Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Poultry Without Morals

I do a little bit of browsing through other blogs, especially mil blogs. I enjoy reading about the experiences of other soldiers and how they differ from mine. To be sure the experience here is highly individual. However, there are some things that are the same for every soldier, everywhere, at just about every point in history. One could, if one were so inclined, put the wartime experiences of the average soldier on something of a continuum. It would range from that which is perfectly individual (such as the fit of the uniform) through the semi-individual / semi-corporate (such as the sound of gunfire at various times of the day and night) all the way through the entirely corporate (such as dust and heat). And on the corporate end of that spectrum would be something that every soldier experiences every day, if not multiple times a day. I am, of course, referring to chickens.

In my humble estimation, chickens are THE common denominator of daily life for the American soldier. Because different soldiers are on different schedules most chow halls offer not a mere three meals but an impressive four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the ever popular and name free midnight meal. And while each meal will offer a variety of foods from which to choose, such as veal, green beans, milk, burritos, etc. Without exception something in the meal cornucopia is made of chicken.

It is staggering, when you think about it, the number of ways the average chicken can be prepared, modified, recycled and reused. It can be fried, broiled, basted, roasted, and barbecued. Truly unique among the ingredients of the world. And as everyone knows, anything that is either unidentifiable or heinously unpalatable is usually said to taste like the wonder food, chicken. It would take volumes to adequately explain the creativity with which the food service personnel manipulate this culinary delight. And as I think back on my many months overseas in support of the war effort, I believe I can say with very little uncertainty that the US Army euthanizes and consumes at least one hundred billion chickens a day.

While I normally try to include in my entries some point, reason or moral, today I have none. Today's entry is little more than an ode for the food of the masses...our friend, the chicken. That said, it's dinner time and today I'm in the mood for a big, succulent piece of meatloaf.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are in our prayers. I visit often and pray for your safety and the safety of those around you. God bless.

DM
Yuma, Az

Anonymous said...

So funny! I've never been by your blog before, but my husband laughed at your post this morning, and sent it to me.

Which led me to enjoy a great morning chuckle.

Question: "So, what does fried gator tail taste like?"
Answer: "Tastes like chicken."

Question: "So, what does crawfish taste like?"
Answer: "Oh, kinda like chicken."

on and on...

Blessings to you,
Danielle

Anonymous said...

Got a tip from Hugh to your site. I'm really liking it and have bookmarked it. We thank God for those who are risking their lives to protect our country. God Bless.

From the Agent,
Tim

Anonymous said...

wonderful site. would like to email you. is it possible? Lord bless.
Mike

Some Soldier's Mom said...

wonderful blog... I am always delighted when you have a new post.

wonder chicken indeed!

Anonymous said...

A friend just sent me Training for Eternity.

It was very touching and I wrote him to thank him. I then realized you're the one to thank.

As a parent, I know about sacrifices, particularly those that go unnoticed.

Your sacrifice is twofold and I want you to know that you and all the troops are remembered daily, through thoughts and prayers for your sacrifices.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

During the first Gulf War, several of us (Marines) pooled our chicken-based MRE's of various flavors, added some dehydrated okra and spices, cooked it over an open fire, and , voila! Gumbo ala Jarhead was born.
Steve Carr

Chaplain Lewis said...

OK Steve, that has to be one of the top ten best comments ever! I'm gonna have to try that sometime.

Greg said...

Good post, Brad. Thanks. I linked it.

Pat in NC said...

My thanks to you for your service as I recall past and current military who have and are protecting our nation.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I just started visiting your site and am loving it! You have one of the most important jobs there is to have in the military.

Keep the faith!

Alex Ludd said...

Any relation?

Anonymous said...

Hope you're OK, Chaplain...haven't heard from you in awhile...

Anonymous said...

As a fomer Cook in the Air Force I can say that the only meal that didn't have Chicken on the menu is one that we had Turkey on it.

Great post Chaplain

Cajuncook

Greg said...

You OK, Brad? You haven't posted in a long time, I'm starting to worry.

Anonymous said...

Brad - When I was in Vietnam, the common denominator was roast beef. Sounds like those cows who work for Chick Fille have been successful!

3D

tinygrandma said...

I stumbled by your site in search of an image of a C-17. I really enjoyed your "observations" about chicken in the military. I'm adding you to my favorites!

D E Powers said...

I was on KP one day while stationed in Germany and heard the Mess Sargent chewing out his people over their preparation or non preparation of chicken served that day. Don't think the kitchen crew were able to sit down for hours,