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‘Cowboy’ chef serves up hope to ensure America’s heroes are never forgotten
Kent and Shannon Rollins, known as the “Cowboy” chefs, cooked with veterans through Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (VETS), using shared meals to encourage connection and confidence. Their experience highlights how a practical group activity can offer structure and a sense of achievement during the transition from military to civilian life.
The VETS Cowboy Kitchen was inspired by Kent Rollins’ cooking school in Oklahoma and is part of a nonprofit programme that also offers equine therapy and archery. Filmed in Connecticut on 13 and 14 September for the third season of the couple’s television show, the gathering featured corn fritters, succotash and apple fritters. The Rollinses said recipes help participants build confidence and adapt, while familiar ingredients can keep meals affordable; they also urged people to listen to veterans.
In short
- Cooking together can build veterans’ confidence and connection.
- VETS’ Cowboy Kitchen grew from an Oklahoma cooking school.
- The Rollinses say listening is one way to show appreciation.
Explained simply
Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (VETS) is a nonprofit programme that supports veterans as they adjust to civilian life. It offers activities including equine therapy, archery and group cooking, which can provide routine, practical skills and opportunities to spend time with others.
Kent and Shannon Rollins are chefs from Oklahoma, known for cooking over open fires and teaching others. Their Cowboy Kitchen adapts Kent’s cooking school for veterans, using shared recipes and meals as a hands-on activity that can build confidence and a sense of achievement.