Mountain of meat meets its maker at the Extreme Steak Challenge Published Aug. 12, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Peter R.O. Danielson 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- On Aug. 7, 10 champions of chomping met over a colossal collection of steak in the Patriot Club's MVP lounge. These 10 masters of mastication were presented with a test of digestive fortitude: finish one 96-ounce steak, a piece of corn, a baked potato and a side salad. Any of these battling biters who completed the task in 60 minutes would be given $50 in cash and be recognized as a survivor of the Patriot Club's Extreme Steak Challenge. "It's easily the largest piece of meat I've ever had to cook for one person," said Jesse Lewis, a catering cook at the Patriot Club. Mr. Lewis said in his 10 years at the Patriot Club, he's never experienced a competition like the Steak Challenge. "I had to butterfly each steak just to make sure they wouldn't burn before the middle saw the heat," said Mr. Lewis. Platters piled with meat and smatterings of vegetables were served to the gorging goliaths, and the eating began at 5:15 p.m. Among the contestants were Col. Michael Allshouse, 55th Mission Support Group commander, and Lt. Col. Denise Cooper, 55th Force Support Squadron commander. "I came out today just to support the Patriot Club," said Colonel Allshouse. "I know I can't finish that much food, but I'm glad to participate." Forty-five minutes into the competition, most of the eating seemed to have slowed down, except for one overstuffed monarch of munching. Senior Airman Michael Makala, a personnelist from the 55th FSS Military Reenlistment office, forced down chunk after chunk of steak. Six pounds doesn't seem like a tough workout until it's lifted bite by bite into an overstuffed mouth. "I'd tried eating a 4-and-a-half pound burger before, but couldn't finish it," Airman Makala said as he leaned against the table for support. As the end of the hour approached, many contestants complained of full stomachs and sore jaws. With three minutes left on the clock, Airman Makala placed his last piece of steak in his mouth and swallowed. With only his corn and potato left, he burst into a fury of action. He sliced his corn off of its cob and mashed it together with his potato. Using his hands, he shoveled the last few bites of food down until his plate was finally clean. Raising his hand in victory, officials walked over and confirmed his success. After all was said, eaten and done, Airman Makala sat back in his seat and sighed. "Earning the money is nice, but I can't feel my face," said Airman Makala.