On a typical morning, Army Spc. Benjamin Ross is up before dawn to feed the U.S. service members and Defense Department civilians deployed to the National Police Training Academy in Monrovia, Liberia, in support of Operation United Assistance.
“We need more vegetables!” shouted Army Staff Sgt. Dedric White, a Portsmouth, Virginia, native and a senior food operations sergeant for Forward Support Company, 62nd Battalion, 36th Engineer.
“Roger, sergeant,” replied Army Spc. Benjamin Ross, a Chicago native and food service specialist, as he grabbed a pan of green beans to hand to White.
Keeping Everyone Smiling
The hours are long for the soldiers who feed more than 700 people daily, but Ross tries to keep everyone smiling. “Ross is like the comedian here,” White said. “He's always joking, he loves music, and he keeps everyone laughing and entertained.”
Customer satisfaction is his top priority, Ross said. “I'm really happy that I can provide quality meals to customers,” he added. “The look on their faces, the positive comments that they say about the food and the support really highlight my day.”
Important Mission in Austere Environment
Ross said that because the unit is operating in an austere environment, his mission is especially important.
“Without two hot meals a day, the soldiers’ morale would be down,” Ross said. “We help bring up the morale by going above and beyond of what we are supposed to do. We don't just serve food. We decorate the [dining facility]. We get creative with the meal and how we set it up. During the holidays is when we really show out.”
Volunteered for the Mission
Ross said he wanted to help support the mission to fight Ebola in Liberia.
“I volunteered to come here and provide support to the cooks as well as provide support to the soldiers,” he said. “While the soldiers are out in the economy building Ebola treatment units, they can always come back and enjoy a hot meal.
“I really love what I do,” he continued. “Although it's tough now, I know later on I will appreciate it more, especially since I'm part of something big.”
White said Ross has a passion for his work that will help him progress in his career.
“I see a lot of potential in Ross,” the staff sergeant said. “I see him being very successful in the military. He has some ways to go, but I'm going to help him get there.”
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