Steven Rossler, a U.S. Army veteran and owner of Rosslers Blue Cord Barbecue in Harker Heights, Texas, transitioned from the battlefield to the grill after 20 years of military service. Before retiring in 2020 at age 43, Rossler completed tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, earning a Bronze Star Medal for valor.
Rossler had desired to be a cook in the military, but initially joined as an infantryman. Following the loss of several comrades, Rossler found solace in cooking and it laid the foundation for his barbecue business started in 2016. Throughout this journey, Rossler grappled with tinnitus, a traumatic brain injury, a lower back injury, PTSD and alcohol addiction.
Rossler’s barbecue business became a beacon of hope as he battled his mental health struggles. His wife and two daughters, along with his unwavering determination to succeed in his new enterprise, sustained him. Assistance from Semper Fi America’s Fund, a non-profit organization that aids injured veterans, significantly contributed to getting his business off the ground.
The barbecue business, run by Rossler and his family, operates primarily from a food trailer open twice a week and caters for large events and festivals throughout the remainder of the week. The joy he sees on the faces of customers taking their first bite makes the entrepreneurial journey worth it.
Rossler advocates for other veterans to seek professional help instead of resorting to alcohol as a coping mechanism. There’s no shortage of organizations willing to provide assistance, he advises.