Retired Lieutenant Colonel Gives Cooking Lesson

PEMBROKE — A former U.S. Air Force officer who uses her culinary skills to help military veterans recently shared her knowledge with area women looking to make an impact in the defense industry.

Ret. Lt. Col. René Locklear White was the keynote speaker when the North Carolina Defense Business Association Women In Defense met Thursday at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Entrepreneurship Incubator in downtown Pembroke.
White is the Culinary and Horticulture specialist at the Boulder Crest Retreat Veteran Wellness Center in Bluemont, Va. She aims to prepare five-star nutritious, seasonal meals for veterans staying at the retreat. Overseeing the Wallis Annenberg Heroes Garden, White manages the organic garden just steps away from the kitchen. She helps immerse participants in a farm-to-table experience with practical take-home knowledge and skills. White believes that growing and preparing food in a good way is part of the healing exchange and vital to reducing suffering for our military veteran families — one ingredient at a time.
The mission of Women In Defense is to empower women business leaders in the North Carolina defense industry. Members aim to sharpen leadership skills, establish best business practices, encourage and brainstorm, and elevate other WID members through our own connections. The group’s director is Tammy Everett and its chairperson is Freda Porter.