From the Battlefield to the Kitchen | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 2/13/2013

The man running the kitchen at Souris River Brewery has a unique story to share. Every day, Daniel Haff fires up the grill and cooks at the brewery. But, it wasn`t long ago that he traded his chef`s hat for a soldier`s helmet on the battlefield.

"I joined the military in June of 2000, and for eight years I traveled all over the world," he said.

After almost five years, some things can still bring him back to his time in the military. "Something as simple as a smell, or I`ll see a movie. Or, I`ll hear a song and I`ll immediately have a flashback."

During his tour, he traveled overseas to defend our country. When he was in Afghanistan, six months into his tour, his life was put in danger. "They tripped an ambush and they shot me. I got shot through the left arm and I fell down a cliff."

Haff`s actions did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being shot and wounded during the ambush.

"I got lucky. I just did the best that I could. And, I wear my awards and I`ll talk about it. Sometimes, it`s difficult but I talk about it just because I also like to show honor for the people that I served with. They gave me everything and I`m still here, but I live my life better because of what they did."

Now as a part owner of a new restaurant, Souris River Brewery, he brings some of his military lessons he learned into his business. "I don`t try to micromanage. That`s a lesson I learned out in the battlefield. You can`t fight the whole war by yourself. And, you definitely can`t cook the entire menu by yourself.h

Whether it was being a leader on battlefield or a leader in the kitchen, Haff says his military experiences has made him be the chef he is today.

The Purple Heart is awarded to soldiers who were wounded or killed on the battlefield.

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