At 64, Air Force veteran Thaddeus Sieger is embarking on a new mission to enter the culinary field full-time. He already has his associate degree from Blackhawk Technical College’s Culinary Arts program and will complete his work on a Business Management Specialist diploma in May 2026.
“I plan on going into culinary full-time, but for now I am finishing up classes and working part-time with a company that has worked with my schedules,” Sieger said.
Sieger was born in Kenosha, moved to Fond du Lac, then moved again to attend high school in West Bend. After that, from 1979 until 1984, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a masonry specialist. He was stationed in Italy, Washington, D.C., and Montana.
Once out of the military, Sieger continued working in the construction field in Montana. But in time, his thoughts turned to cooking up a different future.
“I chose Blackhawk because I heard about the great Culinary program and the instructors here. Cooks are in very high demand nowadays, plus the cost is very manageable,” he said. “The atmosphere is unreal here, and the people that work around campus are friendly and courteous. The groups here help a person connect with others who share the same educational goals as themselves. If you have any questions, you just need to ask, and someone will know someone with the answers.”
Studying at Blackhawk taught him patience and good study habits, Sieger shared. It also allowed him to build a few connections.
“The courses are well planned for you to complete your degree and learn all the latest things associated with your career choice. Through my involvement with the veterans group here at Blackhawk, I have been able to go to the Student Veterans of America conference and meet other student veterans who share their experiences and hardships. Through this, I also made several new contacts in the academic world and a few political ones, also,” he said.
A huge fan of Blackhawk’s Culinary Arts program, Sieger said, “My advice to anyone who wants to learn about different foods and cultures is that they should enroll in the Culinary Arts program. You will eat amazing food and meet interesting people along the way. Also, if you are a veteran or National Guardsman/Reservist, use your benefits and meet others who have served also. Friendships will last a lifetime.”
In addition to his culinary work, Sieger volunteers for a group called "The Mission Continues." This group of veterans helps other groups better themselves by showing them how to save their funding for important projects.
Discover more about the Culinary Arts program or Veterans Benefits at Blackhawk