Patterson Dining Facility wishes Dover Airmen a Happy Birthday Published Sept. 28, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The Patterson Dining Facility hosted a celebration for Dover Airmen Sept. 16 with a feast that's served on a quarterly basis. A section of the dining area was reserved and decorated for the Airmen's Birthday Meal, which recognizes all Airmen E-1 through E-4 whose birthdays fall in that quarter. "I'm proud to serve our Airmen because they selflessly put the needs of the Air Force above their own. This is one way to show that we care about them on this special occasion," said Chief Master Sgt. Zachary Bolden, 436th Force Support Squadron superintendent, who volunteered to serve meals during the event. Airmen were treated to appetizers such as shrimp cocktails and garden salads as they waited for their main entrées: strip loin steak, baked chicken and fried shrimp. "Every Airman deserves to spend their birthday like this," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Shaffer, 436th Force Support Squadron flight kitchen NCO in-charge. "It's nice to host a party and serve the Airmen who may not be able to spend their birthdays with their families." This meal was pretty special to Airman Felecia Figueroa, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron, who will spend her first birthday at Dover. "This is my first time at an Airman's Birthday Meal party and I'm excited to be here," said Airman Figueroa. "It's really nice for Chief Bolden to serve us and I appreciate everyone at the Dining Facility for making this a special birthday." The birthday meal was 'a piece of cake,' according to Chief Bolden, and the event ended with two big birthday cakes served with ice cream.