The parking lot was emptied of cars and D.C.’s Southeast Veterans Center was ready for a party Thursday to celebrate veterans.
Music artist Heru showed up with his electric violin and played music for the vets.
Chef Benne, also known as Chester Bennett, came on Thursday this week rather than his usual Wednesday to prepare healthy food.
The chef remarked how he substituted cauliflower rice over rice to go with his tilapia because it’s healthier. He said he began to learn to cook all over again after he had to have a kidney transplant some years ago. He’s focused on providing healthier meals at the center.
Center Director Greg Crawford said the chef’s popular with the residents. The food these days is served with items individually wrapped as the pandemic looms.
Crawford said two of the 70 vets who live at the center died of COVID, so the center’s very conscientious about trying to prevent other cases.
The director says the 22 year old facility is in need of substantial preservation work. The Veterans Administration has allocated $1.5 million for repairs but according to Crawford the complex needs more like $5 million to make the repairs it needs.