FORT GORDON, Ga. – Few things build camaraderie like sharing good food and friendly competition, as U.S. Army Signal Corps Soldiers and civilian staff demonstrated Oct. 28.
Twelve competed in the U.S. Army Signal School’s 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off, while dozens more participated as a taste testers and showed their support.
To ensure a fair competition, a panel of three retired Signal Corps personnel sampled each entry and used scorecards to rate appearance, aroma, and flavor. Speaking on behalf of the Signal School command team, U.S. Army Signal School Deputy Commandant John Batson introduced the judges, explained the rules, and presented a little insight to previous years’ competitions.
“The winner tends to bounce between the Office Chief of Signal and Operations,” Batson teased.
While judges sampled entries and recorded their scores, attendees were encouraged to enjoy the remaining chili. About 30 minutes later, Batson met with the judges then announced the winner.
To his surprise, Christopher Wilcox, Operations Division chief, was named the 2026 Signal Chili Champion. In keeping with tradition, Wilcox earned bragging rights, his name will be added to the winner’s plaque, and he will display the plaque in his workplace until next year’s competition.
“There were so many (entries) that had some spice and flavor to them,” Wilcox said. “I didn’t know what the judges would be looking for, so I was definitely surprised.”
Using a relatively simple recipe featuring beef, sautéedvegetables, and taco seasoning, Wilcox entered a longtime family favorite in the competition.
“My family loves Mexican food, salsa and chips,” he said. “It has kind of a salsa flare to it, so we call it ‘chili salsa.’”
A seasoned competitor, Wilcox has participated in every annual chili cook-off, placing second and third in previous years. For one of his Soldier leaders, however, the event was a new experience.
The chili cook-off was the first of its kind for Sgt. 1st Class Randy Dixon, Operations Division, U.S. Army Signal School, who helped organized it. Much more than a competition, the event provided a morale boost and, for Dixon, an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues he had not seen in years.
“I’ve been in service for going on 19 years now, and I see a lot of my previous battle buddies – even some of my drill sergeants that I worked with when I first came here in 2024 from Drill Sergeant Academy – so it’s cool to get that camaraderie and kind of reunite with some of my past and present battle buddies,” Dixon said.
One of the judges shared similar sentiments, emphasizing that events like the cook-off help people stay connected and serve as a reminder that there is “life” after retirement.
“After spending 30 years in the United States Army, it’s a family,” said Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Sheldon Moorer. “We’re connected. We’re Soldiers for life. Regardless of if you’re retired, you’re still connected, and you still want to be a part of things like this because they bring back great memories of when I was serving and the things that I used to do.”
Runners Up
Honorable mentions went to Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Boris, Headquarters and Alpha Company, 551st Signal Battalion, who placed second, and Lt. Col. Nancy Tucker, assistant commandant, U.S. Army Signal School, who placed third.
