Chef’s journey from DFAC to Pentagon

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justine Rho
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
RAF MILDENHALL, England – Sometimes the Air Force provides the career opportunities that ignite an interest in someone. Other times, a civilian enlists into the military with previous career interests and ability; as a result, that Airman may use their military career as a means to excel in a field they are passionate about.

Tech. Sgt. Andy Alvarez, 100th Force Support Squadron Gateway Dining Facility assistant manager, was selected as one of six members of the Chairman’s Joint Chief of Staff dining mess at the Pentagon. Alvarez was notified of his selection May 18, 2017.

The Team Mildenhall chef has a deep appreciation for cooking, beginning well before he decided a career as a chef was feasible.

“I always watched my grandmother cooking for our big family reunions and that's when I started to appreciate all the efforts that go into a meal,” he said.

Alvarez eventually enlisted in the U.S. Air Force into the services career field; which fostered a drive to pursue becoming a part of one of the most elite culinary positions in the Department of Defense.

“Talent isn’t only about skill, it’s also about dedication and Alvarez radiates passion for his art of cooking,” said Master Sgt. Angela Richardson, 100th FSS food service section chief. “Sergeant Alvarez has a work ethic I have never seen before – it’s unrelenting. While his drive leans towards food service, he is an Airman first and exudes Airmanship in his dedication to the Profession of Arms.”

With support from his leadership and serious determination, Alvarez advanced through multiple selection brackets. After creating a competitive submission package, he was selected out of applicants from every military branch. A series of telephone interviews reduced the number of eligible candidates, until finally, Alvarez went head to head with one other applicant during a weeklong cook-off.

“We both competed against each other for the whole week—covering food hygiene, menu planning, presentation, taste, proper use of kitchen equipment, garnishing and innovation,” Alvarez explained. “On the last day, we did a mystery basket challenge, which pretty much consisted of preparing one appetizer, one main entrée and a dessert, utilizing secret ingredients. This final test was checked by three culinary experts from the Navy and Army. They were looking not only a person who can cook, but somebody capable of bringing the whole dining experience.”

Alvarez is scheduled to end his time in England and begin a three year controlled tour at the Pentagon. He will also have the opportunity to attend the Culinary Institute of America for further training.

Being selected for the position is a testament to Alvarez’s skill and knowledge of culinary management and cuisine. But, his achievements didn’t take away from his primary role as an Airman.

“While it is an extremely rare opportunity, I am not surprised Sergeant Alvarez was selected as part of the Chief of Staff Dining Mess Team,” Richardson said. “He is an exceptionally talented NCO with a bright future, much to offer, and has an infectious attitude that inspires everyone around him.”

The gratitude between leadership and Airman is reciprocated.

“I am so thankful to all my leadership for being able to help me out in every single way possible,” Alvarez said.