HAYCOOK - Mess Check

Mess check was an additional duty that most every enlisted (non-NCO) guy on flight was required to do occasionally. It consisted mainly of posting yourself at the desk inside the front door of the dining hall and checking meal cards, taking $$$ and signing in those on separate rations. Your day started about 0430, when you reported to the head cook for a briefing on your duties, counted the change box, and had breakfast before the line opened. After breakfast was done and the paperwork was completed, you had about an hour before reporting for the noon meal. Same routine and then an hour or so off before the evening meal started. One of the joys of the noon meal during the week was hosting the dependent school kids when they came for lunch. Guys working days on flight had to get there BEFORE that mob came in (at about 1140-45 like clockwork) or be relegated to standing in line behind them. There were maybe 100 kids. They had a special set of tables reserved for them and they usually behaved well. After the evening meal, the mess check's day was not over. He had to go back at 2200 for the midnight meal, which lasted until 0030. If he was lucky, he didn't have to get up again at 0530 for a day shift. It was a long day -- and tiring because there was no time to nap between meals.

In addition to RoRo, there was a Greek girl named "Terpsie" who helped out in the chow hall as well as a tall one named "Kitty." Both of them were glad when RoRo left so they could get their hooks into a GI.

(Now)

Chow Hall

(Then)

Greek Serving Line