An Army veteran went from the battlefield to the barbecue.
Steven Rossler, owner and operator of Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue in Harker Heights, Texas, previously served in the military for 20 years.
Before retiring in 2020, Rossler, 43, completed deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq and received a Bronze Star Medal for valor.
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In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rossler shared that he originally wanted to be a cook in the Army, but he joined as an infantryman and was stationed in Hawaii.
After experiencing the loss of some of his fellow soldiers, Rossler was in a “very bad place” when he started cooking and barbecuing, which led to the start of his business in 2016.
Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue has been named to Texas Monthly’s Top 25 New and Improved BBQ Joints in Texas. (Semper Fi and Fund of America)
Overcoming mental health barriers
Rossler also struggled with the effects of active combat, including tinnitus, a traumatic brain injury, a back injury, and mental health challenges such as PTSD and alcohol abuse.
“For a long period of time, alcohol was something I used [help me] afford,” he told Fox News Digital.
“When you see the things I’ve seen, when you see the devil face to face, those are things you can’t get out of your head.”
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Through these challenges, Rossler was sustained by his wife and two daughters — Paisley, 9, and Julianne, 6 — and his efforts to pursue his barbecue business.
“I knew this was what I wanted to do,” he said. “It was just a matter of getting there, a matter of getting there with the right space.”
While serving in the Army, Rossler received a Bronze Star for valor for a maneuver to save soldiers from a burning vehicle. (Semper Fi and Fund of America)
A much needed boost
Rossler credited Semper Fi & America’s Fund — a California-based nonprofit that helps wounded veterans — for helping launch his business.
The fund helped with the technical aspects of running a small business, such as budgeting and cost analysis.
“They’ve helped me and never treated me differently,” Rossler said. “It’s been awesome.”
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He now runs Rossler’s Barbecue with his wife and daughters, whom he considers “the backbone of our business.”
The company operates primarily out of a food trailer, which is open two days a week in Harker Heights and handles large food jobs and festivals on the remaining days.
“I don’t think it’s ever too late to achieve something you want to do in life,” Rossler said. (Semper Fi and Fund of America)
“There is nothing better than seeing [customers] take that first bite,” he said.
The business has been “constantly evolving” since its inception in 2016, Rossler said, as the family continually improves its menu offerings.
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“It’s nice to see all these people [and] Soldiers from all over come and eat,” he said. “And they just say, ‘Man, that’s great. We love what you’re doing. You’re a veteran. You’re thriving.’
Rossler is already passing the entrepreneurial torch to his oldest daughter, whom he described as hardworking and “very selfless.”
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“She can do the best work on men I’ve ever met,” he said. “She has a heart of gold, but she gets her work ethic from her mom.”
Seared brisket, turkey and raspberry brisket are some of the most popular items on the Rossler’s Barbecue menu. (Semper Fi and Fund of America)
Rossler urges other veterans not to rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism.
“Go get help. Go to a therapist, see who you need,” he advised. “There are so many different organizations out there that are willing to help.”
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“To all my brothers and sisters in arms who have ever served, I really love you guys,” he added. “I really, really mean it.”
Semper Fi & America’s Fund announced that through December 31st, the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG will match all donations made to the Fund up to $10 million.