Team Buckley's palates delighted with annual chili cook-off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Riley Johnson
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
"Wish I had time for just one more bowl of chili," said Kit Carson, an American frontiersman, on his death bed.

Sixteen chili artisans competed in the 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off hosted by the Buckley Air Force Base Chapel Feb. 6. More than 100 Team Buckley members turned out at the Buckley chapel with appetites and spoons in hand.

"Competition this year was tougher than ever," said Col. Dan Dant, 460th SW commander, one of the six judges.

Master Sgt. Jesse Quick, Air Reserve Personnel Center, won the best overall chili and the best red chili awards.

Competitors submitted a variety of chili recipes to include red, white and green chili, as well as pork, chicken, beef and venison chili; and the most unique was cactus chili.

"The secret is lots of cheese," said Lt. Col. Shane Sullivan, 460th Space Wing chief of safety. Sullivan's white chicken chili claimed the People's Choice Award.

Col. Tracey Hayes, 460th SW vice commander, contented many with her Cincinnati chili from a 20-year-old family recipe. Debbie Cruz, chapel secretary, won the judges' taste buds in the hot chili category and as well as the best green chili category.

Following the cook-off, a short devotion was given as part of the monthly chapel luncheon.

The cook-off was a good opportunity for everyone to get together, listen to a positive message and fellowship, said Dant.