and chili name. The winning team was the Hot as Hellraisers with their “Hotter than Hellraisers” chili.
Second place winners, representing the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Sust. Bde., 103rd ESC, included Maj. Michael Halley, support operations OIC for the 13th CSSB, and a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native. His team, The Mighty Corn-Holio Killers, cooked up some “Lindsay Lohan” chili
“Because this is one hot mess,” said Halley.
For third place was the 3-156th, or Bandit Voodoo with their “Voodoo” chili, and tying with them for the third place slot was team Silly Chili Chicas, made up of Capt. Anna Walls, adjutant for the 3rd Sust. Bde., and an Evansville, Ind., native, and 1st Lt. Stefanie Shefcheck, strength manager for the 3rd Sust. Bde., and a Eugene, Ore. native.
“We named our chili the “Cheaters’ Chili” because our main ingredient was canned chili,” said Walls, laughing.
Pulling up the rear of the competition was the 3rd Sust. Bde.’s, logistical supply section, the Dragon Chili Masters, making their “Dragon Master” chili.
After the winners were announced, Koehler sniffed the air and then asked Livingston what he smelled.
“Smells like victory,” said Livingston.
Koehler echoed, “It sure does.”
| Date Taken: | 10.31.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2010 08:25 |
| Story ID: | 59644 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 179 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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