The John R. Simpson Post 1513 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Chapter out of Escondido treated Palomar’s veteran students to a home-cooked meal.

The free event took place at the Palomar Veterans Resource Center (VRC) on Feb. 19.

The Escondido VFW brings a meal to Palomar’s VRC every third Wednesday of the month.

The food is cooked exclusively by Gina Burke, who served as an Army operating room nurse in Vietnam.

Burke brought in beef brisket, seasoned rice, potatoes, coleslaw, and fresh-cut mango.

For many veterans, a warm meal was one of those things that could make even the worst training or combat mission more bearable during their service.

The VRC counselors welcome veterans and their family members at the monthly lunch for a chance to eat and chat with other veterans and their families.

“Each month this is a great opportunity for us to get together, enjoy a warm meal and enjoy some veteran camaraderie,” said LeJearl Young, a VRC counselor and veteran.