TV chef cooks up a winner for Sheppard Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike Hammond
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  It took him 10 grueling hours of work, a frantic trip to a Wichita Falls retailer for ingredients, and the help of dozens of Airmen, but Chef Robert Irvine fed 1,000 people at the Air Force's 60th Anniversary banquet at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

In an episode of the Food Network's hit series, "Dinner: Impossible," that first aired Jan. 23, Chef Irvine and his crew were challenged to cook and serve a first-class meal for the Sheppard AFB celebratory banquet. 

True to the series' plot, Brig. Gen. Richard T. Devereaux, the 82nd Training Wing commander, started the episode by giving Mr. Irvine a tight timeline for success.

During the episode, taped Sept. 22, 2007, Sheppard AFB Airmen are heavily featured as they help the chef and his crew prepare the meal. One NCO played a different role.

Senior Master Sgt. Terry Neuharth, superintendent of military training at Sheppard AFB, played a spoiler of sorts. 

"Every episode of the show, they have a 'bad cop,'" Sergeant Neuharth said. "Because of my job as a military training leader and the superintendent of training here, General Devereaux asked me to fill that role."

Throughout the show, Sergeant Neuharth is seen checking in on Chef Irvine's progress and applying pressure to complete the task on time. Despite his on-air skepticism, Sergeant Neuharth said he truly enjoyed being involved in the effort and was pleased with the finished product.

"I was actually surprised at how much the show focused on us and not just the food aspect," Sergeant Neuharth said. "Also, the broadcast was very true to how it actually was. It really wasn't very scripted."

As 7 p.m. rolled around and the banquet began, the payoff for attendees was a meal touted by those interviewed as the best they'd ever eaten at an official function. 

"I was there, and I still don't really know how he managed to pull it off," Sergeant Neuharth said. 

The show ended with Chef Irvine getting a surprise uniquely Air Force: A thrilling flight in a T-38 Talon, courtesy of members of Sheppard AFB.

Besides the world-class meal, Sheppard AFB Airmen experienced what it takes to produce a hit TV show. In addition, Chef Irvine got the ride of his life. 

Viewers nationwide can tune in as the show re-airs at midnight Central Standard Time Jan. 24 or 2 p.m. Feb. 2.  

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