By Steffen Klenk
Hundreds of veterans, volunteers and community members gathered at the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland on Sunday, Nov. 8, for a celebration of service, gratitude and community.
The Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey, the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation, hosted its 17th annual Veterans Appreciation Brunch, bringing together professional chefs, culinary students and volunteers to prepare and serve a special meal for veterans.
The annual tradition, known as “Operation Serving Those Who Served Us,” reflects the organization’s longstanding commitment to honoring military veterans.
“The local ACF chapter has had many veteran members as well as supported veterans for many years,” said chef David Goldstein. “We started serving them with a special brunch in honor of Veterans Day.”
This year’s gathering also paid tribute to the life and legacy of the late Wolfgang Geckler, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Army and was recognized as a hall of fame chef with the Professional Chefs Association.
Chef Guy Dunagan, a former chapter vice president, was also honored for his years of dedication to the event.
“He was one of the original founders of this event and came up with us doing the brunch at this location,” Goldstein said. “Chef Guy has been giving back and helping us serve vets for many years.”
The Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland has more than 450 residents. Each year, the association serves several hundred veterans a country club-style brunch, made possible through the efforts of local chefs, community volunteers and culinary students from the Academy of Culinary Arts and Absegami High School.
Dozens of chefs contributed their time and talents, while area businesses provided food, supplies and other support. Contributors included the Smithville Inn, District Food Court and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, along with numerous food purveyors and other donors.
State Sen. Michael Testa and New Jersey Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno attended the celebration.
“These brave men and women have given so much in service to our country,” Testa wrote in a Facebook post. “Taking the time to listen, connect, and let them know they are appreciated is the least we can do.”
Goldstein expressed appreciation for the volunteers, participating chefs and veterans who continue to inspire the annual tradition.
“I am very proud of the chapter and very grateful for all the service provided by the veterans, which is why we make this effort and serve them,” Goldstein said.
The brunch highlighted the South Jersey culinary community’s 17-year tradition of honoring veterans through a shared meal and personal connections.
Photos provided by David Goldstein
Photo gallery: Veterans Appreciation Brunch
