“I’m not the person to try to blow an interview, so here I am 10 years later,” he said. “I started out in the food bank and over the years have moved up to where I am now in the office running the program as Cook Foreman.” With no on-site kitchen at John Cochran, the Jefferson Barracks kitchen provides everything John Cochran needs for Veteran inpatients. Whether cooked or chilled, food supplements, canned goods, dry stock, or frozen items, it gets shipped daily to John Cochran. Between the two facilities, Jefferson Barracks staff of 15 prepares an average of 2,100 meals a week, which includes those for inpatients, late additions, and John Cochran emergency room needs.
Taylor spoke about how his team had worked through reconstruction, being short-staffed during COVID, and how they’d always moved forward. His go-to teammate is Head Cook and U.S. Army Veteran Larry Jackson. Light-hearted Hooah and Oorah rivalry happens often. “Ten years ago, I took this young, fresh Marine under my wing and properly trained him in the Army way.” Jackson said with a grin. “But seriously, we’re a team and keep the flow going in the kitchen and ensure our Veterans receive the quality food that they need and deserve.”
Taylor agreed. “Larry had been on leave when I started here, and I remember going home the first two weeks frustrated, and I’d say, ‘This job could not be that hard. I’ve managed restaurants!’ “And then he returned and said, ‘My name’s Larry. Forget everything you learned over the last few weeks.’ Taylor gestured to the kitchen behind them. “And here we are, ten years later.” When not leading his team, Taylor enjoys downtime perfecting his cooking and baking skills, weekend trips, and especially spending time with his wife, Simone. “Providing for our Veterans is the most satisfying part of my job,” Taylor said. “It’s why I chose to come to the VA, and my way of giving back to the Veterans that paved the way for me to even go in the military.” Semper Fi, Marine. Cook Foreman Fredrico “Rico” Taylor (left) and Head Cook Larry Jackson.
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