Dover Airmen receive Birthday Meal

  • Published
  • By Airman Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover Airmen with January birthdays started off the New Year with steak, lobster and chicken at the Patterson Dining Facility Jan. 9.

"What better way to start off the New Year than with a happy celebration," said Master Sgt. Michael James, 436th Services Squadron Food Service Section chief.

The Airmen's Birthday Meal recognizes all Airmen (E-1 through E-4), recently changing from a quarterly to monthly meal celebration.

"The Services Squadron commander, (Maj. Gilbert Eddy) wanted to celebrate Airmen's birthdays more often to help bring in more Airmen to the event. The attendance has increased ever since we've had the meal monthly since October 2007," said Staff Sgt. Philip Palacios, 436th Services Squadron. "Most Airmen miss this opportunity because they think it's just the same food they eat here every day, but it's a completely different meal."

Airmen were treated to a meal not typically found on a dining facility menu, such as shrimp cocktails served as appetizers, as Airmen waited for their main entrée: juicy steak, chicken and lobster.

"I'd love to eat lobster on my birthday. Now that's my idea of a birthday dinner," said Chief Master Sgt. John Wood, 436th Airlift Wing command chief, who said he tries to make the event every month. "Dover Airmen work extremely hard everyday, selflessly putting the needs of the Air Force above their own when they are loading cargo or standing sentry duty on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and many other holidays. They embody core values and honestly try to keep their units and their base on the leading edge of Air Force initiatives."

Many first sergeants came to show their appreciation for their Airmen by serving them.

"This is one way to take care of our Airmen and their families in a small way, just by celebrating their birthday," said Master Sgt. Jason Kalinowski, 436th Medical Group first sergeant.

There were many personal touches made for this event, according to Sergeant Palacio.

"A special section of the dining area was reserved, covered with decorations of streamers and confetti, provided by the Dining Facility," said Sergeant Palacio.

A few Airmen expressed that they received a birthday surprise of their own as they were greeted by a friendly captain at the front door of the dining facility.

"I wasn't going to celebrate my birthday with anyone, but (Capt. Janna Abell, 436th SVS food service officer) stood by the door as I walked in asked me if it was my birthday this month and invited me to dine," said Airman 1st Class Tiffany Stroer, 436th Maintenance Squadron.

This meal meant more than just a meal to an Airman who had never spent a day away from home.

"This is a great morale booster for Airmen away from home; it welcomes them into our Air Force family," said Sergeant Palacio.

One Airman shared her excitement about her experience.

"This is my first time for everything - being away from home, eating lobster and cutting my birthday cake with someone else," said Airman Stroer. "This really shows that they care about Airmen living in the dorms."

Two special guests also joined the meal.

"I just walked in for the regular dinner didn't know anything about this," said Army Pvt. Steven Thompson, whose birthday was only four days away.

The two Soldiers came to Dover Air Force Base for training.

"This is certainly the best meal I've had since I've joined the military, I'm just amazed of the quality of food the dining facility serves and it's definitely better than any other I've been to," said Pvt. Nathan Miller, 262nd Quartermaster Battalion, at Ft. Lee, Va.

The 436th SVS topped it all off by ending the special meal with dessert that put the icing on the cake - a big, chocolate birthday cake and ice cream.

"It's always good to see our Airmen happy, especially having our sister force join us for the celebration," said Sergeant James.

For information about the birthday meals, call the dining facility at 677-3926.