Feeding the mission

Published Jan. 13, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- There are a number of careers in the Air Force that require Airmen to work a great distance from base. The jobs range anywhere from security forces to maintainers. Whether the Airmen out in the field are there for one shift or several days, they all rely on one person for their nourishment during their tours.

Missile chefs at Minot Air Force Base have a number of responsibilities in and out of the field. While on location, they spend their days cooking, cleaning, and placing orders. When they return from their tours, missile chefs also help out with squadron duties on base, said Airman 1st Class Kelly Hanley, 740th Missile Squadron missile chef.

While several Airmen are out at her particular alert facility for days at a time, Hanley is responsible for making sure they all receive proper meals during their tours. Though the job is of high importance, there is only one missile chef on location at any given time, so the work falls to the hands of a single individual. Hanley thrives in this position, she said.

"It makes you feel important," said Hanley, a Valparaiso, Ind. native. "I manage the whole kitchen, so I know exactly what I need to do and how to do it."

Once all the Airmen have eaten for the night, the kitchen is cleaned and the food orders are placed, Hanley retires to her private quarters to relax. One of the best things about being in the field is the peace and quiet, said Hanley.

"I enjoy my alone time," said Hanley. "When my work is done, I get to relax, watch television and read books."

Although the quiet time is a perk, Hanley also appreciates the camaraderie out in the field, she said. She enjoys the friendships that are formed with such a tight-knit group of Airmen.

"It's fun to joke around and have a good time with the people out there," said Hanley. "But they know not to mess with the chef!"

Adding to the good time is the company of the facility managers, said Hanley. A facility manager is required to be on site at all times; making sure operations are successfully running. With the facility manager close by, the missile chefs have a helping-hand if needed.

"If I'm busy they will deliver food or take out trash," said Hanley. "They're also there to talk and make sure I'm doing well."

Another factor that keeps the morale up in the field is visits from leadership, said Hanley.
When commanders and chiefs visit the alert facility, they always make a point to offer words of encouragement to the Airmen. Hanley's most memorable day on the job was when she was coined by two separate commanders. Both commanders stressed the importance of her job.

"They thanked me and told me I was an important part of the mission," said Hanley. "The thing that really stuck with me was when one of the commanders said that my work is purposeful."

Airman 1st Class Andrew Sherman, 740th Missile Squadron missile chef, also finds it encouraging when leadership visits his facility.

"They really take the time to check in on me," said Sherman, who has been a missile chef for almost two years. "They keep tabs on me and will always ask how my family is doing."

With so many mission-essential jobs out at the alert facilities, the positions are required to be manned at all times. The facilities are a home away from home for the Airmen. A place where they work, sleep and eat. Missile chefs play a crucial role in making the facilities a hospitable place and they are confident they are doing their part, said Sherman.

"It's not always easy, it's not always fun, but it is a meaningful job," said Hanley. "I'm grateful because I know my job is important to people other than myself."