Malmstrom's Fit Food Festival a success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  For many Airmen, keeping fit is a priority. It can be hard work, but with the right knowledge and ambition to keep one's goals, anything is possible. Nutrition also plays a big part in staying fit. Good food and a rigorous workout routine go hand in hand to making fitness dreams a reality.

Without proper nutrition, the hours spent in the gym may not get one the results they have been working for.

Malmstrom's Fit Food Festival, which was hosted by the Airman's Dorm Council and Consolidated Dorm Management Office, served to showcase how easy it can be for Airmen to stay healthy and fit through good nutrition. During the event, six teams competed for a chance to earn the title of "healthiest dish" and the year's bragging rights that go along with it.

"One of the main reasons we put on Malmstrom's Fit Food Festival was to help keep Airmen in the dorms aware that there are many ways to eat healthy and enjoy doing it at the same time," said Airman 1st Class Joshua Omije, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician. "The idea was to hang out as a group with fellow Airmen and friends while enjoying some good food. I think it turned out great. No one left hungry and the food was amazing."

In addition to a complimentary meal, festival attendees also had the opportunity to partake in more than five different activities throughout the course of the day, with a shop versus shop water balloon fight being the main event.

The contestants, composed of any Airmen in the rank of airman first class, had one hour to cook their favorite entrée before submitting it to be critiqued by a panel of judges on nutritional value, ease of preparation and taste.

On the judge's panel were Col. Tom Wilcox, 341st Missile Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton, 341st MW command chief, Col. Marné Deranger, 341st MW vice commander, Senior Master Sgt. Kraig Nadjkovic, 819th RED HORSE Squadron first sergeant and Katie Wichman, 341st Medical Operations Squadron dietician.

First place in the competition went to Airman 1st Class Mazamanthaysabel Tinio, 341st CES engineering apprentice, with a main dish consisting of fresh chicken, potatoes, bell peppers, mixed vegetables, and a secret ingredient or two.

"Participating in this cook off was a lot of fun," said Airman 1st Class David Cairns, Fit Food Festival contestant. "It gave us a chance to really show off our skills in the kitchen and show that we know how to cook. It's always fun being competitive.

"Having our leadership out there was also good to see," he continued. "It was nice to be able to cook for them and have them taste the food we worked hard to make."

With ideas for next year's festival already being tossed around by Airmen, it is sure to be hot in the kitchen when the next competition rolls around.

"Our goal is to make this an annual event," Omije said. "With all the support us Airmen have received from various sources, we are sure we can build on the foundation that is in place right now. From the wing leadership to our sponsors and volunteers, I appreciate all the help everyone has shared to make this successful."