Veteran Culinary Program

The Mission:
Support Our Veterans

The mission of Troop Café is to provide training and employment opportunities for U.S. Veterans with disabilities or disadvantages who seek greater independence. This culinary program is designed to help Veterans attain their personal, economic and educational goals. They can achieve economic and social independence through meaningful employment.

Part of our goal is to provide real life work experience to Veterans; adding fundamental skill sets to individuals, which in return, will lead to long term employment.

I have had several bouts of homelessness. At the time I found out about the Culinary Arts Program at Troop Café, I was four days into getting an apartment as I had been living in my car.

Gerry Baxter – Culinary Program Valedictorian & Owner of “A Tasty Bite of Heaven”

Gerry Braxter served in the military from 1992-1994. After her discharge, she says she struggled with PTSD and numerous other health issues. However, she always held on to her love of cooking. Braxter is one of several dozen veterans who have benefitted from employment and training at Troop Café. The program, run by The Center for Veterans Issues, LTD., provides vets with on the job training to enter the hospitality field. Chef Derek Small, a veteran himself, leads the program.