MULLICA TOWNSHIP - Ask Stephen Weber why he organized Saturday's first Operation Vets Chili Challenge, and he'll tell you that the cause should not even have a name.
"‘Homeless' and ‘veteran' are two words that should not go....Continue Reading
Local News - Chili competition in Mullica Township helps benefit region's homeless veterans
together," said the vice commander of American Legion Post 186 in Hammonton.
For a variety of unfortunate reasons, though, thousands of people in New Jersey can call themselves just that, and Weber decided that more needed to be done to help.
He came up with the idea for a chili competition last year, and that vision was realized Saturday behind the Nesco Volunteer Fire Company Station on Nesco Road. The proceeds benefit veterans homes in Winslow Township and Tuckerton.
Eighteen professionals and amateurs competed during the sunny afternoon, along with bands playing music that echoed off the surrounding pine forest.
Cooks came from as far as Absecon, Bridgeton and Bucks County, Pa., to claim the title of champion.
Bruce Mitchell, of Kintnersville, Pa., said he and his co-chef John Case traveled more than 80 miles for the contest, and employed a simple philosophy to their entry.
"Everybody loves bacon," said Mitchell, so they put a pan of the cured meat next to their pot.
Next to them was Tim Russell, of Hammonton, who prepared a slightly different style entry. As Texas Chili, it had no beans - just beef. He served it over pasta and told tasters to try it with some vinegar and crushed red pepper on top.
That being said, he was just the sous chef of the operation.
"She's the chef," he said, referring to his 8-year-old daughter Maggie. "I just brown the meat."
Weber didn't know immediately how much money was raised from the registration, tastings and auction. This being the first event, he said he didn't have any expectations, either.
"If we can help one veteran get back on his feet, then we're doing a good job here," he said.
Sean Vanlew, superintendent of Veterans Haven in Winslow, echoed those sentiments. His facility, adjacent to Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, is in the process of adding 44 beds to its 99-bed facility, and that still may not be enough. On any given night, he said there could be between 4,000 to 6,000 homeless veterans in the state.
The reasons are numerous and unique for each individual, the Operation Desert Storm veteran said.
"You spent a year of your life getting shot at and seeing your friends get killed, then you come back and it's like your mortgage and credit is supposed to matter," he said.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, drug addiction stemming from injury medications and a variety of other issues affect soldiers who return from combat as well.
He said any proceeds from Saturday's event would help for the basic necessities, from bedding to bathroom supplies, to help these people integrate back into society.
"One veteran on the street is one too many," he said.
Contact Lee Procida: 609-457-8707 LProcida@pressofac.com
Cook-off winners
Professional: John Griff of J. Gees Catering in Hammonton
Nonprofessional: Frank Miletta (town not given)
Peoples' choice: Jason York of Maple Shade, Burlington County
