The American Legion Post 100 is inviting all first responders, veterans and active service members for a top-of-the-line smorgasbord, made with wild game from here to the wild blue yonder.
Retired U.S. Air Force Veteran, with 23 years of service, Gabe Adame, was just recently introduced to Post 100, where he already feels right at home. He’s lived in the Valley for nine years, along with his wife, Susie Jimenez, who’s been around for about 25. Jimenez is a celebrity chef and was a featured finalist on the Food Network.
The two have been palling around the country feeding veterans, first responders and people experiencing homelessness through
a program called Hunt. Fish. Feed., an offshoot of the Sportsman Channel and sponsored by Xfinity and Comcast. It all started when Jimenez was picked up by the Outdoor Channel for the show “The Sporting Chef,” after having been discovered on the Food Network.
“Then, I decided to take a little break from the whole showbusiness, I guess, and then they asked if I wanted to travel with my husband — a retired veteran himself — and travel around the country to feed first responders, homeless, veterans, the whole shebang,” Jimenez told The Sun.
Hunt. Fish. Feed. has provided more than 45,000 meals since its inception in 2007, according to Adame.
Adame added, “We just wanted to do something in our backyard, because we’re usually going to Houston … New Orleans … Illinois and all these other places.”
The menu will include elk, wild boar, brats and turkey. “We’re going to grill it; we’re going to make it Brazilian style with a bunch of sauces and vegetables and rice pilaf,” Jimenez said.
Live music will be provided by LeAnn Wright and Tim Pobirk.
“When you have a meal with somebody [who] you’ve experienced the same things with, it just makes that whole meal a lot better,” Adame said. “I went to war 10 times and I don’t talk about it ever … but it’s nice to get around veterans and you can relate.”
Post 100 is always looking to grow its family of veteran and proxy members, according to Post 100 Adjunct Chris Potvin. Sons or grandsons of servicemembers are eligible to join as Sons of the American Legion, and other relatives can sign up as American Legion Auxiliary members.
If you don’t fall within the eligibility guidelines, “we still have a place for you,” Potvin said.
Post 100 Commander Michael Adams has been a member of the Carbondale unit for 11 years, having stepped into the leadership role in April 2025. He enlisted in the Army in the early ‘70s, after having drawn No. 5 in the draft lottery and being classified as 1A, a tell-tale sign he’d be heading into the military one way or the other, he explained. Once discharged, he hitchhiked across the country, eventually making his way to the Valley.
“Once in service, always in service,” Adams said. “If they called my number right now, I’d show up.
When the American Legion formed in 1919, in Paris, France of all places, there was more of a veteran services component, according to Potvin. The official service responsibility was eventually assumed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but Post 100 still provides guidance and support for veterans, he added.
Both of the Post 100 leaders hope that the welcoming on Sept. 29, will inspire more recruits to join the ranks of the local chapter.
The event is family friendly, according to Potvin and Adams, so eligible attendees are welcome to bring family members. Though the barbecue will not include beer or whiskey, the pair said, the bar will open early at 1:30pm for folks who wish to stick around.
Adame said that it’s important to RSVP, which can be done by emailing RSVPspiceitup@gmail.com He added that folks can call or text his cell, 209-502-8940, with any questions.
In a nutshell
What: Veterans & First Responders Lunch
Where: American Legion Post 100, Carbondale
When: Sept. 29, 11:30am to 1:30pm
Who: Veterans, military members and first responders
RSVP: Email RSVPspiceitup@gmail.com