National Guard specialist visits culinary class

Culinary Specialist alumnus Taylor Cunningham visited culinary students to speak about the techniques used in the field to feed masses of troops.

“I graduated here three years ago. I came today to show the students Meals Ready to Eat (MRE),” Cunningham said.

Cunningham brought boxes of MRE’s to show to students in Ms. Goodman’s culinary classes where she will be for the next two days.

“This is what we make to serve to all the troops in the field and they feed from thirty people to twelve hundred people,” Cunningham said. “Troops have little time between tasks to cook and eat, therefore MRE’s are given to restore energy and be more efficient. MRE’s have about 3000 calories each. There is an entree, a heat pack to cook the food, and snacks such as crackers, nuts, raisins, and juice. Some of the entree options are chicken with noodles, hash browns and pancakes, and dumplings.”

Cunningham was asked by students to elaborate on her experience in high school and her decisions after graduation about her decision to become a culinary specialist in the National Guard.

“I decided to go into the National Guard in hopes to work my way up to the culinary sector through eight weeks of training. After accomplishing this, I am hoping to further my education by going to college,” Cunningham said.