Warren's missile chef serves Air Force's highest ranking members

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dan Gage
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  During his visit to F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Gen. Mark Welsh, Chief of Staff of the Air Force met some of the best the Air Force has to offer in nuclear deterrence.

One Airman in particular grabbed Welsh's attention while he was touring Warren's missile alert facility Echo-01 Nov. 19. That Airman, who Welsh would reference in a speech he gave later in the month, was preparing lunch that day.

Airman 1st Class Davell James, 319th Missile Squadron chef, feeds the deterrence mission on a daily basis here, though he stood out through his outstanding performance and professional attitude exhibited to the highest ranking members of the Air Force.

Though he has yet to reach the two-year mark in his enlistment, James has stood out in his position enough to be hand selected to prepare lunch during Welsh's visit with Chief Master Sgt. James Roy, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force.

James, a native of San Bernardino, Cali., has been working in the missile field for nine months and says he enjoys the opportunity to interact with his fellow Airmen.

"You build a relationship with the people you work with," James said. "I know what certain people will order and when they will order it. It makes my job easier and helps them enjoy their time in the field more."

Preparing meals is only part of James' job in the field, he also plays a crucial role in raising morale and assisting the facility manager.

"We schedule and organize movie nights and game tournaments," he explained. "My favorite part of my job is interacting with my fellow Airmen, these events help everyone get to know each other better."

Meeting with the two highest ranking members of the Air Force and having the opportunity to showcase his skills proved to James just how close the Air Force is.

"I don't want to say it was overwhelming but it really took me off guard," said James. "They talked to everyone, really got to know them, and after we ate and took a group photo and they left, it really made me realize how tight knit everyone is.

"It's incredible to have such high ranking members come out and talk to you personally, ask you questions and answer your questions. It really drives home the fact that we are a military family."

James, one of three siblings who grew up in a military household said the experience could play a part in his decision to follow in his parents footsteps.

"My parents were both in the Army," James explained. "My father retired and my mother served an enlistment while raising my brother, sister and myself.

"They inspired me to join," he said.

James said that while his parent's experiences motivated him to join the Air Force, his own experiences such as this pushed him to make the Air Force a career.