In a heartfelt display of gratitude and camaraderie, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently traded his Pentagon office for a bustling kitchen, where he cooked a hearty meal for a group of disabled veterans at a community center in Arlington, Virginia. The event, titled “Cooking with Valor,” was more than just a culinary gathering; it was a powerful statement of Hegseth’s commitment to honoring those who have sacrificed for the nation. “These men and women deserve more than just our thanks,” Hegseth said, stirring a pot of chili. “They deserve our time, our respect, and our unwavering support.”

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and combat veteran, has long positioned himself as a champion for veterans’ causes. His tenure as Secretary of Defense, which began in 2025, has been marked by efforts to reform military health systems and improve quality-of-life initiatives for service members. However, this event showcased a more personal side of the polarizing figure, whose career has been both celebrated and scrutinized. For the veterans in attendance, the day was a chance to connect with a leader who shares their experiences and understands their struggles.

A Day of Connection and Comfort Food

The “Cooking with Valor” event was organized in partnership with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering veterans with disabilities. Held at a community center adorned with American flags and photos of service members, the gathering brought together over 50 disabled veterans from the D.C. metro area. The menu was classic American comfort food: chili, cornbread, grilled chicken, and apple pie—a nod to the simple, hearty meals that resonate with military culture.

Hegseth arrived early, donning a black apron with the DAV logo and rolling up his sleeves to reveal the tattoos on his forearms, a visible reminder of his own military service. He was joined by a team of volunteer chefs and DAV staff, but Hegseth took the lead, chopping onions, browning ground beef, and joking with veterans who gathered around the kitchen island. “I’m no chef, but I’ve cooked my share of MREs in the field,” he quipped, referring to the military’s Meals Ready-to-Eat. “This is a step up.”

For many veterans, the event was a rare opportunity to see a high-profile figure like Hegseth in a relaxed, approachable setting. “He’s not just some guy in a suit,” said Maria Gonzalez, a Marine Corps veteran who lost a leg in Afghanistan. “He gets it. He’s been where we’ve been, and you can tell he actually cares.” Gonzalez, who now uses a prosthetic limb, shared a laugh with Hegseth as he handed her a plate of cornbread fresh from the oven.

Beyond the Kitchen: Hegseth’s Advocacy for Veterans

The cooking event was more than a photo op; it was a reflection of Hegseth’s broader mission to address the challenges facing veterans, particularly those with disabilities. As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth oversees the Military Health System, which serves over 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families. He has advocated for streamlining healthcare access and increasing mental health resources, issues that resonate deeply with disabled veterans.

“We’ve got to do better for our vets,” Hegseth said during a brief speech after the meal. “Too many are waiting too long for care, fighting bureaucracy, or feeling forgotten. That’s not how we honor sacrifice.” His words echoed sentiments he has expressed throughout his career, from his time as executive director of Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America to his years as a Fox News commentator.

However, Hegseth’s advocacy has not been without controversy. Critics, including some veterans’ groups, have accused him of pushing for privatization of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a move they argue could undermine specialized care for veterans with complex, service-related injuries. In 2019, Hegseth claimed on Fox News that some veterans seek “unnecessary” disability benefits, a statement that drew backlash from organizations like the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

At the Arlington event, Hegseth addressed these concerns indirectly, emphasizing his commitment to improving—not dismantling—the VA. “I want veterans to have choices,” he said. “If the VA is the best place for their care, great. If they need a private doctor, we should make that happen without red tape.” His remarks were met with nods from some veterans and skeptical glances from others, highlighting the divisive nature of his policy positions.

Stories of Resilience Around the Table

As the aroma of chili filled the room, veterans shared stories of their service, their injuries, and their journeys since returning home. Michael Carter, a Gulf War veteran with chronic back pain, spoke about the challenges of navigating the VA system. “It’s not just about getting a doctor’s appointment,” he said. “It’s about feeling like you’re still part of something bigger.” Carter, who uses a cane for mobility, praised Hegseth for creating a space where veterans could connect.

Another attendee, Sarah Nguyen, a Navy veteran with PTSD, described the event as “therapeutic.” “When you’re disabled, people sometimes treat you like you’re broken,” she said. “Today felt like we were family, not just a bunch of patients.” Nguyen and Hegseth bonded over their shared love of spicy food, with Hegseth playfully challenging her to a chili heat-off.

These interactions underscored the event’s deeper purpose: fostering community among veterans who often feel isolated. According to the DAV, nearly 4.7 million veterans live with a service-connected disability, and many struggle with mental health challenges, unemployment, or homelessness. Initiatives like “Cooking with Valor” aim to combat these issues by building networks of support.

A Polarizing Figure with a Personal Touch

Hegseth’s participation in the event was a reminder of his unique ability to connect with service members on a personal level. A Princeton graduate and former infantry officer, he served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, earning two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. His military background gives him credibility among many veterans, who see him as one of their own.

Yet, Hegseth’s tenure as Secretary of Defense has been fraught with challenges. His nomination in 2024 was marred by allegations of financial mismanagement and personal misconduct during his time leading veterans’ organizations, as well as a 2017 sexual assault accusation, which he denied and settled with a payment and nondisclosure agreement. Despite these controversies, Hegseth was confirmed, bolstered by support from prominent veterans and Republican lawmakers.

His leadership style—marked by a rejection of traditional Pentagon decorum in favor of a “relatable everyman” persona—has also drawn mixed reactions. While some service members appreciate his casual demeanor and visible tattoos, others view it as unprofessional. A Reddit post by a retired Navy captain called Hegseth’s image “overly manufactured,” reflecting a sentiment among some that his efforts to connect feel calculated.

At the cooking event, however, Hegseth’s authenticity shone through. He listened intently as veterans shared their concerns, from inadequate housing to delayed disability claims. When asked about his own experiences, he spoke candidly about the toll of combat and the importance of finding purpose after service. “We all carry scars, seen and unseen,” he said. “The question is how we help each other heal.”

A Recipe for Change?

As the event wound down, veterans lingered over slices of apple pie, swapping phone numbers and planning future meetups. Hegseth stayed until the last plate was cleared, shaking hands and posing for photos. For many attendees, the day was a small but meaningful gesture of recognition.

Still, the challenges facing disabled veterans require more than a single meal. The VA’s budget, which exceeded $300 billion in 2024, faces ongoing scrutiny, and debates over privatization continue to polarize stakeholders. Hegseth’s vision of “choice” in healthcare remains a lightning rod, with supporters praising its flexibility and critics warning of potential cost increases and quality declines.

For now, “Cooking with Valor” stands as a symbol of Hegseth’s desire to bridge the gap between policy and personal connection. Whether his efforts will translate into lasting change remains to be seen, but for one afternoon in Arlington, disabled veterans felt seen, heard, and valued. As Hegseth put it, “We owe them more than words. We owe them action, and I’m just getting started.”