Life is a Series of Transitions: A U.S. Air Force Veteran Turned Chef Shares His Story was originally published on FourBlock.
“If I walk into a brick wall, I just grab another opportunity that gives me more information to get me over or around that wall.”
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Jerome Amos, a native New Yorker, foodie and chef who learned to cook as a young child.
In a lively and inspiring conversation with co-host Mike Abrams, Jerome shares details of his upbringing as the oldest of eight children, the community that influenced him, and what led him to decide to join the military at a young age. He talks about his time in the U.S. Air Force, getting out after more than five years of service, and the challenging transition back home.
Jerome then shares his career journey and how he leaps from what people may think are unusual jobs, but are actually all connected – from the job he took after the military to pay the bills to becoming a self-taught photographer to getting into graphic design to his career today as a chef.
Jerome discusses his introduction to cooking and how a chance encounter led to a new friendship, a YouTube channel, and a new career in cooking. To close out the episode, Jerome shares his advice for fellow veterans who are making the transition out of military service.
Jerome will join us again on Thursday, October 21 to host a live interactive M.R.E. (Meals Ready-to-Eat) virtual cook-along with other special guests!
Jerome, who served in the US. Air Force for over five years during the Gulf War, said that the military way is to treat everyone on your team the same as your family. That became the foundation for Brothers From Another Mother cooking or B.F.A.M. Cooking because everyone can be your “fam” especially at the dining table.
The B.F.A.M. Cooking videos range from delicious, original recipes that Jerome has created to American cuisine restaurant owners who he wanted to know better. There are also videos about cooking tools that he loves and simple techniques to make things easier in the kitchen.
Jerome was recently one of the many chefs from around the globe who competed in an exclusive online competition to be named the world’s Favorite Chef, receive $50,000 and a feature in a two-page advertising spread in Bon Appétit announcing the winner. Voted on by the fans, Jerome made it as a semi-finalist, placing 3rd in his group.
Learn more about Jerome and B.F.A.M. Cooking at https://bfamcooking.com/.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term “Three Block War” to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
