Exploring MREs: A Taste of Military Meals During Veterans Week Celebrations
MREs, or Meals Ready-to-Eat, serve as food sources for military personnel when they deploy and lack access to regular meals.
Andy Cervantes, an eight-year military veteran, shared his experience at a recent event showcasing MREs. He believes this event helps people understand what military food is like. “It’s just a new way to get people who are not aware about the food of what we eat,” he said.
Another veteran, Adrian Gutierrez, added that the event promotes the student veterans club and aims to show that veterans are approachable.
Participants could view the MRE packaging and sample military food, including beef stew, stir fry, barbecue chicken, and beef tacos. Andrea Wittig, who attended the event, found the barbecue chicken surprisingly enjoyable, stating, “It tasted better than some of the fast food I’ve eaten.”
Dr. Jose Fierro, President of Cerritos College, tried the beef taco sample. He noted, “There are different flavors… but it’s good.”
What are the nutritional benefits of military MREs compared to regular meals?
Title: MREs Unpacked: A Veteran’s Perspective on Military Meals
Interview with Andy Cervantes and Adrian Gutierrez
In a recent event highlighting Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), we had the opportunity to speak with military veterans Andy Cervantes and Adrian Gutierrez about their experiences with military food and the significance of the event.
NewsDirectory3: Andy, you’ve been an active participant in events showcasing MREs. Can you share the overarching purpose of this initiative?
Andy Cervantes: Absolutely. The main goal is to raise awareness about what military food really entails. It’s not just about sustenance; it’s about understanding the lifestyle of service members. Events like these help bridge the gap between veterans and the community by demystifying what we eat in the field.
NewsDirectory3: Adrian, you mentioned that this event also promotes the student veterans club. What does that mean for student veterans?
Adrian Gutierrez: It’s vital for us to show that we are approachable and relatable. Many people think of veterans as having a one-dimensional life, but we are students, just like anyone else. This event allows us to connect, share stories, and break down stereotypes.
NewsDirectory3: Participants were able to sample different MREs. What were some of the highlights?
Andy Cervantes: We had a variety of options like beef stew, stir fry, barbecue chicken, and beef tacos. The great part is that people can see the packaging and understand how these meals are designed to last and maintain nutrition.
Adrian Gutierrez: Yes, and it was interesting to see people’s reactions. Some were pleasantly surprised by the flavors, like Andrea Wittig, who mentioned that the barbecue chicken was tastier than some fast food meals she had.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Jose Fierro also attended the event and tried the beef tacos. What did he have to say about them?
Andy Cervantes: Dr. Fierro noted the diversity of flavors and described the taco as “good,” which is a positive take. It’s refreshing to hear that even someone outside the military finds enjoyment in meals designed for soldiers.
NewsDirectory3: Were there any mixed reviews among the attendees?
Adrian Gutierrez: Definitely. Some people were surprised at how well the food tasted, while others expressed a desire for better flavors. That unpredictability is something Andy highlighted, referring to military meals as a “hit and miss.”
Andy Cervantes: Exactly; there’s a lot of variability, and getting accustomed to it is part of the experience.
NewsDirectory3: What are your hopes for the impact of this event?
Adrian Gutierrez: I truly hope that people come away with a better understanding of veterans as individuals and not just soldiers. We want to connect with the community and show that while we have unique experiences, we’re still part of this society and want to contribute.
Andy Cervantes: And for many, it’s about shifting perceptions. Engaging in these conversations allows us to share our lives and the reality of military service. Events like this are essential during Veterans Week, reminding everyone of our presence on campus.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Andy and Adrian, for sharing your insights with us. Your experiences and perspectives greatly enhance our understanding of military life and the importance of community connections for veterans.
Reactions to the MRE samples varied. Some attendees expressed that they did not expect the food to taste good, while others wished for better flavors. Cervantes emphasized the unpredictability of military food, saying, “It’s really a hit and miss.”
Gutierrez hopes the event encourages people to view veterans as regular students. “We’re just people… we want to share that,” he explained.
This event was one of several organized by the Veterans Resource Center as part of Veterans Week celebrations.