Photo slideshow: Lunch on Rocky Top

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
  • I.G. Brown Training and Education Center
MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. --  Students in the Air Force's NCO academy class at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center ate lunch here Nov. 10 at the base dining facility, like any other class day: Up on Rocky Top.

Located a short walk from the TEC's classrooms, and above the 134th Air Refueling Wing's medical squadron, base personnel call it the Rocky Top for its view of the Smoky Mountains.

"Lunch is our most popular meal," said Senior Master Sgt. Joel Anderson, superintendent from the wing's sustainment services flight.

The flight's 41 part-time and four fulltime Airmen help to feed the TEC's hungry students and staff, but they also support their wing, National Guard Soldiers, retirees, state workers, airport personnel, visitors, and construction workers.

Thirty-one state employees are in the kitchen too, and they helped serve 87,751 breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the last year. 

"Our most popular meals tend to be specialty meals, served every Wednesday," said Anderson.

Anderson said that they serve Asian, Italian, Hispanic, German, Cajun or various other themed meals on those days. There is an alternate food line with staple eats, including chicken, sandwiches, hamburgers, beans, chips and fries, among other items. There is also a full salad bar with soup and fresh veggies.

Lunch is from 10:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., for $5.55, at the standard, service member rate. The facility also serves dinner from 4:45 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. for $4.85 and breakfast from 5:45 a.m. until 8 a.m. for $3.45. Rates and hours are subject to change.

Click the link here to view a slideshow of photographs.