“The only differences between cook-offs here and at home are 12 hours, the beans taste just as good now as they do back home,” said SGT John Norman, D Co., 2-149th General Support Aviation Battalion Maintenance Team Leader . “I enjoyed the Major’s beans better.”

Soldiers of 2-149th GSAB “Jokers” brought a little taste of Texas to Iraq on Dec. 7, during a bean cook-off sponsored by D Co., 2-149th GSAB.

“It was great,” said MAJ Matthew Masias, D Co., 2-149th GSAB Commander. “We had a lot of participation, and the food tasted really good.”

Texas Soldiers came together carrying on a long tradition of Texas cook-offs dating back as early as the 1900s when people got together, they not only sample the best of the best in food, but they also had a good time with games and other activities.

“The cook-off was between me and SFC Rendon from Charlie Company,” MAJ Masias said.

MAJ Masias and SFC Juan Rendon, C Co., 2-149th GSAB Crewchief, faced off head to head, beans against beans, filling stomachs and soliciting votes. Ultimately, SFC Rendon’s beans were voted the winner.

“We chose the winner based on texture,” said LTC Joanne MacGregor, 2-149th GSAB Commander. “But we also liked the fact that MAJ Masias added little extras with his beans, the sausage and rice were good additions. However, in the end SFC Rendon was the winner, and MAJ Masias was a gracious loser!”

SSG Ben Hale, D Co., 2-149th GSAB CH-47 Maintenance Supervisor, plans on making the cook-offs a regular part on the monthly regiment at Delta Company.

“When we accomplish our mission and keep the aircraft running, we have a little extra time to boost morale. These little events help to pass the time,” SSG Hale said. “The guys finish their work, and we get together and toss the football around or play a little basketball until the food is done. Competition is good; we’d like to do brisket next.”

Written by 1LT Anthony Sims
D Co. 2-149th GSAB Unit Public Affairs Representative
7 Dec., 2008