MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. --
Normally, Sgt. Destany Weatherwax is prepping meals for
thousands of Marines. But, on Dec. 8,
2016, she instead focused her culinary skills on impressing judges while
navigating a kitchen full of food service specialists during the Chef of the
Quarter competition aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North
Carolina, Dec. 8, 2016.
As part of the competition, judges evaluated three
food service Marines on the preparation, taste, and display of their dishes.
The Marines participating in the competition demonstrated their creative spin
on specialized dishes they chose for the competition.
Weatherwax, a food service specialist assigned to
Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft
Wing, won the competition and was named Chef of the Quarter for the wing
Before beginning her career in the Marine Corps, Weatherwax
knew she wanted to be a chef.
“I chose this job,” said Weatherwax. “I already knew
how to cook and was passionate about it.”
Weatherwax volunteered for the competition, but winning
was not the motivation to compete.
“I came into this competition not really thinking
about winning,” said Weatherwax. “I just wanted to have fun and do something
new. I just happened to come out on top.”
Weatherwax credits her love of cooking to a culinary
class taken during her sophomore year of high school, where she first learned
the art of cooking.
“My best friend and I took the class, made some
really great food, and learned a lot,” said Weatherwax. “That’s really where my
love for cooking first came from.”
One of the main reasons she enjoys cooking is the creative
opportunity found within the culinary arts. The competition focused on smaller
portioned meals, which allowed for exploration of the art of food service, explained
Weatherwax.
“A lot of
things you learn from experience,” said Weatherwax. “I have seen other competitions
and, now having competed in one, I can give advice to other Marines who are
looking to compete. I can help them with the table designs and give them other
ideas that may help them in the competition.”
Weatherwax had a piece of advice, not only to food
service Marines, but to all Marines.
“Keep your head high,” said Weatherwax. “Confidence
is key.”
Having earned the Chef of the Quarter award,
Weatherwax will now compete in the highly coveted Chef of the Year competition
at the end of the fiscal year.