Teresa Fairbanks

With over 20 years of comprehensive food service expertise, including valuable experience as an Army 92G Food Service Specialist, I offer a proven blend of kitchen proficiency, team leadership, and compassionate service directly applicable to supporting our Veterans. My background demonstrates not only mastery in safe, high-volume food preparation and efficient operations under pressure but also a disciplined adherence to military-grade sanitation standards (maintenance) and accountability. As a Crew Trainer and Team Leader, I am skilled at guiding colleagues and ensuring the accurate meal assembly (including attention to detail on modified diets, a key VA function).

Furthermore, my deep personal capacity for empathy, patience, and dedication is shown through consistent, long-term volunteer work at an animal shelter. These are qualities I am eager to bring to the Nutrition and Food Service team to ensure every Veteran receives a nourishing meal delivered with the respect and kindness they deserve.

I have been in food service most of my life, It all began in the Army, as a Food Service Specialist I became adapt at: Beverage and food preparation, food and beverage service, food presentation, processing and packaging, food safety certified, Inventory management and distribution, menu development / adherence.

Throughout the years since the military, I have worked in the food industry in some capacity, as a dishwasher, waiter, cook and trainer. Most recently at McDonalds I was responsible for training employees on the various positions in the kitchen to include but not limited to: fry, bake, sandwich assembly, packaging, station preparation, cleaning food service areas and equipment. I also opened the store 2 days a week, requiring stocking, equipment and serving area set-up.

Food Service Specialist school (Army)