The Great Pancake Showdown: New flips and a retirement farewell

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –

As the chilly morning wrapped around the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, the air buzzed with the sweet scent of pancake batter and sizzling sausages. It was that time of the year again—the annual pancake breakfast orchestrated by the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services.

Members of the DLA Disposition Services headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, come together for the annual pancake breakfast, an annual holiday tradition.

This year, a notable addition was introduced—a voting station, an official arena to determine once and for all who among the leadership trio flipped the most magnificent pancakes. The contenders were DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon, Chief of Staff Pete Foreman and the Operations Director Arthur Welsh.

To level the playing field, Cannon decided against bringing back his elaborate pancake designs from the previous year. No snowmen, candy canes, or intricate holiday bells. This time, it was all about the basics, no frills attached.

Amidst the laughter and chatter, attendees indulged in the delectable breakfast. However, when the final count arrived, it was Welsh who emerged victorious, crowned the "Pancake Flipping King" with a staggering 48 votes, more than the combined tally of his contenders—Cannon at 24 and Foreman at 20.

DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon checks out the competition as Operations Director Arthur Welsh focuses on winning the title of Pancake King.

As the aroma of pancakes lingered in the air, another conversation echoed through the Palm Garden Room about Arthur Welsh, the triumphant pancake maestro, retirement ceremony that was being held later that day as he passes the spatula to Tim Dauten, the incoming Director of Operations.

Notably, Dauten was in charge of overseeing the sausages this year, signaling a transition from sizzling pancakes to savory links for Welsh's successor.

The morning not only celebrated the art of pancake flipping but also served as an informal heartfelt farewell to a revered leader. Amidst clinking forks and contented smiles, it marked the end of an era while savoring the beginning of new flavors to come.

And so, as the pancakes vanished from plates and the aroma dissipated, the tradition of the annual pancake breakfast continued, each year bringing with it new tastes, faces, and cherished memories.