GySgt William Koch, U.S. Marine Corps (1976-1996)

During my military service, I experienced a wide spectrum of culinary delights and horrors, each leaving a lasting impression on me.

It was the summer of 1981 when I found myself stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. As a young Sergeant attending inter-service training, I had yet to hear about the Air Force’s legendary dining facilities. Stepping into the chow hall for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon welcomed me, and rows of neatly set tables with actual plates and cutlery awaited. It was a stark departure from the mess halls I knew during my time with 2nd Battalion 8th Marines where your plate was a steel tray sectioned off.

At Lowry Air Force Base, the menu changed daily, offering a wide array from hearty breakfasts to exceptional dinners. On special occasions, such as one memorable evening celebrating an event, steak and lobster were served a true treat amidst military life where such luxuries were rare.

The atmosphere in the Lowry dining hall was relaxed and congenial. Personnel from all of the Armed Services mingled over meals, creating a sense of camaraderie and community that extended beyond mere sustenance.

In stark contrast, my worst chow experience came during Operation Desert Shield/Storm in the scorching deserts of Saudi Arabia. There, I had to eat “Meal, Ready-to-Eat” or MREs. Designed for convenience and durability in combat conditions, MREs lacked the culinary appeal of Lowry Air Force Base’s offerings or even the chowhalls of Camp Lejeune.

In the desert heat, I would often find myself seated on the sand, opening a brown plastic pouch containing my MRE. The contents varied dehydrated beef stew, crackers, and a chemical heater to warm the main course. While sufficient in providing essential nutrients and calories, the meals were a far cry from the dining pleasures back home.

Eating an MRE became a ritual, a reminder of the harsh conditions and the gravity of our mission. Taste and texture were secondary concerns; survival and focus were paramount.

The memories of enjoying well-cooked meals at Lowry Air Force Base with friends and the bonds that forged stood in stark contrast to the utilitarian nature of MREs in the desert but even then mealtime was a bonding experience where we were able to share stories about our lives and our loved ones. Each meal, whether lavish or basic, played its role in my military journey reflecting the different facets of military life from comfort and camaraderie to sacrifice and resilience.

No matter the circumstance, the military always ensured I had the nourishment needed. Through good times and bad, I never went hungry.

Read the Military Memories of our Runner-Ups.