LCCC hosts veterans luncheon to honor those who served

As the homemade aroma of barbeque chicken, baby back ribs, hot dogs and cheeseburger sliders filled the air, Luzerne County Community College's Culinary Arts students watched as their guests enjoyed their creations.

With meticulous care and culinary finesse, the students created the perfect lunch setting for their heartfelt mission to honor area veterans for their dedication and service to country.

The luncheon was part of a special event Chef David Pembleton and students from his Restaurant Operations 1 class held recently as a way to not only showcase the students culinary skills but to show gratitude to those who have served.*

Besides the entrees, the students made potato salad and a fresh fruit medley for side dishes, made homemade apple crumb pie and an all-American cake and offered soft drinks and bottled water.

"I wanted to do something special for our area veterans and show them that we respect them," said Pembleton. "This luncheon is not just about us preparing our food. It's about us serving those who have served us with courage and valor. Our students have put their culinary skills to the test to show our veterans we are grateful for them. I couldn't be prouder of their hard work and commitment to honoring our veterans."

The students' commitment to their craft and dedication to local veterans took center stage throughout the event. They used what they learned in their Restaurant Operations 1 class, which taught them the intricacies of creating buffets, banquets and other larger food events, to create a special dining experience for the veterans.

"We encourage our students to look for ways to give back to their communities whenever they can," said LCCC President Thomas P. Leary. "Not only are our students learning the latest culinary skills but they are learning the importance of community service. This event also helps us honor the men and women who have fought for our freedoms. It's so vital we express our gratitude to those who have served because they are truly heroes."

As another way to honor those who served, Julie Boyer and Chrissy Davis, from the Culinary Arts Department, created a "Table Set for One" display, which honors those who are missing in action or prisoners of war. Both Boyer and Davis worked collaboratively with Pembleton and his students to make the event possible. Boyer also helped design the flyers and cards for the event.

The Table Set for One was filled with visual representations of the soldier. They included the following.

The small round table is set for one, which symbolizes the frailty of a person, who is alone, information from the American Legion indicated. The white tablecloth represents their purity and intention to respond to their county's call to arms. The single red rose in the vase represents the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to the freedom of the U.S. The rose also serves as a symbol of the family and friends who are missing the soldier and awaiting their return, the American Legion indicated.

The yellow ribbon on the vase symbolizes the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of those who are seeking proper accounting of those who are lost. The slice of lemon represents the bitter fate of those who have fallen.

Additionally, the salt sprinkled on the plate represents the countless tears of families as they await news of their loved ones. The upside-down glass represents that the soldier cannot toast in the festivities.

Not only did veterans from the community attend the event but it also had in attendance two students from the Culinary Arts program who are also veterans. Students and veterans Sam Clayton and Juelisa Hines were able to sit among the honored veterans and participate in the event.

"This is one of the best colleges I've ever attended because the people here really do care," said Sam Clayton, who is a Culinary Arts major and an Army veteran. "I appreciate how they not only created this luncheon to honor us veterans but they also were able to make a special kosher meal for me. That shows they really do care."

Culinary Arts students Asa Frost, Jessica Miller and Jenna Yohe said they were pleased they could use their skills to honor area veterans.

"Luzerne County Community College's faculty and staff really care about the community," Frost said. "We organized this as a way for us to give back to our veterans. Not only are we learning on the latest equipment but we're also seeing the importance of giving back to the community."

The success of the veterans luncheon has inspired LCCC officials to make it an annual tradition, ensuring that the college continues to express its appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans in the community. Plans are already underway to expand and enhance future events, with the goal of making each year's luncheon even more special and memorable than the last.