US military veteran starts successful BBQ business despite challenges: 'I'm so proud'

The war veteran left the battlefield and went to the barbecue.

Steven Rossler, owner and operator of Rossler's Blue Cord Barbecue in Harker Heights, Texas, previously served in the Army for 20 years.

Before retiring in 2020, Rossler, 43, completed deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq and earned 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 military cook, but joined as a freshman and was stationed in Hawaii.

After experiencing the loss of other soldiers, Rossler was “in a really bad place” when he started cooking and grilling, which led to the start of his business in 2016.

Overcoming barriers to mental health

Rossler also struggled with the effects of active combat, including tinnitus, traumatic brain injury, back injury and mental health challenges such as PTSD and alcohol abuse.

“For a long time, alcohol was something I used to do [help me] resist it,” 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 those challenges, Rossler was kept strong by his wife and two daughters – Paisley, 9, and Julianne, 6 – and his drive to pursue his sauce business.

“I knew this is what I wanted to do,” he said. “It was just a matter of achieving that, a matter of getting there with the right headspace.”

While serving in the Army, Rossler earned a Bronze Star for valor for saving soldiers from a burning vehicle. (Semper Fi & America's Fund)

A much needed improvement

Rossler credited Semper Fi & America's Fund — a California-based nonprofit that helps wounded veterans — for helping get his business off the ground.

The fund helped with technical aspects of running a small business, such as budgeting and cost analysis.

“They've helped me, and they've never treated me differently,” Rossler said. “It's been great.”

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He now runs Rossler's Barbecue alongside his wife and daughters, whom he considers “the backbone of our business.”

The company primarily operates out of a food trailer, which is open two days a week in Harker Heights, and hosts large catering events and festivals on the remaining days.

“I don't think it's ever too late to achieve what you want to do in life,” said Rossler. (Semper Fi & America's Fund)

“There is nothing more than seeing [customers] take that first,” he said.

The business has been “evolving all the time” since launching in 2016, Rossler said, as the family continues to develop the menu.

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“It's just great to see all these people [and] soldiers from all over come and eat,” he said. “And they're just like, 'Man, this is great. We love what you do. He is a veteran. He is thriving.'

Rossler is already passing the entrepreneurial torch to her oldest daughter, whom she describes as hardworking and “not too selfish.”

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“He is able to surpass many men I have met,” he said. “He has a heart of gold, but he gets his way of working from his mother.”

Brisket, turkey and raspberry pork roast ends are some of the most popular items on the menu at Rossler's Barbecue. (Semper Fi & America's Fund)

Rossler urges other veterans not to rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism.

“Go get help. Go see a therapist, see whoever you need to see,” he advised. “There are many different organizations willing to help.”

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“To all my brothers and sisters who have served, I love you guys so much,” he added. “I really mean that.”

Semper Fi & America's Fund announced that until Dec. 31, the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG will match all donations made to the Fund up to $10 million.