You might know Chef Rush as the man with the huge arms in the white coat who cooked amazing meals for presidents, or you might follow him because of his daily routine to do 2,222 push-ups in honor of Presidents. veterans who are no longer with us to raise suicide prevention awareness. Whether it’s his profession or his passion, both aspects of André Rush’s life can be linked to his childhood, and more specifically to his mother.
“She loved a person as much as anyone could be,” he said proudly. “She was taking in homeless people (people) and we didn’t understand why she was doing this. But she told me you never know when someone needs you or why, but you can always change the demographics.
Chief Rush said he grew up as one of nine children. Some of his siblings were already adults when he was young. Her family was very poor when she lived in the projects. As soon as he could walk, his father put him to work. Although it may seem harsh, he considered it to be positive.
“I think that’s the foundation of my work ethic. My dad was this extremely rough and tough guy. In fact, he had to drop out of elementary school to help his parents. I admire him so much because even though he couldn’t read much, he could count to a billion. He was a numbers guy. My dad taught me to work my butt and my mom taught me to love my heart.
Chef Rush isn’t the only family vet
Rush isn’t the only kid among those nine with military experience. He also has a brother who served in the Navy, another as a Marine, and a sister who joined the Air Force. His own career in the US Army spanned more than 20 years. He could have risen through the ranks and become an officer, but he actually refused, choosing to remain in service as an enlisted member.
“It was that mindset of having boots on the ground. We all had our duties and our missions. I think for me it goes back to where I grew up in Mississippi.
Although he does other things in his life, he does not consider his commitment to the Armed Forces to be over. He still connects with members of all branches and will continue to do so for the rest of his life.
“I still don’t consider my career to be over because I do more in the military now than when I served,” he said proudly. “In the army, for me, there is no retirement. When it comes to service, I work harder now than I did then. Once out, I was able to do a million more things for them.
Chef Rush runs one pump at a time
An example of how he works today includes when he recently held a push-up contest at LA FIt Expo in honor of his brother, the Marine, who died of cancer. Members of other branches of the military, the civil service and others got involved simply because they could see the passion of his commitment when he was there.
“He was a big inspiration to me,” Rush said. “It was an honor to do this for the National Cancer Society, and during Black History Month we will be doing another cancer awareness campaign. It’s about bringing all branches and people together.
Chef Rush is as determined to stay in shape as he has been to make a difference. To him, it’s not about finding the time to train or improve, it’s about taking the time and doing whatever you have to do to get there. This includes when he travels – which he often does when talking to groups or companies.
“I drove over 600,000 miles last year. I’m taking my backpack with me. I’m going through the airport, and one of the guys from TSA picked up and said ‘man, this is heavy”. I said ‘yes, that’s my workout. It’s about 50 pounds. I wear it whenever I can, and I also have bands with up to 90 pounds of resistance for that I can train the arms, shoulders and back.
His advice to beginners who may not have the best of everything is to make the most of everything they have.
“Use whatever you can to make things work,” he said. There’s only one thing he won’t do or accept.
“I can’t make excuses. I won’t find any excuses not to train.
Besides devoting time and energy to making a positive difference in the lives of others, Rush has also been involved in numerous projects. He’s published a book, and he’s also involved in a TV show with fellow renowned chef Gordon Ramsay – Kitchen order.
Cook in front of the cameras
“It’s like kitchen nightmares, but with a military objective. Yes, there’s cooking involved, but I also show them that it’s also about community. It’s about giving back,” Rush said. kitchen commando is slated to premiere during Super Bowl weekend. Check your local listings for station and times.
Another role that Rush is proud of is that of mentor. He may not connect directly with thousands of people on a regular basis, but every time he meets someone he wants them to come forward with something that can help them in the future. Whether it’s advice, encouragement or even something as small as a smile to brighten their day.
“Yes, we are tired, we may be in pain after a long day, but keep smiling. It makes a difference and it can keep you going.
Chef Rush offers the same advice and encouragement to young people who may be finding their own path and the right way to improve their own health and well-being. This includes not settling for less than their best because they deserve to be and do their best.
“Know your value and worth. Also, don’t take anything for granted. My dad said to me every day, “Dre, someone wants you to fail. It can even be someone smiling at you. You have to go out and do your best. Don’t complain. Don’t look for excuses. Learn all you can learn and do all you can. I was a black man trying to be a chef, and it wasn’t nice. I laughed a lot. I say listen to yourself and follow this path that you want to do. Take risks and chances. That’s how I got to the position I’m in now.
Follow Chef Rush on Instagram @realchefrush.
