FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, UNITED STATES

08.03.2023

Story by Spc. Annie Riley 

109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment 

“I’m a cook so I’m here to help you and give you food and nutrition”, said Spc. June Marie Santiago, a native of Brooklyn, New York and a culinary specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

As a culinary specialist, she cooks meals and works alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and enjoy a hot meal in between training or missions. Culinary specialists are responsible for preparing and servicing meals both in the field and at home stations, as well as ordering, inspecting food supplies and keeping the kitchen safe and sanitary.

Santiago has stated that while being a cook is difficult at times, her unit’s mission is just that important.

“One of the most difficult parts for me about being a cook is serving a hundred plus people a day and waking up at the break of dawn”, she said. “It’s ok though because I’m doing it for a purpose. What I’m doing is going to help you guys and feed you guys.”

Santiago says she joined the Army for the benefits it provided as well as for the excitement it provides.

“There were better opportunities and benefits, as well as a better income, but the reason I joined the Army was because I was bored. One day, I woke up and I thought ‘Let’s join the Army,'” said Santiago. “Choose your MOS wisely. Find something that’d help you in the civilian world. Find something that you can benefit from.”

Through her culinary expertise and unwavering commitment, Santiago exemplifies the spirit of service that defines the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, reminding us that even in the kitchen a soldier’s dedication knows no bounds.