• FORT EISENHOWER, Ga.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Troop Store here marked its first anniversary on May 30 in a novel sort of way … it staged a hot dog eating contest between drill sergeants and Advanced Individualized Training (AIT) Soldiers.
The results of the contest went beyond those who emerged victorious during the competition.
THE IDEA
Located at the epicenter of where AIT Soldiers train and live, the Troop Store has proven to be a popular spot among service members and civilians who work in the area.
“I hopped on it and started pushing the word out,” said Staff Sgt. Stevie Curry, a drill sergeant with Delta Company, 369th Signal Battalion of the competition.
On this particular day, Troop Store Shift Manager Yvonne Jones wanted some of the celebration to focus on drill sergeants and AIT Soldiers.
“Usually when I see them together, it’s the drill sergeant hovering over the [Soldiers], so I wanted them to face each other and have some fun,” Jones said, adding that she asked several drill sergeants if they wanted to participate, and Curry was the only one who jumped on the opportunity.
THE COMPETITION
Three drill sergeants and five AIT Soldiers participated in the contest. Each contestant received three hot dogs with buns and was given an opportunity to select toppings from the hot dog bar. Bottled water was optional.
Upon their being seated at the competition table, Jones announced the rules of engagement, which were simple: eat all three hot dogs and buns, then stand up when finished.
The two Soldiers (drill sergeant and/or AIT) who finished in the least amount of time received prizes. First place went to Pfc. Ethan Carrasco, of Charlie Company, 369th Signal Battalion. He finished in 1 minute, 39 seconds, and received a bag filled with Army swag.
Curry finished second and was given a dozen bundt cakes.
BOOSTING CAMARADERIE, MORALE
However, the real prize was something less tangible.
Having been in the Army for about 11 years, Curry has experienced good and bad leadership; he strives to mimic the good.
“I’m always all for building camaraderie amongst troops — trying to break barriers — because a lot of times, troops forget drill sergeants are human just like them,” Curry said.
For him, sometimes that means seeing how fast he can eat three hot dogs, in the presence of his troops, and having no regrets.
“When I [enlisted] … I didn’t think that drill sergeants cared, and to me, as a drill sergeant, one thing I want to do — while still enforcing discipline — is I want to bridge that gap,” Curry said.
“Morale-boosting events like these are important,” he explained. “I can be tough on the Soldiers, but they always know I’m going to be honest and will help when I can.”
ANOTHER CONTEST
Fort Eisenhower Soldiers who missed this event might have another opportunity, as Jones said she plans to host one more hot dog contest in July.
Laura Levering, U.S. Army Signal School and editor-in-chief of the Army Communicator, assisted with this story.
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
