LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --
Team Little Rock Airmen who live in the dormitories gathered
together to learn the fundamentals of cooking during a unique class held Sept.
14, 2016, at the Crossroads Café on Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
The dorm council is an organization made for Airmen to
address their concerns and ideas on improving dormitory quality of life.
“The purpose of the class is to provide our Airmen an
opportunity to grow and give them the knowledge on how to prepare meals in the
future,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Noah Villanueva, 19th Force Support
Squadron dormitory management superintendent.
The brainchild of Villanueva and the dorm council was taught
by Jill Hinsley, a 19th Medical Group dietician.
Before the cooking began, Hinsley briefed the Airmen on food
care and rules to follow in the kitchen. She also stressed the importance of
hygiene when preparing a meal.
“We can make all this great food but if you get somebody
sick, it’s not going to be fun,” Hinsley said.
Airmen were given the opportunity to participate in cooking
meals – all of which were made in a microwave. Dishes included chili, an omelet
and steamed broccoli.
“The cooking class is a great example of Airmen expressing
their interests and desires to dorm leadership and actions being taken to
implement their ideas in a fun and educational way,” said U.S. Air Force Airman
1st Class Bryce Baker, 19th Operation Support Squadron air traffic controller.
The knowledge Airmen learned in the class can be applied to
both easy meals and healthy choices.
“A plate full of colorful vegetables and fruit including
about a palm-sized portion of quality protein every meal is one of the keys to
good nutrition,” Hinsley said.
“It feels good to know that there are people who care about
your health,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joseph Harris, 19th
Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance apprentice. “I can honestly
say I learned more today about cooking than I have throughout my life.”
Airmen interested in joining the dorm council may attend any
of the monthly meetings; the dates of whice are sent out in a monthly email.
For more information about nutrition and health, contact
Jill Hinsley at (501) 987-7288