Chili cookers heat it up Published Oct. 7, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 10 teams competed during the 2014 Annual Armed Forces Chili Cook-Off Sept. 27 at the Recreation Camp. Thanks to the popularity of the competition in the early days, the top three winners in the Terlingua category receive automatic entry into the Annual Terlingua International Chili Championship in Terlingua, Texas. This marked the 41st annual chili cook-off at Goodfellow, which began as a morale booster for students and instructors of the training group in the 1970s. The chili cook-off was split into two categories: Terlingua Chili and "Anything Goes" Chili. Terlingua can be made with only meat and spices; whereas "anything goes" is just as the name implies, anything goes. Along with the chili competition, there was a contest for the best barbecue chicken, brisket, beans and ribs. Airman 1st Class Michael E. Hillman, 17th Communications Squadron knowledge manager, volunteered to judge the rib category. "It's wonderful; it's fantastic," said Hillman. "It was a dream come true." Spectators sampled food by purchasing tasting cups at the event. They also voted for their favorite, which is considered the People's Choice Award. The winner this year was Master Sgt. Lisa A. Payne, 315th Training Squadron assistant first sergeant. Some of the teams out there are returning veterans of the cook-off. The Bada Bing Tailgater's have competed since 2004 although their name has changed through the years. This year, they won first place in "Anything Goes." "That's unusual for us," said retired Master Sgt. Cynthia J. Willey, Team Bada Bing Tailgater member. We usually win the people's choice, the people chose someone else this year and that's okay." The competition also included judging for showmanship that comprised of theme, costume, booth setup, action and audience appeal categories, which the Tailgaters also won. "[It feels] good," said Willey. "We have a lot of fun with it, so it's just nice to have some fun. Sometimes we have so much fun; we don't care if we win." A panel of more than 15 judges searched for the best Terlingua based on its look, smell and taste. Several of the judges have been part of the competition since it began. Judges awarded trophies for first through third place in each category, as well as trophies for People's Choice, Squadron and Showmanship. Content in this article contributed from Connie Hempel.
