JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 environment, the Restriction of Movement (ROM) program at Joint Base MDL’s Camp J21 continues to take care of Airmen and has recently reached a new milestone.
During COVID-19, Camp J21 has managed the preparation and delivery of over 100,000 meals to forward deployers. Leaders at Camp J21 have developed new systems to accommodate the Camp’s food needs, while also maintaining normal dining facility operations.
Upon arrival at Camp J21, members are given a welcome packet with a QR code that can be scanned by their smartphone, giving them access to a choice of multiple breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
“From what I’ve seen at other bases, I think we have the best system out there,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Meghan Kotko, 87th Force Support Squadron food service supervisor. “The QR codes have slashed a lot of the man-hours it takes to track the meals for our members.”
Thanks to modern technology and QR codes, Camp J21 has stream-lined the way troops can order meals that are tailored to meet their needs.
“We use Google Drive [to] put together a meal roster with different questions,” said Kotko. “If troops have any allergies or dietary restrictions, we take that and build it into the menu. If someone has a tree nut or gluten allergy for example, we cater meals to meet their needs.”
Originally, only the Force Support Squadron (FSS) handled the workload of normal dining operations and food services for Camp J21. Augmentee service members from all branches were tasked with packaging meals out of the DFAC. Later, contractors were brought in to manage the Camp J21 meal packaging, and operated out of a separate building to allow space for the dining facility to function normally. The addition of contractors also added extra manpower for the Camp J21 meal mission.
“I think it’s impressive the way dining facilities were able to accomplish their regular mission as well as the Camp J21 mission,” said Kotko. “At one point, we were kicking out about 1,000 meals a day for the camp. FSS never stops, it’s been a lot of teamwork and a lot of adapting.”
Mission partners at the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) saw the need to establish Camp J21 early on in the pandemic. It has been fine-tuned over the course of the year to best suit the needs and safety of forward deploying troops.
“We had to look at how we needed to support our military force. With planning operations, it was determined that we needed a camp where we can have a Restriction of Movement for personnel going down range.” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rozela McCoy, 452nd Civil Engineering Squadron superintendent and Camp J21 “Mayor”. “This was a collaboration with many agencies, squadrons and Air Force Specialty Codes to make the camp what it is now.”
Camp J21 continues to utilize Airmen, Seamen and Marines from across Joint Base MDL to assist with food distribution and camp operations.
“Working with [other service members and branches outside of your career field] is crucial. It’s a team effort and I am very fortunate to have this food services team here,” said McCoy. “As a leader, you don’t know everything. If there is something that I don’t know about food services, I know who to go to. With their expertise, we have been able to serve over 100,000 meals. With their skills and their support, the camp is successful.”