Vance Airmen get chopped at Autry Tech

  • Published
  • By David Poe
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Vance Air Force Base and Autry Technology Center in Enid got things cooking in the month of March.

The vocational school welcomed Team Vance for a four-part advanced culinary course, which ended with a cooking competition in Autry Tech's kitchen, March 30.

Vance Airmen went to Autry Tech through the base's Single Airman Programming Initiative. SAPI is a Force Support Squadron program that connects active-duty or Reserve Airmen without spouses with quality-of-life opportunities.

As a part of the competition, in the style of the reality TV show "Chopped," Airmen were given a list of surprise ingredients that they had to use in a meal, which was then judged by Vance leaders in attendance.

Chief Master Sgt. Peter Speen, the 71st Flying Training Wing command chief, served as one of the night's judges and said that SAPI isn't only about introducing Airmen to the communities where they live - it's also about introducing the communities to America's Airmen.

"One of the things I tell the Airmen is 'get out into the community, and when you get out into the community, show people how awesome Airmen are,'" he said. "When they get out to a place like Autry Tech and impress some of the leaders here - job well done. I don't have to speak for them - all I do is cheer."

Started in 2012, SAPIs are endorsed by the office of the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force and are operated through installation Force Support Squadrons.

Chief Master Sgt. Melvina Smith, the 71st Mission Support Group superintendent, said SAPI was just one example of the Air Force's commitment to serving the "whole person" healthy lifestyle.

"I believe that quality of life is one of the things that keep our Airmen in the Air Force - not only the Airman, but an Airman's family," she said. "Whether it is standard of living, housing, schooling, or the fitness facilities they need to be able to do what we ask them to do in their jobs, all of that goes into the quality of life."

According to Airman 1st Class Ariel Schlenther, a 71st Medical Operations Squadron Aerospace Physiology technician, the SAPI mission was accomplished at Autry Tech in March.

"Before I joined, I thought the military was very regimented," Schlenther said. "I never really took the initiative to get into these kind of programs - I was one of those homebodies who stayed in my room and did a lot of homework. Even with school, I'm going to get out more. I had a lot of fun."

Although SAPI is intended for single Airmen on a first-come-first-served basis, events that have vacant seats are opened to the greater base community, which includes almost anyone authorized to use FSS activities.

For more information on Vance SAPI opportunities, check out future Vance Bulletins or contact your organization's SAPI representative.