The death of a dear friend who faced challenges in starting a culinary business served as a powerful catalyst for Lt. Cmdr. Jordan J. Foley. His late friend was a classmate at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. As Foley recalls, "My friend lacked the necessary support network to embark on a business venture. There are numerous talented chefs out there, but the culinary industry is highly competitive. Thus, I decided to focus on a food truck training model as a microcosm of the entire culinary world."

Let's Chow: A Nonprofit Dedicated to Military Veterans

In 2020, Foley established Let's Chow, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing various services to military veterans. These services include cooking therapy, cookware donations, culinary education, and business advice for both home chefs and aspiring food truck or restaurant owners. The first food truck was purchased in April 2021, and since then, Let's Chow has made a significant impact. It has donated an astonishing 50,000 meals and provided 15,000 hours of hands-on training to veterans and military spouses.Foley has played a crucial role in launching five veteran-run food trucks in different locations such as Philadelphia, San Diego, Georgia, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. And the future holds even more as more food trucks are set to hit the streets.To ensure the sustainability of the food truck program, Foley merged Let's Chow with the Robert Irvine Foundation. The foundation is led by the renowned celebrity chef and entrepreneur Robert Irvine, who has hosted numerous Food Network programs, including "Restaurant Impossible." Through this merger, the program gains additional support and resources.

How Let's Chow is Making a Difference

Let's Chow is not just about providing food trucks; it's about helping military veterans navigate the culinary world. As Foley explains, "Our goal is to equip veterans and military spouses with the necessary skills and knowledge in the culinary industry. Once they have learned enough, they are free to pursue their own business ventures, perhaps opening a restaurant of their own."The profits from these food trucks are used to support other initiatives that benefit veterans and military families. Through cooking therapy, cookware donations, culinary education, and online recipes, Let's Chow is making a positive impact on the lives of those who have served their country.Foley himself understands the challenges that veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. He emphasizes, "The transition is not easy, and considering a complete career change can be daunting. But our training program is designed to get veterans to where they need to go, regardless of their previous food service experience."

The Role of Robert Irvine Foundation

Having Let's Chow become the official Food Truck Program of the Robert Irvine Foundation was a natural fit. Irvine believes in the power of food to bring people together and create meaningful connections. As he said, "Food exists in service of a higher purpose. The Let's Chow initiative puts food and people to work for this purpose, while also benefiting our nation's heroes."A portion of the proceeds from Irvine's endeavors goes towards supporting the foundation, which gives back to military and first responder communities. This partnership allows Let's Chow to reach a wider audience and make an even greater impact.

Foley's Military and Academic Background

Foley's military career has been a remarkable journey, taking him to various parts of the world. He even spent time in the Chinese Navy through a training exchange. His interest in Chinese began in his first year of high school, and he went on to major in Mandarin at the Naval Academy.After graduating, Foley was selected to attend graduate school at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a dual master's degree in space system and technology policy. He then underwent training at the Navy's Nuclear Power School to become a submarine officer and served on the USS Annapolis. Later, he attended Georgetown Law School to become a JAG.Foley's achievements are remarkable. He graduated with distinction and was the overall top student for the Military Order of Merit at the Naval Academy, where he also earned a bachelor's degree in Chinese and served as brigade commander. He also attended Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics as part of a research fellowship.In 2018, Foley was selected for the Law Education Program and graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 2021 as a Global Law Scholar with a focus on Chinese comparative law.

The Impact on Veterans

Foley's work with Let's Chow is having a profound impact on veterans. By providing them with the opportunity to own and operate food trucks, he is bridging the gap between their military service and entry into the culinary industry. As he puts it, "These veterans have served our country with honor. They deserve a chance at success. What I am doing is just a small step, but it can make a big difference."Through Let's Chow, veterans are not only gaining practical skills but also finding a sense of purpose and belonging. The food trucks have become a platform for them to showcase their talents and contribute to their communities.In conclusion, Lt. Cmdr. Jordan J. Foley's story is a testament to the power of determination and compassion. Through Let's Chow, he is making a lasting impact on the lives of military veterans and helping them build a better future.