This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
A celebrity chef and military veteran shares how he can support others on Veterans Day and beyond through local initiatives.
Chef Robert Irvine, best known as host of Food Network's “Restaurant: Impossible,” spoke on Fox News Digital ahead of Nov. 11 about the importance of Veterans Day.
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“World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Afghanistan and Iraq veterans; [and] There is something missing in terms of “that support system,” he noted.
The chef, entrepreneur, author, and military veteran founded the Robert Irvine Foundation in 2014 with the goal of supporting military personnel after combat.
Florida chef Robert Irvine founded the Robert Irvine Foundation in 2014 to support veterans, first responders, and others. (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images, NYCWFF)
According to his biography, he served as a chef in the Royal Navy and served aboard Her Majesty the Queen's Royal Yacht Britannia.
“I wanted to talk about physical and mental health…My quest in food and fitness has always been to empower people through food and fitness,” he said.
Since then, the Irvine Foundation has helped feed nearly 60,000 heroes and their families through its Breaking Bread With Heroes events. Other initiatives include donating 30 mobility devices to heroes and matching them with life-changing service dogs.
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The Robert Irvine Foundation (RIF) also hosts the annual Military Heroes Charity Golf Tournament for golfers.
The organization said it is also planning an annual interactive food and eats fundraising event called Beats N' Eats, which will feature a seven-course meal prepared by local and celebrity chefs.
The USO and the Robert Irvine Foundation hosted U.S. Navy families before the Thanksgiving holiday. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
On Veterans Day 2024, Irvine shared a unique way to get involved in the community while thanking the men and women who fought for our country and went out of their way to help other Americans.
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“We have to realize that it doesn't mean 'thank you for your service,' because it doesn't do anything. It means cooking a meal, taking someone home. “It means inviting, calling your local VA and seeing how you can help,” he said.
“Feed a veteran. Invite a veteran into your home. Join a church group.”
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Irvine emphasized the importance of getting veterans “out of their rooms and into the community to stop and end suicide.” [rate]. ”
Veterans Day is commemorated on November 11th of each year. (St. Petersburg)
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, “In 2021, suicide was the 13th leading cause of death for veterans overall and the 2nd leading cause of death for veterans under 45. It became.”
Chef and veterans' advocates also discussed the importance of teaching children about the military and its importance.
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“We are not educating our children about the military and what they do for us,” Irvine said, noting the urgent need for education.
He also noted the importance of voting in this election cycle and in subsequent election cycles.
Celebrity chef Irvine spoke to Fox News Digital about how to best support your community this Veterans Day. (Chef Robert Irvine; iStock)
“Freedom is a huge thing right now. We have the choice to vote… Look at all the other countries that don't have that freedom,” he said.
If someone shows signs of suicidal thoughts, experts urge them to seek help immediately by calling 988, texting or chatting. 988lifeline.org.
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Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
