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Breaking Bread with Heroes is a program created by the Robert Irvine Foundation. It brings together service members, veterans, first responders, and their families to share a meal, connect, and feel appreciated.
During his visit to Dyess Air Force Base, Chef Irvine not only served food but also took the pilot’s seat in a C-130 flight simulator. He spoke with KTAB/KRBC about the experience and his appreciation for the military community.
“The morning I spent with an amazing human being to my right over here, who helped me fly a C-130, and I didn’t crash. But to spend the time with our Air Force folks, defenders of this nation’s security, is really important to me. To let them know they’re loved by us and the American people. So when they put that uniform on every day, they know they’re loved, and we send a big hug from us. That’s why we’re here. Taking care of people, that’s taking care of us,” Irvine said.
Captain Elizabeth Mahoney, the C-130 instructor pilot who guided Irvine and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass through the simulator, shared what the day meant to her.
“So I taught them how to take off in the C-130. Went and flew a little bit of a mountain low level, which is one of the tactical events that the C-130 is known for,” Mahoney said.
She said the visit was a meaningful moment for those on base who often carry out their duties quietly.
“I think having people acknowledge the work that the military does, especially for the people who just get the day-to-day done. They love the appreciation, they love getting to know new people,” said Mahoney.
Irvine, a Veteran of the British Royal Navy, said he feels a strong connection to U.S. service members.
“I’ll give you a relation, I spent 345 days here on the road around the globe with our joint force doing things like this, PT, flying helicopters, planes, not like we did today with Elizabeth, but really just letting the folks know that I’m a coalition force. I’m an American citizen, by the way. But I love my military, I love the people that wear the cloth of our nation, and they need to be respected and honored,” Irvine said.
He also emphasized that every branch of the military matters and said preparing food is one way to show appreciation.
“If you can see the glow on my face, it’s not the Texas heat. It’s me being here because I love being surrounded by like-minded people that care about our country enough to put on the uniform. That’s 1 percent of our young men and women,” Irvine said.
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