U.S. Military
Aviation Soldiers get refueled during PTA
By Sgt. Bryanna Poulin, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs
May 12, 2008 - 12:13:52 AM

Blackanthem Military News

Pfc. Felix Orlando Stone, a cook with E. Co 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepares hash browns for Soldiers who spend their days training at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). Photo by Sgt. Bryanna Poulin 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

HILO, Hi - Regardless of Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) every Soldier will spend some time during their Army career in a field environment; long duty days, guard shifts and field chow are a few of the things Soldiers undergo.

Nonetheless, for Soldiers with 25th Combat Aviation Brigade training at the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) the next few months, chow time is the one highlight to those long days spent training.
   
"The Dining Facility (D-FAC) offers a variety off food options for Soldiers" said Warrant Officer One Tamarcus Norman, Food Advisor with Headquarters Headquarters Company, 25th CAB.  "From a salad bar with fresh fruit to snack items like cookies...there is something for everyone."
   
Unlike other facilities, the aviation D-FAC runs a 24 hour operation, allowing Soldiers to grab something to eat at anytime.
   
"We [D-FAC] serve full meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner," said Sgt.1st Class

Aubrey Smith, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) with E. Troop 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th CAB.  "More importantly though, is the fact that we stay open all day long, giving Soldiers the opportunity to eat at various times."
   
Interestingly enough, a D-FAC can't run by itself without the dedication and hard work of food personnel who staff the facility.
   
"There are 11 Soldiers that employ the facility and we keep the same high standards of food quality and cleanliness as the D-FAC located on Wheeler Army Airfield (WAAF)." Smith noted.
   
While the PTA facility doesn't have the bells and whistles as the WAAF location, it does however offer a self serve hot food line for Soldiers to serve themselves.
   
"We incorporated the buffet style food, primarily to allow Soldiers to move quickly through the line," Norman said.  "What's more, it gives Soldiers the choice to portion the food themselves."
   
More amazing is the non-perishable items Soldiers can take with them.  Items such as; cereal, snack bars, fresh fruit and cookies are just a few things Soldiers can grab for on the go.
   
"It's great that they have food I can take with me," Sgt. Paul Clark, signal support with HHC, 25th CAB said.  "It makes it more convenient when I don't have time to eat at the D-FAC."
   
Finally, whatever the Soldiers mission the D-FAC offers something to get away from the busy hustle and bustle of PTA and recharge the Soldier to continue training, Norman concluded.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

Although an air conditioner repairer, Spc. Tayon Kirkland with Headquarters Support Company, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, washes dishes in the PTA dining facility to feed more than 700 Soldiers that will begin their training, at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) during the next few months. Photo by Sgt. Bryanna Poulin 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

Spc. Azyamarie Beckhorn and Pvt. Jatae Bates both food service with E. Co 2nd Battalion 25th Aviation Regiment 25th Combat Aviation Brigade prepare breakfast burritos at Dining Facility for Soldiers training at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). The PTA is the largest training exercise for 25th CAB Soldiers since redeployment in Oct. 2007. Photo by Sgt. Bryanna Poulin 25th CAB Public Affairs