Marine tastes the sweet life

By Corporal Simone Liebelt

LCPL Homer Moore, USMC, stationed in Iwakuni, Japan, but working at the Airmens’ Mess, RAAF Base Tindal, during Exercise Southern Frontier.

Photo by CPL Simone Liebelt.

IT’S no surprise this Marine didn’t want to give away his first name. A cook named Homer is just asking for trouble.

He certainly didn’t look like the legendary yellow character, and it was obvious he didn’t want The Simpsons connection.

Homer is the world’s most famous garbage guts, after all.

Lance Corporal Homer Moore stood out for more than just his name at the RAAF Base Tindal airmen’s mess, such as his bright red chef’s coat and Southern accent.

When asked what he liked about being here, he replied, “it kind of reminds me of home a little bit because I’m a country boy, and where I’m at here in Tindal is a whole lot bigger than where I’m from in Mississippi.”

Airmen’s Mess Manager Sergeant John Atherton said the Marines don’t cook like we do.

“Over in Japan, they’ve only got one cook so all [Lance Corporal Moore] does is cut the meat,” he said.
“Here, he’s got more of a hands-on role with the whole catering aspect on the floor.

“He’s been taught different techniques and menu planning and has learnt a lot since while he’s been here.”

Lance Corporal Moore said there were a lot of things different about cooking with the Aussies.

“Working with Marines, you get lots of yelling and stuff when you’re in the kitchen, but there isn’t much of that here, and that’s a very good thing,” he said.

“Back in Iwakuni, we have menus that we follow bit by bit, but over here we just go off the top of our heads.
“I like that a lot more, because I can add what I want.

“Over here, we cook lots of curry, but in Japan we go on a set schedule, like every 30 days we would change the menu and type of food to see what the Marines like.”

He said that while the Marines are down here, they’re not complaining.

“The Marines are really happy with the meals, especially the sweets ... the hot sweets.”

Just like Homer Simpson would say ... “Mmmm, sweets”.

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