Two CFB Kingston cooks inspire culinary students at St. Lawrence College
May 30, 2025 - Defence Stories
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Private Sautiere and Master Corporal Humalamaki are standing in the classroom at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, ON, after their presentation about what a Cook does in the Canadian Armed Forces on March 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Emily Lott
On March 3, two military cooks from CFB Kingston, Master Corporal (MCpl) Humalamaki and Private (Pte) Sautiere, visited St. Lawrence College in Kingston, ON, to share their personal experiences and provide valuable insight into working as cooks in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The purpose of the presentation was to inform culinary students about the unique opportunities available in the CAF for those with a passion for cooking.
MCpl Humalamaki and Pte Sautiere, an alumna of the College, explained the path to becoming a military cook. The duo shared their journeys, discussing their initial training and career progression to date. They gave students a clear understanding of the different roles a CAF cook can take on, whether in a traditional kitchen setting, in the field, on a ship, or at functions such as Mess Dinners.
It was inspiring to hear about Pte Sautiere's journey, as she recently joined the CAF as a cook in 2023. After graduating from St. Lawrence College with a degree in Culinary Management, she was able to take advantage of the semi-skilled entry plan, which translates into accelerated promotion since part of her training had already been completed. She also shared how she was awarded the CFB Kingston Base Commander Coin after successfully completing her confirmation dinner, with the Base Commander as a guest. At CFB Kingston, she plays a vital role in preparing nutritious, quality meals that support the health, well-being and morale of its members.
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Private Sautiere is showing the uniform for cooks in the Canadian Armed Forces to students at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, ON, during a presentation on March 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Emily Lott
Another interesting part of the presentation was when MCpl Humalamaki spoke about his experiences while serving in the Royal Canadian Navy. Cooks are considered a “purple trade”, meaning they have the opportunity to work with all three elements of the military: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. MCpl Humalamaki shared stories about the different places in the world he visited during his time at sea, giving students insight into the rewarding and challenging experiences of life on the water. It's worth noting that MCpl Humalamaki was recently awarded the Strategic J4 Food Services Occupational Coin in recognition of his hard work, loyalty, and selfless dedication to the betterment of the Cook occupation and the Canadian Armed Forces.
At the end of the presentation, the cooks also took time to answer questions from the students. It was a valuable experience for both the students and the two CAF members, as they were able to share their passion for cooking while serving Canada. The presentation certainly inspired the students and opened their eyes to the possibilities of a rewarding and fulfilling career within the CAF.