TEQUESTA — A vibrant atmosphere filled Paradise Park as visitors came together to celebrate the legacy of Levant Bender, a stalwart in the fight against Adolf Hitler during World War II, through a spirited chili cook-off.
The 98-year-old veteran, whose valor was recently acknowledged through a heartfelt trip to Washington, D.C., in April, shared his remarkable memories with the crowd. This special journey was organized by Southeast Florida Honor Flight, a local charity dedicated to honoring veterans. At the memorial dedicated to those who served in the war, Bender, along with his fellow veterans, was met with an outpouring of appreciation from children and adults alike, who welcomed them with cheers and handmade cards. His recollections captivated an audience during the 13th Annual Tequesta Chili Cook-Off, an event known for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local nonprofit organizations that serve veterans like Southeast Florida Honor Flight.
Taking place just two days prior to the Veterans Day holiday, the cook-off featured 28 teams competing for the coveted title, all while a panel of judges, including Tequesta Mayor Molly Young and Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Marino, critiqued their culinary creations. Local television news reporters and renowned chefs also lent their expertise to the judging process, adding an element of excitement to the competition.
Meat-scented smoke wafted from the booths of the competing teams, which featured firefighters from various fire departments across the county passionately preparing their chili. Children were entertained with a bounce house, while a striking grass-colored Oshkosh military truck displayed military pride in the center of the event, guarded by uniformed soldiers who stood proudly alongside it.
The cook-off drew an impressive crowd of thousands, with attendees paying $30 each to partake in the festivities. Many guests showcased their patriotism by donning U.S. flags and sporting “Make America Great Again” caps, highlighting the community’s dedication to honoring veterans.
“Adolf Hitler was a bad guy,” Bender stated as he nostalgically shared stories from his service. “If he didn’t like you,” he said, gesturing dramatically, “Bam.” Residing in Port St. Lucie, Bender served as a storekeeper in the Navy, playing a vital role in repairing ships during the war’s European Theatre. He vividly recalled being present in the English Channel at the moment when the Nazis surrendered, a pivotal event in history.
“Two Germans passed us and saluted us, and we had our guns drawn,” he reminisced with a smile, recalling how he had not yet received official communication of the surrender. This moment encapsulated the tension and triumph of those uncertain times.
In addition to honoring veterans, the cook-off paid respects to Gold Star families, those who have lost loved ones in combat. Members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, dressed in military-style uniforms, held pictures of their fallen comrades, offering support to grieving families as they shared memories of their loved ones.
The event also featured an exciting silent auction, with the highlight being a once-in-a-lifetime ride in the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor, a single-engine aircraft designed for training pilots. Bidders had the chance to win a unique three-hour tour of Tequesta’s fire station, complete with a tour of a fire truck and a lunch with local firefighters. Additionally, a “mayor for a day” experience was available, allowing the child of the winning bidder a chance to serve as the honorary mayor of Tequesta for a day — a delightful experience for any young aspiring leader.
Established in 2011 by devoted firefighter David McGovern, the Tequesta Chili Cook-Off continues to thrive under his leadership. Initially aimed at raising funds for honor flights like the one Bender experienced, the cook-off’s mission has expanded to support various other veteran-related initiatives.
“Those honor flights really restore your faith in the country,” said Giblin Ray, a volunteer cook-off organizer and firefighter, reflecting the sentiment shared by many. “People line up to cheer for these guys for their years of service.” The cook-off now primarily supports local veterans’ charities, such as the North Palm Beach-based Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, which assists wounded and disabled veterans with financial help and dental care, and Stuart-based Southeast Florida Honor Flight, which facilitates trips for local veterans, particularly terminally ill individuals, to visit memorials dedicated to their sacrifices.
This year’s event has also expanded its focus to include support for Warriors Renewal Coalition, which provides therapeutic services for wounded veterans; Operation 300, which organizes adventure camps for children of fallen soldiers; and Tequesta Friends of Public Safety, dedicated to supporting local law enforcement and firefighters.
He iconic Oshkosh military truck, along with various donated items supporting local veteran charities.
**Interview with Levant Bender, 98-year-old WWII Veteran:**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Bender. What does it mean to you to be celebrated at the Chili Cook-Off and to have your legacy honored?
**Levant Bender:** It’s truly humbling and heartwarming. To see so many people come together to celebrate our service and sacrifice is overwhelming. It reminds me that the fight we undertook was not in vain; people remember and honor it.
**Editor:** You recently went on a trip to Washington, D.C., organized by the Southeast Florida Honor Flight. Can you tell us about that experience?
**Levant Bender:** Oh, it was amazing! Being surrounded by other veterans and receiving such appreciation was unforgettable. We visited the memorials dedicated to us—the ones who served—and it brought back a flood of memories. Children and families welcomed us with cheers and cards; it fills you with pride and allows you to recall those tough times with fondness.
**Editor:** At the cook-off, you shared some of your vivid memories from the war. One of those was the moment you were in the English Channel during the Nazi surrender. Can you share more about that day?
**Levant Bender:** I’ll never forget it. We were stationed there, and suddenly, two German soldiers passed right by us, saluting us, and we had our guns drawn! It was surreal—knowing we were at the turning point of the war but not yet officially informed of their surrender. It was a mix of tension and relief.
**Editor:** Your presence seems to resonate strongly with the community. How do events like the Chili Cook-Off help in honoring veterans and their families?
**Levant Bender:** Events like this are crucial. They help bridge the gaps between generations, giving younger folks a glimpse into our sacrifices. It also honors Gold Star families who have lost their loved ones. We must never forget our fallen heroes, and the love and respect shown today is a testament to that.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, Mr. Bender. Your contributions and stories are invaluable to our community and history.
**Levant Bender:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep sharing these stories so that none of it is forgotten.
