Long before he became the Tennesee VFW State Commander, Brian Walker asked me to talk with Dave Rogers. Dave was living in NY and cooking for his VFW post. It was from there that he started streaming his cooking.
Growing up in New York, Dave started cooking early in life. He joined the National Guard and supported his home state during 9/11. Medically separated due to his service, Dave had to find himself again. He started cooking as a way to heal.
Cooking for others gave Dave a sense of purpose. He then worked to develop his Cooking with a Veteran show. Contact Dave as he is looking for sponsorship as he grows his show.
Make sure you check out these links to follow Dave
Semper Savage is the official marinade and salad dressing for Oscar Mike Radio! Semper Savage is a Veteran Owned salad dressing and marinade company. Go to www.sempersavage.com and use “oscarmikeradio” at checkout for 10% off your order. Thank you for supporting a Veteran Owned Business.
Bottom Gun Coffee
The official coffee of Oscar Mike Radio is Bottom Gun Coffee. Submariners know their coffee so go to www.bottomguncoffee.com and use “OMR” at checkout for 10% off your order! Thank you for supporting a Veteran Owned Business
Caisson Shaving Company
The only shaving products I used on my face come from Travis Arnold’s company, Caisson Shaving Company. Travis is a Veteran and has created products that can be used anywhere. Use code “OMR10” for a 10% discount when you order
This episode is dedicated to John Francis Meath. I went to HAWK School with John, we served in the same HAWK Battery (Charlie). John passed away Monday, January 9th 2017. He was 52. Everyone who knew John in Ist LAAM BN loved the big Irishman from NY who loved the Yankees and his Jeep. I always found John to be a voice of reason when things were going haywire. He always told us to think of the Marine Corps as a game, and we would be just fine. John had the distinction of serving in all four branches of the military. You read that right. John served in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy. That is what he wanted to do, and while it took him almost 20 years, he did it. I personally do not know anyone else who can make that claim. John was like that though, he lived life on his beat. We were all better for knowing him, and we all mourn his passing, but we all spent time celebrating his life. All I can say from all of is Semper Fidelis John, we will meet again at Heaven’s Gate.
EPISODE 27 – Smitty’s Kitchen
I met LaShelle over 21 years ago. We both served in Ist LAAM (Light Anti Aircraft Missile) Battalion at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.
LaShelle Smith – Marine, HAWKER, and now Business Owner
You never had to guess where you stood with LaShelle. We both got out the Marine Corps and went our separate ways, but like many of my brothers and sisters we kept in touch.
I started see that LaShelle was getting into cooking. I thought that was awesome. So many times people in the military re-invent themselves as they through life. I think that is because we have had to adapt to more times in our lives than others who have taken a traditional career or life path.
Like I said in Episode 25, I want to talk to active duty service-members and veterans who are starting or have started their own businesses. I think we call can learn from a person who decides to take the risk to build a brand or company that we all can learn.
LaShelle is looking to launch her business which will be a food truck called “Smitty’s Kitchen”. As you will hear on the episode her love of food and family started at an early age and in some ways was honed in the Marine Corps. Whether it was eating different food and watching food from different countries being prepared, listening to LaShelle reminded me that good food is more than just watching a cooking show on the food network. Preparing, serving and enjoying good food with people is an essential part of the human experience. I think we all heard that in her voice as she spoke about what she wants to do with her life.
I can’t wait to see her launch her business. A big thanks to everyone who joined in on the Live Chat!
Check out some of Lashelle’s thing tasty dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from her kitchen.
Fettucine
Pork Stew
Gazpacho & Avocado
Check out Smitty’s Go Fund Me Page and YouTube Link. Spread the word, especially if you live in the Richmond, VA area.
