When Luis Vazquez Alba, hotel director of HarbourChase, Prince William Commons assisted living and memory care, grew up in Peru, he first tasted the taste of a chef.

"I remember the first thing to cook was pilaf. It turned out better than my mother's," Vazquez Alba said. "I have always liked cooking, but I never thought I would become an executive chef. But after I moved to the United States...we came."

On January 6, Vazquez Alba was having lunch when he learned of a disturbance in the Parliament building. He reported immediately because in addition to working at HarborChase, he was also a sergeant in the DC National Guard, where he managed a team in the fuel production department.

"Joining the Army National Guard gave me a different perspective on my life. When I put on my uniform, I felt like I was going out to make a difference," he said.

When he is not wearing a military uniform, Vazquez Alba will spend his time in HarborChase, creating the ultimate dining experience for residents, whether it is a daily breakfast or a five-course meal for special occasions.

"The skills I learned in the teamwork army, supporting my colleagues, and making sure everyone is well, I brought me to the role of HarborChase," he said. "It's about leadership, responsibility and doing the right thing."

According to Susan Haynes, executive director of HarborChase Assisted Living, food is an important part of HarborChase, and home is usually where the belly is.

"Chef Louis provides our residents with an extraordinary dining experience every day, every meal, every day," Haynes said. "His honor of integrity and commitment is extraordinary. He has a vested interest in understanding the likes and dislikes of the residents. He makes them feel at home."

After HarbourChase finished his day, Vazquez Alba picked up his uniform and walked out to perform his Army National Guard duties, including standing by at the inauguration of the US President on January 20. Haynes said it might be a sight that he sometimes took his chef jacket and his military uniform.

"He not only serves our senior citizens, but also serves our President of the United States," Haynes said. "Since we started three years ago, he has been with us (HarborChase), and because of his attention to detail, creativity and direction, our grand opening ceremony is very delicate."

HarborChase believes in celebrating the lives of senior citizens by providing first-class hospitality, a rich, vibrant and engaging resident program, and excellent personalized care. The dining experience at HarbourChase can only be matched by the best restaurants and luxury resorts in the country, including all-day room service.

For more information, please visit Harborchase.com.

Rena Malai is a journalist and freelance writer. In her career, she has covered a variety of topics from technology and policy to food and lifestyle. She lives in Prince William County and is a native of Washington.

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