"Operation Chefs Unite” Update

Operation Chefs Unite (OCU) is beginning to make a real impact on the moral of our soldiers. For over 4 years, Atlanta ACF Chefs have been feeding the troops....

It is our goal to get more chefs involved with OCU each year. We now have a name and an identity that the soldiers look forward to being involved with when arriving in Atlanta. I have had the privilege of speaking with several 2 & 3 star generals serving in Iraq and also some prominent politicians who are amazed when they hear about what we are trying to do for the soldiers. Some have offered to help and all are extremely humbled and thankful for our continued commitment to “Operation Chefs Unite”. Our goal is to continue this effort until we have chefs all over the country working with us. Because of everyone’s effort in Atlanta, we feel we will realize this dream much sooner than anticipated. If you are not involved yet, please think about it. I guarantee your involvement will change your life for the positive!

Thank you for all of your support,

Michael Deihl, CEC CCA AAC
Executive Chef, East Lake Golf Club
President, American Culinary Federation
Greater Atlanta Chefs Association

Along the same lines of Michael Deihl’s comments above, I would like to acknowledge those chefs who have stepped forward to cover meals for the holidays.  The OCU Calendar has been added to this site with chefs and organizations listed, thank you to each of you. Remember, we are asking for 150 portions to be prepared and we will take care of their delivery.  Please call myself, Rusty Sigmon, at (678)852-9138 or Howard Cooper (404)217-4712 if you would be interested in helping out the troops.  The menu guide below can be modified to your preference:

Thanksgiving: Roast turkey and gravy, baked ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower au gratin, cranberry sauce, garden salad, bread, salad dressings, butter and assorted desserts.

 Please consider becoming involved in preparing meals for our fighting soldiers that pass through our great city.

 Thanks,

 Rusty Sigmon

 Our efforts are making a difference!  Please read on……..

Thanks to all of you! The Mother's Day buffet for the troops was fabulous! Many of the soldiers commented to me on how great it was to have a real family meal on this day. One young lady came up to me and had tears in her eyes and told me "we made her feel special" and that she was “happy even though she could not be with her mother and her child” (her mother was taking care of her child while she was deployed to Iraq). I wish you could have been there to hear her comments. I told her it was all Operation Chefs Unite. I am sorry that Hermann and Coop left when they did, because we had a special guest who had heard about the hospitality and had come to USO to see it for himself. It was a General, on his way back to Iraq, where he serves with those in high command.  He could not believe the great food! Roy from Phoenix dropped by and had lunch and conversation with the General. OH YES, the troops are eating well today with all of the leftovers. They loved the cabbage and strudel and pies and cake are all gone.

You all are great! Thank you,

Mary Lou Austin
President and CPO
USO Georgia, Inc.
404-761-8061
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