#Middlebury #Veterans
VETERANS POST
by Freddy Groves
Another blast of arctic weather was expected any minute and David, the project manager for the tiny homes in the Veterans Village, pushed the trades to bring all three homes under roof before the storm hit. Everyone hustled, knowing that lunch would be provided as soon as they finished their part of the work.
Sarge stood in the coffee shop kitchen talking to one of the veterans employed as a carpenter assistant, who basically carried, toted and measured.
“Can you put together some burgers and coffee for the guys coming in?” Sarge asked. “Nothing fancy, just hot food.”
“That I can,” the carpenter said and got to work pulling ingredients out of the cabinets and fridge.
David blew through the back door, looking for his lost employee. Sarge explained: burgers, coffee, hungry guys.
David nodded and stood watching his carpenter expertly flip burgers, add a pinch of cinnamon to the coffee pot and create a crudité platter with three different dips. “He looks pretty darn confident in this kitchen,” David whispered to Sarge. “Notice that?”
Sarge called out to the carpenter veteran. “Son, what was your MOS in the Army?”
The veteran turned and smiled, spatula in hand. “MOS 92G, sir,” he said. “Culinary Specialist.”
David scratched his head. “Then what are you doing working as a carpenter assistant?”
“Taking care of my family,” the carpenter replied as he moved a burger onto a toasted bun. “I got two kids. Moved here and didn’t know anybody. You had a job. I needed one.”
Sarge pulled out his phone, tapping numbers. “I got a cook here,” he said when the call was answered, “in the guise of a junior wanna-be assistant carpenter. How much could this boy be making at your restaurant? He’s Army trained, so he’ll need a good salary …”
Ten minutes later, Sarge came back down the stairs and handed the carpenter a piece of paper. “You got an interview tomorrow for sous chef … whatever that is.”
© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.
