Staff Sergeant Edward Nolen, a scout for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, has been seen across LDHS many times over the course of the school year, looking to convince students to enlist in the National Guard following graduation. This week, Sergeant Nolen prepared a different type of presentation. Stepping aside from his recruiting, Sergeant Nolen instead taught  Culinary Arts students about the history of MRE’s (Meal-Ready-to-Eat), their purpose and how one can prepare an MRE if needed.

After the presentation, Sergeant Nolen distributed MRE’s to students for them to give it a whirl. Each MRE came with a heating pad (to warm up—not cook—the MRE’s if one wants to), a dessert, an entree, a juice mix, crackers, a spread for the crackers and a pack of napkins, utensils, moist towelettes and coffee. In order to heat their food, students ripped the top off of the plastic bag that contained the heating pad and poured water into the bag, stopping at a fill line. Next, the students placed the entree pack into the heating bag and angled it upon an object, waiting around 10-15 minutes for the entree to become warm. 

Once heated, students ripped open their entree packs and were finally able to taste the much-anticipated meal. With answers ranging from “that’s gross” to “it’s surprisingly good,” it seems like opinions were varied on the MRE’s. For the most part, however, students appeared to be satisfied with the meal and excited to try something new. 

“I thought they were tasty, but in a different way than traditional food. They were filling, and I can see how they provide energy and nutrition.” —Junior Jeff LaRuffa

“They were pretty good and the fruit punch juice is amazing!” —Junior Darren Hunter

“They’re honestly not too bad. The taco was really good!” —Junior Jonathan Wood