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In Texas, chili is king. And thanks to one entrepreneur, its kingdom is expanding to wherever our troops crave the taste of savory spices and mouthwatering meat.
Cindy Wilkins has been cooking her Cin Chili for troops for almost two decades. The only back-to-back champion of the International Chili Cook-off Championship (’92, ’93), Wilkins decided in 2003 to begin selling her award-winning mix.
As it turned out, some of her biggest fans were among America’s bravest.
“The chili comes fully cooked in a ready-to-eat package,” explained Wilkins. “The soldiers found it the perfect companion in combat.”
To cater to their fans overseas, Cin Chili & Co. launched a Support the Troops program in March 2008. Almost immediately, friends and family jumped at the opportunity to send chili packets to their loved ones.
Those have included many VFW members. Ken Rodd, a life member of VFW Post 8573, Canyon Lake, Texas, works closely with Cin Chili, rallying support among Posts across Texas to join in the cause.
“VFW members have been there and done that. We understand the importance of getting something from home,” said Rodd.
“[VFW members] feel this is something far more personal than the typical care package … it will be remembered.”
To date, the Support the Troops program has sent over 700 flavor-filled packets to troops overseas. And they’re very grateful.
“Cindy, I wanted to let you know that your hot sauce is so hot that I keep a medic nearby to cool down my taste buds! Everyone in my platoon thanks you for the chili,” one soldier wrote in a thank-you letter.
Wilkins and her husband Bruce receive letters like these every day. Seeing their chili bring joy to America’s troops is “very heartwarming.”
“We just thought it’d be great to bring them a little taste of Texas,” she concluded.
For more information on the Cin Chili “Support the Troops” Program, visit http://cinchili.com/ambassador.html or email Ken Rodd at casihotrodd@aol.com. | 
