Wing One's chili cook-off a success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BAST, Mont. --  Chili maker extraordinaires came together for a day of fun, food and to compete with their favorite recipes during a chili cook-off at Malmstrom Air Force Base's chapel Nov. 17.

The cook-off was held in support of the Combined Federal Campaign, whose mission is to promote and support philanthropy through allowing federal employees to make a personal donation to one of more than 20,000 nonprofit charitable organizations worldwide.

"We raised around $510 and had about 50 people show up to this event," said 1st Lt. Mayrem Morales, 10th Missile Squadron deputy combat missile crew commander and event coordinator. "It was definitely fun. The money we received (from the cook-off) will go to the local CFC rep and be given to an undesignated charity."

During the event, 18 contestants provided homemade chili recipes to be tested by individual participants and judged on overall taste. Two awards were handed out at the end of the event. The first award was for "the people's choice," which was chosen by event goers. Each person received three ticket stubs and was able to vote by placing one or more of their stubs into a corresponding grading container.

The second award was for the overall first place recipe, which was graded by a panel of judges, who each voted on what they believed was the best dish.

Competition was fierce. A five-way tie had to be broken by judges selecting a single individual from the crowd who did a blind taste test in order to determine the winner of the people's choice prize. The fate of five chili makers rested on his shoulders.

Taking first in the people's choice category was Jennifer Sundy, military spouse, and first place in the overall competition went to Capt. Richard Lopes, 341st Operations Support Squadron weather flight commander.

Putting on the cook-off was a team effort and everyone lent a hand in order to make the competition a success. Whether it was by just helping clean or by spending part of their day to volunteer, teamwork made it happen. 

"Creating volunteer opportunities was a big thing with this event," Morales said. "I was so pleased with my team. Providing those little opportunities and areas where (volunteers) can help I think is really good. We started out with three people and by the time the event finished we had several."

Regardless of win or loss, contestants and patrons alike enjoyed an afternoon filled with conversation and chili beans. Near the competition's end, empty crock pots were scattered throughout the room. Trash bins were brimming with plastic bowls and some participants had to take a seat in order to cope with the massive amounts of chili they consumed.

"I've always heard people saying that their chili was the best so I'm glad we were able to give everybody opportunity to go against each other in this competition," Morales said.