Preparing savory dishes can be a treat of its own, but adding a positive atmosphere and fierce competitors increases the fun of cooking. Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) recently hosted a "Chopped"-style cooking competition at the Culinary School of Fort Worth for WWP Alumni, family support members, and guests. Attendees were treated to appetizers prepared by the chefs and students of the school, followed by a chef demonstration.
The cooking competition emphasized why veterans are uniquely suited for collaborating and quick thinking under pressure. In teams of four, the competitors had 30 minutes to create dishes that the school's chef instructors would judge in the following categories: "best-tasting," "most creative," "most restaurant-ready," and "most colorful."
National Guard veteran and WWP Alumnus Brittany Waites learned a useful skill. "I learned a better way of cutting an onion, and found that very helpful since onions go in almost everything."
Two teams who won a grand prize for their "best overall dish" received a private dinner prepared by noted chef Timothy Prefontaine at The Fort Worth Club. The grand prizes were presented to winning teams by United States Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Texas).
Marine Corps veteran and WWP Alumnus Wes Adair and his wife appreciated the surprise of finding out they would be competitors—and ultimately one of the two teams to win the grand prize. "We had no idea we would be participating in a competition, but we did!" Wes said. "We were a little nervous, but mostly excited to be a part of what was going to take place."
"WWP is truly an amazing organization that cares about veterans and their families," he added. "The organization is truly making a positive impact on injured veterans around this great nation."
Currently, WWP is serving more than 100,000 wounded service members, their family members, and caregivers through 20 free programs and services. As part of its mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, two of its programs— Peer Support and WWP Alumni— address the challenges returning veterans face with readjusting to civilian life. Bonding and camaraderie with other wounded veterans through a variety of events and activities is a valuable way for injured service members to make progress at every stage of recovery.
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