Veterans Day might’ve passed, but gratitude shouldn’t cool off with the coals. Across the country, pitmasters and BBQ joints like Mission BBQ, Sonny’s BBQ, and countless local spots spent the week serving meals to veterans, not just for the press, but for the respect.

On Veterans Day, we also had the chance to share something special with the entire society. We received a story from one of our distinguished members, Kyle Walker, all about his brave family members who served and their connection through meat.

It’s the type of story that the Dead Meat Society is all about: family, food, and connection. Those who appreciate a good letter: read it here.

But while the flags get folded and the leftovers fade, the spirit doesn’t have to.

The best way to honor service is the way pitmasters always have: by feeding people.



How the pros do it

Mission BBQ has built their whole brand around respecting our nation’s heroes. Famously, every day at noon, their restaurants stop service for the national anthem.

National Veterans BBQ Day carries that same torch, a grassroots effort that encourages communities to honor vets with shared BBQ and good company. It’s about fellowship around the flame, much like our very own Dead Meat Society. We’ll be adding it to our calendar for 2026, and you can, too.

Feed a few, feed a crew

If you want to cook with that same purpose, you don’t need an entire restaurant, just the right recipes and a little extra smoke time for a veteran you care about.

Here are some helpful recipes you might want to whip up for a vet this weekend…

Beer-Brined BBQ Chicken
Brined, grilled, and built for a crowd. Easy to scale and even easier to disappear off the platter.

Texas-Style Smoked Brisket
The classic centerpiece. Simple seasoning, slow smoke, and that unmistakable bark, from the pitmasters at Dickey’s. (Dickey’s also showed their appreciation the right way, serving free brisket sandwiches to veterans on Veterans Day.)

Keep the fire going

Supporting veterans doesn’t have to end when the smoke clears.

Buy from veteran-owned BBQ businesses. Invite a vet to your next cookout. Drop a few extra plates at your local VFW.

Or keep it simple, fire up the smoker, and dedicate the meal to someone who’s earned it.

Because gratitude’s a habit worth keeping alive.