Eagle Spotlight: Jeannie Latreille

• What is your position at Fort Belvoir?
I'm the sous chef at the Officers' Club.

• How long have you been working here?
A long time. I've been here 35 years.

• Where are you from originally?
Thailand. I came to the U.S. in 1968 and have only been back home once in all those years.

• What are some of your job responsibilities?
To cook a little of everything. I cook Italian, German, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai cuisine, you name it. We do many banquets, weddings and other receptions here at the Officers' Club, so, I stay really busy, especially around the holidays.

• What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love cooking, but, I also love the people I work with. We're like a family here. It makes it a very special place. It also makes me feel good getting compliments from our guests. People have told me they love my teriyaki chicken.

• What challenges come with your work?
Any time new people come aboard. I have to train them while also doing all my own cooking and prep work. That's a challenge.
When it comes to cooking, I'm old-fashioned. I want everything done just right. I set a high standard for myself.

• What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy watching my grandchildren grow up. I have two sons and a daughter and they've given me wonderful grandchildren.

• Do you have any memorable moments here at Fort Belvoir?
Many years ago, a fellow cook had turned on a gas stove at the same time he mistakenly lit a cigarette. Next thing you know, a big plume of smoke hits him in the face and he goes running out of the kitchen! Needless to say - he never did that again.