Army veterans went from the battlefield to the barbecue.
Stephen Rosler, owner and operator of Rosler's Blue Code Barbecue in Harker Heights, Texas, previously served in the Army for 20 years.
Before retiring in 2020, Rosler, 43, completed deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery.
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In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rosler said he originally wanted to be a cook in the military, but enlisted as an infantryman and was stationed in Hawaii.
Rosler started cooking and barbecuing in 2016 after losing several comrades and going through “really bad times,” which led to her starting her own business in 2016.
Rossler's Blue Cord Barbecue was named one of Texas Monthly's Top 25 New and Improved BBQ Restaurants in Texas. (Semper Fi & America's Fund)
Overcoming mental health obstacles
Rosler also suffered from the effects of active combat, including tinnitus, a traumatic brain injury, a lower back injury, and mental health issues including PTSD and alcohol abuse.
“Alcohol has been something that has been close to me for a long time.” [help me] Deal with it,” he told FOX News Digital.
“When you see what I saw, when you see the devil face to face, those things will haunt you.”
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Through these challenges, Rosler remained motivated to pursue his barbecue business, supported by his wife and two daughters (Paisley, 9, and Julianne, 6).
“I knew this was what I wanted to do,” he said. “It was a matter of achieving that and getting there in the right headspace.”
While serving in the Army, Rosler received the Bronze Star for rescuing a soldier from a burning vehicle. (Semper Fi & America's Fund)
A much-needed boost
Rosler credited Semper Fi & America's Fund, a California-based nonprofit that helps injured veterans, with helping get his business off the ground.
The fund supported technical aspects of running a small business, such as budgeting and cost analysis.
”“They helped me and never treated me differently. It was really great,” Rosler said.
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He now runs Rosler's Barbecue with his wife and daughters, whom he considers “the backbone of our business.”
The company primarily operates out of a food trailer in Harker Heights that is open two days a week, with the remaining days handling large catering jobs and festivals.
“I don't think it's ever too late to accomplish what you want in life,” Rosler said. (Semper Fi & America's Fund)
“There's nothing better than seeing [customers] Take the first bite,” he said.
Rosler said the business has been “constantly evolving” since its launch in 2016, and the family is continually improving its menu offerings.
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”It's just cool to see all these people [and] “Soldiers come from all over the world to eat it,” he said. we really like what you're doing. He's a veteran. you are thriving. ”
Mr. Rosler has already passed on his entrepreneurial spark to his eldest daughter, whom he describes as hardworking and “very selfless.”
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“She can do the job better than most men I've ever met,” he said. “She has a great heart, but she got that work ethic from her mother.”
Brisket, turkey, and raspberry pork belly charred ends are some of the most popular items on Rosler's BBQ's menu. (Semper Fi & America's Fund)
Rosler encourages other veterans not to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
“Go get help. Go see a therapist, go see someone you need,” he advised. “There are a lot of different organizations out there that would be happy to help.”
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“To all my comrades who have served in the military, I truly love you,” he added. “I really, really think so.”
Semper Fi & America's Fund announced that the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG will match contributions to the fund up to $10 million through December 31st.
