Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine Praises Veterans for Their ‘Sacrifice and Dedication’

Robert Irvine poses for a picture during the annual Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival on Oct. 16, 2021. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for NYCWFF

In honor of Veterans Day, Robert Irvine, a former British Royal Navy chef who found fame on the Food Network, has expressed his appreciation for military personnel around the world.

“Today we Honor all our Great veterans and their families for their dedication past and present who serve and have served,” the celebrity chef shared on social media platform X on Monday.

“Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served our country with courage and commitment. Your sacrifice and dedication mean more than words can express,” the 59-year-old added.

“Wishing you a day of recognition, respect, and gratitude. Happy Veterans Day.”

Speaking to Fox News Digital ahead of the federal holiday, Irvine—who gained his U.S. citizenship over 20 years ago—acknowledged that more needs to be done for military veterans nationwide.

“America has to stand up, and it’s not only our uniformed men and women, whether it’s the Marines, Navy, Space Force, Army, Air Force, Coast Guardsman,” he said.

Irvine noted that first responders, such as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and 911 operators, frequently face stress levels that mirror those of soldiers battling on the frontlines.

“But they do it every day,” Irvine said. “We’re starting to really understand what stress is and why we need to support our military.”

Support for Veterans

Irvine enlisted in the UK’s Royal Navy at the age of 15, serving as a cook on some of the largest ships in the British fleet, including the Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II.

He later found success on the small screen, hosting some of the Food Network’s most popular shows, including “Restaurant: Impossible,” “Dinner: Impossible,” and “Restaurant Express.” The television personality has also appeared in “All-Star Academy,” “Guy’s Grocery Games,” and “Chopped: Impossible,” among other cooking programs.

In 2014, the Food Network star founded the Robert Irvine Foundation, which aims to support the physical and mental health of military members and first responders.

The nonprofit organization provides community meal donations and grocery handouts, as well as mobility devices and trained service dogs to those in need. The charity also offers financial support through its scholarships, grants, and relief fund.

“I believe that we have to do more for these folks, and we have to recognize them. And it doesn’t mean saying ’thanks for your service‘ either, ’cause that doesn’t do anything. It means cooking a meal, inviting somebody to your house, calling your local British Legion, calling your VA, and seeing how you can help,” Irvine told Fox News.

“You listen to these World War II veterans, and Vietnam veterans, and Afghanistan veterans, Iraq veterans—there’s a piece missing from our general public in that support system.”

‘Eternal Gratitude’

In a subsequent social media post, shared on Nov. 11, Irvine conveyed his continued commitment to prioritizing his philanthropic efforts toward enhancing the welfare of veterans.

“Our freedom, prosperity, and very way of life is safeguarded by the men and women who donned the cloth of our nation,” he wrote on X.

“If you ever served—in any capacity—you have my eternal gratitude. My mission, now and forever, is to give back to you. Thank you. #VeteransDay.”

The award-winning chef has received several civilian honors in recognition of his contributions to military members, both past and present.

In May 2015, Irvine was named an Honorary Chief Petty Officer by the United States Navy. In a statement shared on his website, Irvine said the designation was “an amazing honor” that he will cherish for the rest of his life.

“I come from the British Royal Navy and after spending ten years there and then coming here, I see what the men and women [of the U.S. military] do every day of their lives and it is humbling,” Irvine said after the pinning ceremony, according to a statement from the Navy.

“I’m an American citizen now and I do what I do with the troops because I love them and what they do—for the sacrifices they make every day.”

In September 2015, Irvine received the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment for his “unwavering commitment to the morale of [America’s] troops and veterans.”

In his acceptance speech, Irvine said it was a “humbling moment” to join the ranks of the “many remarkable Americans” who have received the award before him.

“This award’s namesake, Bob Hope, like me, was a British-born American. Bob was known for his many talents in the entertainment world, but it was clear that he found the most joy [in] dedicating his time to putting smiles on the faces of our military heroes,” Irvine said.

“To be honored with an award that’s named after such a man—there [are] no words.”