HARRISBURG, PA — The annual Army vs. Coast Guard cooking competition added excitement to Military Appreciation Day at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show. Organized in collaboration with PA Preferred and Comcast NBCUniversal, the event honored active, reserve, and retired service members through an “Iron Chef”-style culinary challenge.
The competition featured two teams composed of military chefs and local media personalities. Coast Guard Senior Chief Jason Rohrs led his team against U.S. Army veteran Marc Ferraro, who currently serves as Executive Deputy Secretary for the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. Media figures Ali Lanyon and Dan Tomaso of WHTM abc27, Mike Miller from BOB 94.9, and Glenn Hamilton of The River 97.3 also participated as teammates.
Each group was tasked with creating a Pennsylvania-sourced dish in just 30 minutes. The teams were provided a bin of ingredients, including a protein, starch, and vegetables, along with access to a shared pantry. Their creations were judged on flavor, presentation, and use of PA Preferred ingredients.
The panel of judges included industry and government leaders, such as John Moeller, former White House Chef; Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity; Paul Hill, Executive Sous Chef for the Governor’s Residence; and Comcast Keystone Region Vice President Virgil King.
After a spirited competition highlighting the diversity and quality of Pennsylvania’s agricultural products, the Coast Guard team emerged victorious, earning culinary honors for their inventive use of local ingredients.
The event underscored the Farm Show’s ongoing efforts to celebrate Pennsylvania agriculture while fostering camaraderie and recognition for military service members.
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