Our Story:

 Brother Veterans was born from a family legacy of service and a love of home style cooking. With Kathy Drake's 35 years as a home economics teacher and a recipe collection that began with her first published recipe in 1974, combined with Jeff's service as an Ohio State Trooper, law enforcement instructor, and 27 years in the Ohio National Guard, Brother Veterans was created. 

 During their early retirement, they cared for their fathers, both veterans receiving treatment for service-related injuries. Inspired to do more for veterans and their families, they created their first products, Paratrooper Pete's Soup Mix and Anchors Away Bean Soup Mix, using Kathy's cherished recipes. Every product was prepared, packaged, and hand labeled from their home, where Brother Veterans began. 

   While exploring their family history, they discovered a military legacy dating back to the 1500s. What began with two soup mixes has grown into a line of high-quality products inspired by family recipes and traditions. Thanks to the support of customers and the community, Brother Veterans has donated thousands of dollars to organizations that serve veterans and their families. 

In 2020, Jeff and Kathy retired once again to enjoy traveling and time with family. In 2025, their daughter Christina Drake, who also served as a firefighter and EMT in Colorado, proudly started the family business back up again. Having grown up with her mother’s cooking and missing those comforting meals while living far from home, Christina believes deeply in both the recipes and the mission behind them. Today, she carries on the family tradition with the same care and commitment to supporting veterans through every product shared.