(From left) U.S. Air Force Col. John Bansemer with three members of the Fort McHenry Composite Squadron chili cook-off team -- 1st Lt. Jim Holcomb and Capts. Sherry McManus and Donald Ells.
Photo by Maj. Doug Barth
Maj. Douglas Barth
Public Affairs Officer
Fort McHenry Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing
MARYLAND -- Fort McHenry Composite Squadron members made their mark recently during a return engagement at the Fort Meade Chili Cook-off, serving up “Search and Rescue Chili” and “Mom’s Secret Rocket Fuel Chili” and using the opportunity to promote Civil Air Patrol and its programs to the more than 250 in attendance.
“Mom’s Secret Rocket Fuel Chili” was awarded second place in the “Spicy Chili” category. This year 19 teams offered more than 25 chili recipes in the annual event, sponsored by the First Six Association of the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing at Fort Meade.
The squadron’s team consisted of:
- Maj. Doug Barth, public affairs officer.
- Capts. Donald Ells, Sherry McManus and Larry Moore.
- 1st Lt. Jim Holcomb.
In addition to dishing out prize-winning chili, squadron members had the opportunity to talk with a number of active-duty personnel about volunteering with CAP, Maryland Wing activities, opportunities for youth and the organization’s primary missions – Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs.
A number of Air Force personnel expressed interest on behalf of both themselves and their families. Several also offered to attend squadron meetings to talk about leadership development and share their experiences in the Air Force.
Air Force Col. John Bansemer, commander of the sponsoring wing and one of the judges, took a few minutes while sampling the squadron’s fare to thank the members for their participation at the event and for the community service CAP performs.
Several Fort McHenry squadron members of Fort McHenry Squadron are active-duty Air Force, including cook-off team members Ells, the squadron’s commander and an Air Force staff sergeant, and Moore, deputy commander for seniors and an Air Force technical sergeant, as well as:
- Senior Member Aaron Bechtel, an Air Force staff sergeant.
- Senior Member Victoria Burke, an Air Force senior airman.
- Senior Member Matthew Fleecs, an Air Force staff sergeant.
