Special guests cook for AFMAO staff

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Age or ailments didn't deter Herman and Marjorie Williams from traveling to Dover Air Force Base to help their son and his team host a luncheon for the men and women at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs Aug. 25.

Actor and veteran Montel Williams returned to Dover to show his respect to those who care for the fallen and their families.

His first visit to Dover was as a guest speaker at the dedication of the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen in November.

He vowed then to return and barbecue for the people who support the sacred mission.

"This is the unit tasked with taking care of the military and their families at the darkest of times," said Williams.

It's a job they do with not many thank you's or hoo-ha's, he added.

"They do their job to perfection every single day," said Williams. "This is just a little bit of respect I can show them."

The former Marine and Naval officer is an avid supporter for troops and their families. He is a trustee with the Fisher House Foundation and has traveled to some Fisher House locations with his family and friends to prepare meals for people staying there.

With the help of friends and family, he fed approximately 140 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians who support the mortuary mission. They were treated to ribs, seafood, chili, multiple salads and smoothies.

The smell of barbecue ribs was looming in the halls while fish was being hand-battered and fried by Montel's mother and sister.

His father Herman, a Baltimore native, made crab cakes for the luncheon. It's his special recipe Montel said Oprah Winfrey's been trying to get her hands on.

"He made 160 by hand for you all today," said Montel.

Those who tried them had glowing reviews.

"Mmmm delectable," raved 1st Lt. Lucas Bohannan, deployed to the mortuary from Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

"They were wonderful," added Tech. Sgt. Carmel Brooks, who is assigned to the 512th Memorial Affairs Squadron here, but deployed in support of the mission.

Some folks even confessed to sneaking extra crab cakes because they were so tasty. 

The ribs also garnered a lot of praise. 

Senior Master Sgt. Michelle Williams was amazed at how good they were.

"I don't even eat ribs," she said. "I tasted those and I was like oh my goodness, I have to get some more -- the flavor, everything was good."

As much as those who were able to partake in the luncheon were appreciative, the team who prepared the food, were the ones to offer thanks.

"We want to say thank you for letting us serve you," Montel said. "As you think no one remembers you -- we do."