From the Kitchen to the Fight: Building Readiness Through Cooking

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Larry Covington (center), 56th Force Support Squadron catering craftsman, sautés vegetables during a dorm cooking class, April 25, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Learning to cook together provides opportunities for Airmen to bond with peers, build friendships, and establish supportive social networks, strengthening their resilience and independence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Collette Brooks)

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From the Kitchen to the Fight: Building Readiness Through Cooking

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Larry Covington (center), 56th Force Support Squadron catering craftsman, answers a question about food safety protocols during a dorm cooking class, April 25, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The class cultivated practical life skills by building strong, well-rounded, and self-sufficient Airmen who are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to face the challenges of tomorrow’s fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Collette Brooks)

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From the Kitchen to the Fight: Building Readiness Through Cooking

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kaitlyn Moore, 56th Force Support Squadron resource advisor assistant, briefs Airmen on the importance of kitchen safety during a dorm cooking class, April 25, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This class focused on building camaraderie and resiliency through cooking while increasing connection among the Airmen, particularly those living away from home for the first time in their lives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Collette Brooks)

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From the Kitchen to the Fight: Building Readiness Through Cooking

Kristen David, 56th Medical Group health promotion dietitian, briefs Airmen on the importance of nutrition during a dorm cooking class, April 25, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Providing nutritional information throughout the class aided in enhancing the Airmen’s ability to prioritize care for health, supporting their adaptability in various duty environments, including deployments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Collette Brooks)

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From the Kitchen to the Fight: Building Readiness Through Cooking

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kaitlyn Moore, 56th Force Support Squadron resource advisor assistant, serves an Airman a plate of food during a dorm cooking class, April 25, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Providing Airmen with healthy food choices can help reduce the risk of illness and injury, keeping Airmen mission-capable. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Collette Brooks)

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From the Kitchen to the Fight: Building Readiness Through Cooking

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Larry Covington, 56th Force Support Squadron catering craftsman, plates food during a dorm cooking class, April 25, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The cooking class provided practical life skills that boost confidence and self-reliance, increasing personal resilience and contributing to overall readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Collette Brooks)

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From the Kitchen to the Fight: Building Readiness Through Cooking

Published April 28, 2025
By Staff Sgt. Collette Brooks
56th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Larry Covington (center), 56th Force Support Squadron catering craftsman, sautés vegetables during a dorm cooking class, April 25, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Learning to cook together provides opportunities for Airmen to bond with peers, build friendships, and establish supportive social networks, strengthening their resilience and independence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Collette Brooks)