Frank Diaz wanted some barbeque.

In 2007, the disabled Army veteran found himself at then Fort Lewis working for the Department of Defense. One morning he went to work craving barbecue. "I go onto base and there is no barbeque there; there is no barbeque nearby; and that's when my planning wheels started to roll."

Diaz planned to start an on-base food service using a mobile kitchen trailer similar to what the Army used. He developed a business plan, a barbecue recipe, and crafted the name Tin Hut, a play on the military's call to attention, "Ten Hut."

Then in 2008 the DoD assigned him to Hawaii. Adapting quickly, Diaz started his barbeque business there. It flourished, as did his desire to help fellow veterans. Retiring from government service in 2014, he returned to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community.

Diaz added that he makes it a point to hire veterans and dependents, which he estimates comprises about a third of his work force.

"These individuals are disciplined and hard-working," he explained. "I know that many of them are transitioning from the military to the civilian world, and I help them where I can to make that transition. I just want to make it better for them."

He also shows his employees how to navigate the byzantine Veterans Administration system, trains them in culinary and basic business skills, teaches them personal financial responsibility and helps them make better choices.

Diaz related how he had worked with a veteran who while by trade had served as an electrician, he was homeless, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating out of dumpsters.

"I gave him food, I bought him clothes, I gave him temporary housing, I offered him a job," continued Diaz. Six months later, that veteran found gainful employment.

But he wants more. Diaz envisions Tin Hut BBQ as part of a larger, holistic approach to assisting veterans and their families. 

He has started raising money for a nonprofit, Call 2 Duty, to assist veterans with PTSD and other situations connected to successfully transitioning to civilian life.

"The plan is to build a center that includes housing for the homeless, mental health and spiritual counseling, skills training and retail outlets that will give some vets their first post-military jobs," Diaz explained.

"Tin Hut BBQ has supported the military for almost 20 years, and we are here to help in any way that we can."

The DuPont restaurant is located at 1175 Center Dr. Eagle's Pride can host military events and banquets; it is located at 1529 Mounts Rd. SW. For more information, visit www.tinhutbbq.com.