• FLORENCE MILITARY RESERVATION, Ariz.
The 905th Quartermaster Field Feeding Platoon kicked off the 56th Annual Philip A. Connelly Competition, demonstrating the critical role of food service in sustaining Army readiness and capability.
Established in 1968, the competition recognizes excellence in Army food service across the nation. National Guard units throughout the United States compete in the National Guard category, advancing from state to regional levels, where they face off against each state’s best.
In the reserve and National Guard categories, evaluators assess a single meal — lunch — featuring fresh, refrigerated, or frozen foods.
The competition evaluates overall unit performance, including foodservice quality, maintenance, and sanitation, fostering a competitive spirit that drives operational excellence.
COMPETING/SUPPORTING
Not only are the 905th Quartermaster Field Feeding Platoon in Florence competing in the competition, but they are also supporting units currently training.
“We are here to feed the 996th Area Support Medical Company, Marine Corps Air Station personnel, and the 159th Finance Company,” said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Thompson. “We’re also participating in the 56th Connelly Competition, operating a field feeding site with a mobile kitchen trailer, field sanitation center, and water supply.”
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Dawn Broe noted, “I think it actually is encouraging, because being in the military, you’re very competitive to start off with, but it encourages cohesion and encourages people to reach out and do their best.”
“I just love watching it, because you can see that they put a lot of time into working together as a team,” Broe added.
SUSTAINING SOLDIERS
Sustaining Soldiers with quality nutrition is vital for maintaining a lethal force.
“Feeding the fight …100 percent … Soldiers that are hungry are more dizzy, more lightheaded, where you’re just not able to focus in a really intense situation,” Thompson said. “It’s not because the soldiers are distracted by their illness, it’s because the body is just not able to meet the needs that are being demanded of them.”
Without support units like the 905th Quartermaster Field Feeding Platoon, combat units would be unable to operate effectively.
Their mission is clear: fuel the force, maintain readiness, and enhance lethality.
Source: 123rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment via DVIDS
Edited by Larry Lapka
