Kirtland AFB Airman selected for ‘Vets2Chefs’ program Published Oct. 21, 2011 By Stefan Bocchino 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base -- Master Sgt. Phillip Parker, 377th Security Forces Squadron, was one of six people DOD wide selected for the first Vets2Chefs program that started Oct. 16 and will run through Nov. 13. "The program helps veterans getting out of the military transition to different carrier fields dealing with the culinary arts," said Parker. "I'm hitting my 19-year mark in December and plan on retiring. This is a nice transition into doing that when I get out." The four-week program is in Chatham, N.Y. Chef David Robinson is the instructor for this course. He is a celebrity chef who has put out a video cookbook and other cookbooks. Students learn cooking methods, menu planning and recipe creation, among other things. "A friend of mine who runs a charity organization heard about this program and posted it on her website," said Parker. "Because I subscribe to her website, I saw the notification. I went to their website, took a look and applied." Only six people from the four branches of service and the Coast Guard were selected for this first class. "I was excited about being selected," said Parker. "This is exclusive. It's going to be hands-on training working directly with Chef David. It's going to be really good." The Vets2Chefs program is free for those selected to participate. An organization called Air Compassion for Veterans is also helping with the airfare, said Parker. They serve to ensure wounded warriors, veterans or family members are not denied access to programs that can assist in their treatment or reintegration into a productive life. "They provided the airfare for me to get there," said Parker. "Everything is covered -- not a penny out-of-pocket."