Memorial Fund Staff Takes Part in Women in Homeland Security Barbecue Cook-Off

Part of the NLEOMF BBQ Cook-Off team

On Saturday, September 27, the Memorial Fund participated in the Fourth Annual Women in Homeland Security Barbecue Cook-Off. Women in Homeland Security (WHS) is a professional organization for women who work in the field of homeland security. The Cook-Off was held at the US Coast Guard TISCOM facility in Alexandria, VA.

Each year, WHS chooses a designee for the proceeds of their cook-off.. This year’s beneficiary was ICE Foundation, which supports US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Next year, the Memorial Fund will be a beneficiary of the event.

Teams included Fairfax County International Search & Rescue, Bowie (MD) Volunteer Firefighters, US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association District of Columbia Chapter, InfraGard of the National Capital Region, FBI WFO Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Customs & Border Protection Office of Information Technology, Border Patrol Foundation, and Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

The spread!

Over 250 friends, colleagues, and community members came out to taste the fabulous barbecue offered up by all nine teams. Teams also decorated their tables to showcase their organizations. The teams made all kinds of great barbecue. The Memorial Fund’s Team served barbecue wings, sausage, and grilled vegetables.

Our team was led by Mary Brown (Executive Assistant) with help from her husband Earl Brown and friend Richard Henson. Phillip Henson, husband of our Office Associate, Deloris, made our special sauce. Deloris helped cook the vegetables and keep the whole process organized. Other staff members at the event included Bernie Spence (Director of Research), Wanda Boykins (Development Analyst), Alyssa Foley (Museum Intern), and Robbi Woodson (Law Enforcement Relations Manager).

The Memorial Fund team had a wonderful time cooking barbecue and meeting the supporters of the WHS. The food was delicious and the weather was pristine, making the day perfect.

Thank you to all the members of the Women in Homeland Security for running this fabulous event and for their support. We would also like to send a big thank you to WHS Founder & President Kristina Tanasichuck and Board Member Eileen Parise. The Memorial Fund is looking forward to next year’s Barbecue Cook-Off, so keep an eye out for updates about next year’s event!