Cooking for Readiness: AFSC Airmen learn healthy food prep

DVIDS – News – Cooking for Readiness: AFSC Airmen learn healthy food prep

Cooking for Readiness: AFSC Airmen learn healthy food prep

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, OKLAHOMA, UNITED STATES

08.14.2026

Story by Grady Epperly 

Air Force Sustainment Center

Cooking for Readiness: AFSC Airmen learn healthy food prep
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Several Airmen will be trading take-out for home-cooked meals with knowledge gained from a recent cooking class hosted by the enlisted aide to the Air Force Sustainment Center commander at the Tinker Chapel here, Aug. 13.
During the taco-themed class, participants explored a range of cooking methods and techniques designed to promote healthy eating habits and the Air Force Comprehensive Fitness Resiliency Pillars.
“The class was really fun,” said Airman 1st Class Luke Nervaez, a 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron mission systems technician. “I will definitely use some of the skills I learned during the class as I start cooking more for myself.”
The class participants ranged from Airmen who live in the on-base dorms, live in off-base apartments, and spouses of military members.
“We learned a lot during this first class,” said Master Sgt. Ashley Hodges, enlisted aide to the Air Force Sustainment Center commander. “A highlight for me was seeing the participants from different units and backgrounds really mesh socially and watching natural leaders step forward,” said Hodges.
The group learned foundational skills such as knife techniques, balanced ingredient selection for nutrition, efficient meal preparation, and ways to create healthier versions of familiar foods.
“I wanted to come to the class to learn how to bring a taste of home here,” said Senior Airman Jose Luz-Valencia, a 552 AMXS missions systems journeyman.
“I’ve been aspiring to learn more about cooking and this class will help get me to the next level,” he added.
“Cooking is more social than a lot of people think and bringing people together over a meal can really help mental and spiritual health,” said Hodges. “My favorite part of the class was when we were able to sit together and enjoy the fruits of our labor.”
Future Cooking for Readiness classes will be held in the coming months. The classes will be scheduled in the afternoon and evening to ensure different shifts can attend.

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