Fort Jackson “Victory Starts Here”
Fort Jackson is the Army’s largest and most active Initial Training Center in the United States. More than 50 percent of all Soldiers entering the Army each year train here. In April 2022, Robert and the Robert Irvine Foundation visited Fort Jackson and had a life-changing experience.
The Visit
The visit began with a trip to Victory Tower. Our team watched and participated in training exercises alongside the trainees and instructors. We continued by observing the training programs at Confidence Obstacle Course and at the United States Army Physical Fitness School. These training exercises help build our troops and create incredible Soldiers.
The next day, we joined an intimate crowd at 6:00 AM to observe a Soldier Induction Ceremony. The trainee starts with a 10-mile march which ends on a field. We watched as his training officer handed him his Army patch and beret. He was previously called a Trainee – now he is called a Soldier.
Later, Robert and his cooking team toured the Warrior Restaurants and spent time with the military cooks and chefs. Robert provides mentorship by giving a space to listen, answer questions, provide pro-tips, and motivate.
Closing out the afternoon, we attended the Graduation Ceremony. This is a large event with families and friends that come to celebrate the graduating class. It is a huge achievement and an experience we were honored to be a part of.
Breaking Bread With Heroes
Robert’s cooking career began in the Royal Navy. During this time, he saw firsthand the power food has on people. He watched his fellow brothers and sisters sit down together at a table to enjoy a meal. It was an opportunity to relax, bond, and connect, like a family.
Our Breaking Bread With Heroes program is designed to emulate the experience Robert witnessed early on in his career. Following the Graduation Ceremony, we hosted a Breaking Bread With Heroes for the graduating class and their proud families.
Food is love. We loved being at Fort Jackson to celebrate our Soldiers and families by serving a meal prepared from the heart.
