F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Grab a tray, pick a station, place an order, wait patiently for delicious nutrition.
These are the steps for most of the people entering the Chadwell dining facility, including myself. On this particular day, I set my eyes on the egg station. Crack, sizzle, and flip is the sequence for the person manning the giant circular grill. Next thing you know, I have fresh delicious eggs cooked to order right in front of me.
Luckily, this experience was just one cog in the wheel of a machine known to most as the DFAC. I took a moment to stand and watch what appeared to be the physical representation of a symphony. Airmen carried large pans back and forth from the kitchen without bumping into each other or letting a single morsel hit the floor. Counters were wiped constantly and containers remained filled without missing a beat.
The DFAC caters to more than 500 people a day and they provide three square meals to Airmen living in the dorms and affordable prices for anyone with base access.
Tech. Sgt. Lardan Patten, 90th Force Support Squadron dining facility manager, said they take tremendous pride in giving quality, nutritious meals, along with great customer service.
“One thing we want people to know about the DFAC is that while Airmen are working hard guarding the gates, laying cement, working hard in their warehouse or whatever they do to contribute to our mission, we are working just as hard in the DFAC to make sure they receive a hot meal with a smile,” Patten said.
The DFAC offers something for everyone with a variety of options. There’s the main entrée line, pizza, deli, Mongolian grill, salad bar, smoothie station and more.
I also got to take a look behind the scenes in the kitchen. Beyond the mystery door was a wide area full of everything the Airmen and civilians needed to prep and cook between meal times.
I can honestly say my experience at the DFAC was fantastic and that is why I continue to go even after getting off the meal card. The customer service is beyond expectations and you can expect a good, guilt-free meal instead of grabbing fast food off base.
If you would like to come experience this firsthand, you should stop by. They are open from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.