Last month I had the pleasure of photographing one of my favorite jobs each year – the USO of Metropolitan Washington DC’s annual Salute To Military Chefs. Each year, top chefs from each branch of our Military are selected to come to the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City to work as a team to prepare a meal for the awards banquet – serving Chiefs of Staff, and dignitaries from all of the Military branches – and receiving awards for their outstanding service. This year, celebrity chef Robert Irvine gave his time and talent to help honor these men and women, as did WWE Diva Eva Marie and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.
This event is like Christmas time for a foodie like myself, and one of the perks of working as a volunteer photographer is getting to actually sample the food – and let me tell you first-hand that the food that comes out of this kitchen, prepared by these active duty Military men and women could compete head-to-head with any 5-star restaurant in the city. As the insignia on the White House chef’s jacket says – these guys truly are the “Best Of The Best.”
And speaking of the Best Of The Best – It’s always such a pleasure to work with everyone on the USO of Metropolitan Washington team as well. Their energy, professionalism and passion for supporting the Troops is limitless. I can’t think of a more worthwhile cause to volunteer my time and skill to than one that supports the men and women who give so much of themselves to keep this country free.
