CBS NEWS, PORTLAND, Texas — In the Coastal Bend, we have a robust and very proud military community but for those transitioning back to civilian life it’s not always so easy.
For many the process can be life-altering and difficult.
Which is were groups like Mission Zero Hundred Hours come in.
Those familiar with military lingo will likely recognize the term as code for midnight, or a new day. For the organization, it’s an opportunity to give veterans who may be struggling, whether it be a major life transition or PTSD, a chance to start anew.
Mission Zero Hundred Hours helps them begin that journey centered around something that brings everyone to the table: food.
…article continued below
– Advertisement –
“It’s life-changing. Barbecue saves lives, right? It’s just amazing how food brings people together.”
Lee Hickel is a Coast Guard veteran and competitive champion barbecue cook. It’s a passion that has led him to competitions around the country and that introduced him to Mission Zero Hundred Hours.
As a veteran himself, he said the connection was instant as he’s been part of the organization ever since, with hopes to recruit more Coastal Bend veterans to join.
Two years ago, Hickel and a team of veterans he was grouped with went on to win a world championship title in the 2023 World Food Live Fire Championship.
“If we can teach a veteran just some basic food cooking skills through a kitchen or just on a barbecue grill, then you can go home and make your child, make your wife or husband just a basic dinner, lunch, breakfast and get some type of accomplishment that you’ve done,” Hickel said.
Since 2019, the organization has helped over 400 veterans across the country raising over $400,000 in the process through donations, fundraisers and the support of donors. With that support Hickel said that it’s virtually zero cost for veterans to join and be part of it.
…article continued below
– Advertisement –
He is hoping to recruit more from the Coastal Bend region to join the organization.
Looking ahead to May 3 he alongside the organization will be hosting a “Vet-Together” at the Northshore Country Club parking lot in Portland, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
The link to register is: mzhh.org/events