Army Spc. Samantha L. Kempson, daughter of Greg and Deborah Kempson of Belford, participated in the 35th U.S. Army Culinary Arts Competition at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va.
This year’s competition featured more than 160 military chefs from around the globe in more than 40 culinary categories. The competition included cold hors d’oeuvres, field cooking and ice carving, and is rated the largest culinary competition in America.
The two-week competition involved Army soldier-chefs, both active duty and Reserve components, as well as members from other branches of the U.S. armed forces. The competition allows service members to sharpen and broaden their cooking, baking, roasting and poaching skills to stay on the cutting edge of culinary techniques. Their culinary skills ultimately benefit military service members eating in dining and mess hall facilities and battlefield kitchens serving soldiers in combat zones.
Competitors are awarded certificates, medallions, engraved plaques, and trophies for their mastery of culinary art in their particular category. The winners received recognition for their efforts in culinary aspects of ability, practicality, nutrition, workmanship, economy, presentation, creativity, concept, skills, style, and techniques in food preparation and management.
Kempson, a food service specialist, is assigned to the 563rd Military Police Company, Fort Drum, Watertown, N.Y. She has served in the military for more than two years.
The specialist graduated in 2004 from Middletown High School North.