F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Providing for more than 500 members daily, the Chadwell Dining Facility aims to keep military members fit to fight while offering eight modern and healthy food style choices. The dining facility is not only a place to eat, but also serves as a foundation for the physical pillar of resiliency.
The strength in that foundation can be found in the force support Airmen who take their job seriously and understand the importance of their contribution to the mission.
Brand new to the Air Force, Airman Candace Ellenburg, 90th Force Support Squadron food service apprentice, understands the value of food service, is invested in the mission, and finds personal improvement within her new career.
“People need to eat,” said Ellenburg. “Going hungry affects your focus, and a lack of focus negatively impacts the mission.”
Beginning her day at 4:30 a.m., Ellenburg puts her best foot forward and assists with supplying three meals a day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Enjoying her job, very little disturbs her positive attitude.
“Having eight stations allows me to practice my culinary skills and challenges me to become an expert at my job,” Ellenburg stated. “And it’s always a good day when I’m not assigned to the grill.”
Admiring the DFAC’s food transformation initiative to provide healthy options, she appreciates being able to assist Airmen with meeting their physical goals and the Air Force fitness standards.
Ellenburg stated that it is great to see people coming from the gym and being able to make a hearty salad, stir fry or smoothie.
Stationed at F.E. Warren for less than a year, Ellenburg already looks for opportunities to support her wingmen and increase her skill set.
“Airman Ellenburg is highly motivated and is willing to step outside of her comfort zone with maximum effort,” stated Senior Airman Katelyn Bryson, 90 FSS food service accountant. “She is a team player who is eager learn about what we do. She has progressed so quickly, she will begin training soon to become a shift-leader which is a position normally filled by a staff sergeant or a senior airman.”
A contributing factor to her enthusiasm is her leadership and the support they provide.
“My leadership is always present,” Ellenburg said. “When I see them working with me, it shows me that what we do is important. They constantly encourage and tell us every day that we do a good job.”
Ellenburg plans to serve for 20 years. Understanding the importance of force support as a whole, she is excited to experience other areas and provide for all personnel.
“I believe it’s our job to really take care of everyone,” said Ellenburg. “Morale events, fitness, food, lodging, all of that comes from us. Without those things chances are there would be a lot of unhappy, out of shape, and hungry people on base.”
The Chadwell DFAC is 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.