Competitions

Events We Hold For Active Duty

History of the VSN Sponsored Awards

  • The last MCC was in 2018, marking the end of a 15-year run.
  • 3 years at the Maryland Restaurant Association trade show in Baltimore and 12 years at the Fall Festival outside Marine Barracks, Washington, DC.

Las Vegas Review Journal 2016

Historic Interviews

  • The Grill Sergeant (2009): Founder Edward Manley, co-chair Jesse Camacho, and White House Chef Walter Scheib discuss the start of the competition.
  • Walter Scheib, who passed away in 2015, was featured in this interview.

Stars and Stripes Interview (2012)

  • Discusses how the event found a home at Marine Barracks in 2007 with event co-chair Jesse Camacho, MGySgt, USMC (Ret).

2017 Military Culinary Competition Photos

  • Congratulations to the 2018 winning team from the White House: CS1's Cameron Tirabassi, Alexandra Cross, Kara Gray, and Lorenzo Singh.
  • 2nd place: Homeland Security HQ - CS1 Scott Jeffries, CS3 Chris Powell, CS3 Ward Brown, CS2 Noah Holbertson.
  • 3rd place: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - SSG Francisco Jaramillo, SSG Luis Irizarry, SGT Judy Luna, TSgt Andy Alvarez.

2017 Military Culinary Competition Photos

  • Funded student travel and provided $500 extra for University of Maryland, Eastern Shore students.

Event Coordination

  • The event coordinated with the Barracks Row Fall Festival, attracting over 10,000 people to 8th Street outside Marine Barracks.
  • Prizes include $500 for each first-place team member, $250 each for second, and $125 each for third, as well as commemorative coins for winners.

Marine Corps Winner - 2023 VSN Inter-Service Enlisted Aide of the Year Award

  • Cameron Harrell's Promotion to GySgt - Attended Cameron Harrell's promotion ceremony at Strategic Air Command where General Cotton promoted him. Harrell appeared on Chopped and Chef Robert Irvine's show.
  • Key Supporters - Created by Edward Manley with support from Elaine Rogers, CMSgt Patrick Moore, and MGySgt Jesus Camacho in 2003.
  • 22nd Board & Ceremony 
  • Tentatively scheduled for Sept. 29-30, location at the Ritz-Carlton for the board and the Pentagon Hall of Heroes for the ceremony.
  • Special recognition at Chef Robert Irvine's Red, Wine & Blues dinner at the Ritz.
  • Co-chairs: Former Chief of Naval Operations ADM & Mrs. John Richardson, along with five 3-4 star officials.
  • 2024 Update
  • Robert Irvine Foundation becomes the official presenter of the Inter-service EAOY, taking over from Edward Manley and the Veteran’s Support Network (VSN).
  • Excited for the upcoming collaboration.
  • Additional Sponsors & Presenters (2023) - International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA), Monster Energy, Foodservice Institute, Warrior Enterprises, Patrick Moore (Boeing), Kyle Busch, and key managers including Caroline Hunter (Irvine), Elaine Rogers, Pat Moore, Dana Richardson, and Edward Manley (VSN).
  • Award Purpose - Honors those who serve the Admirals and Generals in their homes.

The 2020 EAOY Competition

  • Lots of good information, mostly done before the award show.
USO Logo

The 21st Enlisted Aide of the Year Award (EAOY) - Tentative Date

  • September 29-30, 2024
  • Award Host
  • Initially hosted by the Metro-DC USO Salute to Military Chef's Dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, from inception to 2021.
  • Managed by the USO in 2020-2021 under Elaine Rogers' leadership.
  • In 2022, ownership returned to the Veteran's Support Network (VSN), with collaboration from the Robert Irvine Foundation and event management at the Pentagon.
  • Recent EAOY Winners
  • 2019: SSG Justin R. Chase (U.S. Army Cyber Command)
  • 2020: SSgt Darnell Morris (U.S. Central Command)
  • 2021: CS1 Georges Labaki (U.S. Navy)
  • 2022: MSgt Michael Bogle (U.S. Army, 1st Cavalry)
  • 2023: SSgt Cameron Harrell (U.S. Strategic Command)
  • Service Wins
  • Army: 7 wins
  • Coast Guard and Marine Corps: 4 wins each
  • Navy and Air Force: 3 wins each
  • Event Highlights
  • Presentation at the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, alongside the Medal of Honor recipients.
  • The Irvine Foundation’s Red, Wine & Blues Dinner at the Ritz.

Photos Provided by USO

Two men are standing next to each other in a room preparing food.
A woman in a military uniform is applauding while standing next to a man at a podium.
A large group of people are sitting at tables in a large room.
A group of people in military uniforms standing in front of a us army banner
A group of people are sitting around a table preparing food.

Championship Belt & Ring

  • Championship Belt Showcase - WWE’s Dana Warrior & Corey Graves, Edward Manley, Robert Irvine, and key individuals such as Vice Chairman Joint Chiefs GEN Paul Silva and many others.
  • USO Metro DC President Elaine Rogers, Founder Edward Manley, and various service members and sponsors at the event.
IFSEA Logo
WWE Logo

2017 Inter-Service Enlisted Aide of the Year Award Winner

  • MSgt Scott Strippoli
  • Award ceremony held at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, in conjunction with the USO Salute to Military Chefs, supported by WWE.
  • This event is a significant career milestone for enlisted servicepersons.
  • Prizes include $500 for the Enlisted Aide of the Year and $250 each for service winners, along with a WWE Title belt.
A group of men are holding a wwe championship belt
A group of people in military uniforms are standing in front of an american flag.
A man in a military uniform is holding a wrestling ring.
A group of people standing in front of a usa banner
A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a uso sign

If you’re ready to make a difference for our fellow Americans, we encourage you to reach out. The Vet Support Network and its partners are excited to connect with you.

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