BBQ Basics

Veterans and first responders are always serving. Operation BBQ Relief gives them the tools to make an impact in their community by teaching the healing power of BBQ over a two-day course working side-by-side with our pitmasters and chefs. BBQ Basics improves morale for participants, provides life skills, and offers hope.

Presented by

BBQ Basics Goals:

Give back to first responders, military, and veterans by teaching them the basics of BBQ.
Provide an opportunity for friendship and camaraderie for first responders and veterans experiencing PTSD
Train individuals to potentially respond to food insecurity during natural disasters.
Serve meals to the community and address the fight on hunger.

BBQ Basics Cities

Day 1

Introduction to the Craft

Champion pitmasters and chefs provide a fast-paced introduction to the art and science of BBQ. Veterans and first responders learn the tools of the trade, the difference between hot-n-fast and low-n-slow, and how to apply them to turn out the best grilling and BBQ.

Day 2

The Healing Power of BBQ in Action

Veterans and first responders are divided into teams where they will have the opportunity to put these new skills to the test as they compete in a friendly BBQ competition. By the end of day 2, the veterans and first responders will have the BBQ skills and network to connect, inspire, serve, educate, and feed in their own communities.

Day 2

The Healing Power of BBQ in Action

Veterans and first responders are divided into teams where they will have the opportunity to put these new skills to the test as they compete in a friendly BBQ competition. By the end of day 2, the veterans and first responders will have the BBQ skills and network to connect, inspire, serve, educate, and feed in their own communities.

What did you learn from the BBQ Basics?

“Well besides some amazing BBQ secrets, it goes back to that feeling of teamwork. It brought back that feeling of teamwork that I hadn’t had in a while. I learned how you all work together as a team and we got the chance to replicate it. Learning to work together as a team again was the best. My pitmaster was Andrew and he was a great help. He answered all of my questions and gave us some great BBQ tips, that goes without saying. He was really approachable and so was all of the Operation BBQ Relief staff. I feel like I learned so much from everyone.”

Miguel, Veteran and BBQ Basics Alumni

Who knew barbecue would have this kind of impact?

“From my first experience with Operation BBQ Relief at the BBQ Basics in September 2019 to the multiple deployments and events I volunteered, I found myself excited by all that has been accomplished by this amazing organization.

While Operation BBQ Relief has made a huge impact on communities all across the country, I find myself thinking of the life-changing impact it has had on me personally. Operation BBQ Relief has gifted me a new ability that I never knew I would enjoy this much. It has given me a new family: a group of individuals that have selfless hearts and willingness to share knowledge, hope, and compassion with no thought to themselves.”

Donnie, Operation BBQ Relief volunteer and BBQ Basics Alumni