Serving Comfort, Honoring Heroes: Tad's Dad's Chili and National Vietnam War Veterans Day

March 29th holds special significance in America's calendar as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It’s a day set aside to honor the courage, service, and sacrifices of the 2.7 million Americans who served during one of our nation's most challenging periods. For us at Tad's Dad's Chili, this day resonates deeply with our founding story, and the values that flavor every jar we produce.

A Legacy of Service in Challenging Times

As you may recall, our story begins with Colonel Tyler W. Tandler, the inspiration behind Tad's Dad's Chili. He was a dedicated Air Force officer whose service exemplified the quiet professionalism of his generation. 

During the Vietnam War, Colonel Tandler flew the OV-10 Bronco on reconnaissance missions, navigating the skies above dense jungle canopies to gather crucial intelligence.

His work with Task Force Alpha represented the cutting edge of military technology at the time: a sophisticated monitoring system designed to detect enemy movements in terrain where traditional surveillance proved nearly impossible. This blend of courage and innovation would later become the compass for the chili brand named after him.

After his tours in Vietnam, Colonel Tandler's service continued at the Pentagon, where he received the Legion of Merit for his pioneering work on precision-guided munitions, a technology that would eventually transform modern warfare by reducing civilian casualties. 

His leadership extended to testing critical weapon systems for both the U.S. Air Force and NATO allies, further cementing his legacy of service.

Understanding the Unique Burden

The Vietnam era presented challenges unlike any other in American military history. As John Tandler, son of Colonel Tandler and co-owner of Tad's Dad's Chili, eloquently states:

"Almost every generation in American history has been called upon to defend the freedoms we often take for granted. Those who served in Southeast Asia did what their country asked of them, demonstrating the same bravery and sacrifice as those who came before. Yet Vietnam presented a uniquely difficult challenge for its soldiers, as it was the only war in our history fought amid deep national uncertainty about its purpose and widespread public opposition. To persevere and fulfill one's sworn duty under such conditions is a burden unlike any faced by previous generations of American soldiers—one that, hopefully, no future generation will ever have to bear."

For many veterans like Colonel Tandler, returning home meant facing a divided nation. The uniform that had once symbolized honor attracted disrespect by some. Many chose to keep their service quiet, focusing instead on rebuilding their lives and strengthening their families and communities.

From Service to Comfort Food

It was in this spirit of bringing people together that Colonel Tandler perfected his chili recipe. What began as a way to feed hungry Air Force Academy cadets evolved into something more meaningful – a dish that created moments of connection and comfort around the dinner table. 

Each batch represented his belief that sharing a meal could bridge divides and foster understanding. And for Tad Tandler, preserving her father's recipe became a way to honor not just his military service but his commitment to family, community, and bringing people together. Each jar of Tad's Dad's Chili carries that legacy forward: a taste of home, of gathering, of healing.

A Recipe for Healing

Perhaps what makes chili such a fitting tribute to veterans is its nature: it’s made of ingredients which, once they come together, create something greater than the sum of their parts. 

Colonel Tandler understood this. His recipe wasn't just about feeding people, but rather creating moments where differences could be set aside and common ground could be found. In a time when our nation continues to heal old wounds and bridge divides, we believe there's wisdom in this approach.

This National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we invite you to remember those who served when called. What better way than to gather around a warm pot of Tad's Dad's Chili?

Honoring Veterans Through Community

You can take a part in honoring veterans and military families this National Vietnam War Veterans Day. We invite you to consider how a simple meal can become a meaningful gesture of gratitude:

• Host a gathering with Tad's Dad's Chili and invite veterans or military families in your community

• Share stories of service and sacrifice over a warm bowl that brings comfort

• Gift a jar to a veteran in your community as a tangible "thank you" for their service