Executive Chef Louis Chatham of the Pearl River Resort was among 12 judges serving as mentors during the 44th Annual Joint Culinary Training Exercise in Fort Lee, Virginia March 6-15.

The exercise is the largest military culinary competition in the U.S. that promotes continued growth in the culinary field, according to a news release. One of the goals of this year’s event was is to introduce more nutritious food to all military outlets, especially on the battlefield, according to the release.

Chatham was a judge for the cold platter, military kitchen transport and military chef of the year categories.

“Being a part of this exercise was the proudest moment of my life,” Chatham said in the release. “It was a great honor to help the military culinary professionals. I truly enjoyed this experience, and I intend to go back each year.”