Airmen receive special meal for their special day

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Amber
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The time came to break out the old pitch pipe again at the Joshua Tree Dining Facility Oct. 8, to sing "Happy Birthday" to 31 Airmen. The dining facility hosts quarterly birthday meals where Airmen are served a choice of two entrees: steak, lobster or Dijon glazed chicken. The entrees are paired with a wide variety of side choices such as jalapeno poppers, garden salad, cream of broccoli soup, rice pilaf, twice-baked potatoes or green beans.

The tables are decorated and each Airman is given a party hat, noise-maker and their own cupcake for dessert. After each birthday person is seated, their group and squadron leaders serve them their meals.

"We set up differently, we have our own buffet station near the tables and we will have the senior leadership come into the line and pick up the orders to deliver it t othe Airmen," said Paul Martin, 412th Force Support Squadron, Food Service officer.  "It's for the senior leaders to get back with their Airmen and say, 'thank you for your service, I'm going to serve you today.'"

One month prior to the quarterly birthday meal, Martin sends emails to all of the Airmen in the dorms celebrating birthdays and their commanders. R.S.V.P.'s are necessary because items like steak and lobster are not usually available on the menu.

"We butterfly the lobster so it looks pretty when presented and the steak is cooked to order," said Martin.

The dining facility budgets their finances throughout the year, setting aside money to fund the birthday meals.

"That's our goal, to make sure we stay within our budget so that when it comes a birthday meal like this, it's something special to give back to our Airmen. We make sure we're coving it."

Other Airmen eating at the facility can see the party in the dining area, giving them something to look forward to.

Martin said Airmen who have been stationed at Edwards for several years come past his office and say "it's my birthday coming up again!"

"When I was young just coming into the military, and being away from home, these birthday meals really lightened my day. It's really fun and it's something we enjoy doing."