MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Lance Cpl. Jose Flores Jr. proved that he is one of the best food service specialists Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni has to offer during the Chef of the Quarter board back in August, but now he can claim that he is one of the best in Japan.
Flores brought home the 2nd place trophy after competing in the Marine Corps Bases Japan Chef of the Quarter board at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Sept. 17.
He began his morning at 9 a.m., dressed in his service “C” uniform with nine other Marines from Okinawa and Camp Fuji.
They waited in a classroom where they were given a 30-question written exam, consisting of basic Marine Corps and foodservice knowledge.
Flores made sure to do the best he possibly could.
“I was the last to finish the test,” he said.
After the exam each Marine anxiously awaited the next portion of the board.
The Marines were called one by one into the board room, where two sergeants, two staff sergeants, two gunnery sergeants, two master sergeants and a master gunnery sergeant sat at a table waiting to grill the next competitor.
Each board member was allowed to ask two questions about anything food service related, including the galley, bakeshop, field mess and the Marine Corps Management Information System.
While one person was in the board, the others studied together. “It was a friendly competition,” said Flores, “but it was still a competition.”
After the board finally finished, all 10 antsy Marines stood in formation, sweating bullets and waiting to hear who won.
The food service officer of Marine Corps Bases Japan announced Flores as the second place winner.
“That’s the best that anyone from Iwakuni has done in a long time,” said Master Sgt. John B. Bass, a food service technician.
Lance Cpl. Earl Lee joked that he taught Flores everything he knows.
“I’m just kidding,” said Lee. “I’m proud of him. He did a really good job.”
Flores said he is happy that he did so well but knows that he could have won.
“I froze on a couple questions that I knew and lost by three points,” Flores said.
He also added that he hopes to compete in as many other boards as he can but plans on being a little more prepared the next time.
“If I do it again, I won’t accept anything but first.”