CHOP, COOK, CONQUER-THE QUARTERLY MCCS COOK-OFF WITH MOE CASON AND BOBBY T
Are you that friend? The one who always ends up cooking dinner, bringing the best dish to the barbecue, or manning the grill like a true pro? Or maybe you’re the one who binge-watches cooking competitions, knowing exactly what you’d make out of an insane mix of ingredients. If so, this is your moment—welcome to Chop, Cook, Conquer, the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Cook-Off featuring celebrity pitmasters Moe Cason and Bob Trudnak! Get ready to bake, sauté, and slice your way to greatness and claim the title (and the bragging rights, obviously).
If you can handle the heat, then come cook in this kitchen! Show off your skills, learn new techniques and compete for the chance to be crowned MCCS champion. Whether you’re ready to battle it out or just want to taste the results, don’t miss out on the fun!
| Tue 18 Aug 2026 | CAMP FUJI JAPAN | PREP |
| Wed 19 Aug 2026 | CAMP FUJI JAPAN | EVENT |
| Thu 20 Aug 2026 | YOKOSUKA JAPAN | MEET & GREET |
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How do I get schedule information on specific shows?
We make it easy. The calendar and menu of events are categorized by genre and region, right here on our site.
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Why do entertainers perform for the military?
Performers need to perform. It's in their DNA. Plus, going on tour with Armed Forces Entertainment is an opportunity for artists to give back and honor the sacrifices deployed servicemembers and their families make on behalf of our country. For up-and-coming artists, touring with AFE is a great way to build an audience. For established artists, it's an up-close-and-personal way to say thanks to fans.
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How much do tickets cost?
It's FREE to attend every Armed Forces Entertainment show. Every single show, every single time.
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Why are there occasional schedule changes?
Sometimes emergencies and personal challenges pop up for scheduled artists. Add the uncertainty of world politics, and tour agendas inevitably shift. We rush the updates to the effected venue and make changes to the online show schedule as quickly as possible. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen, and we're sorry for the inconvenience.
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Can I invite non-military people to AFE events?
It depends on the rules of your installation. In general, yes, non-military guests are allowed at AFE shows. But military personnel are our priority.
Pitmaster Chef, Big Moe Cason, is a BBQ Pitmaster and Veteran of the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Peleliu and the USS Missouri–an Iowa class Battleship nicknamed “Big Mo”, now a museum ship decommissioned at Pearl Harbor. Moe is passionate about BBQ because what initially was a hobby, very quickly turned into a way of life. He is a self-taught Pitmaster and his passion for cooking was passed down from grandmother, Margaret and mother, Mary Cason.
Moe established his one-man competition BBQ team in 2006 competing across the country all while working a full-time job in Des Moines, Iowa. He retired from his city municipal job in 2017 to pursue his dream of bringing BBQ to the world. Moe served as a Contestant, Judge, and Star on Destination America’s BBQ Pitmaster’s, BBQ Pit Wars, and SMOKED. He was also a Guest judge on Food Network’s Bobby Flay and Michael Simon’s BBQ Brawl and Chopped: Grill Masters proving that Moe Cason is a true BBQ Pitmaster recognized by those around him. Moe also just completed and aired a pilot show, BBQ Beat Down, on the Food Network and is currently Reynolds Wrap’s 2019 Chief Grilling Officer, beating out 26,000 applicants. He also shares his knowledge by holding BBQ pitmaster classes all over the world–United States, Germany, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and soon to be Brazil. His expertise, professionalism, and cooking skills rank him as one of the best pit masters on the scene today!
Bob Trudnak, better known as Bobby T, is the Master of ’Cue, winner of Season 7 of BBQ Brawl on Food Network, an award-winning pitmaster, live-fire cooking instructor, product developer, and entrepreneur. With more than 25 years of experience in the food industry, Bobby has built a reputation for creating competition-crafted BBQ sauces, seasonings, and gourmet products that bring championship flavor to backyard cooks and competition teams alike.
A world champion pitmaster and certified pizzaiolo, he has taught live-fire cooking across the United States and internationally while inspiring thousands through cooking demonstrations, competitions, and media appearances. Whether he’s developing new products, teaching classes, or sharing recipes, Bobby’s mission is simple: bringing families together around great food, unforgettable flavors, and the joy of cooking.
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