NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The day after his high school graduation, Eric Cook was at Marine Corps boot camp. Then came the Persian Gulf wars: Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Desert Saber. This volunteer is your guide at the National World War Two Museum Cook became a Marine Corps "Raider," a member of an elite, special operations force. And through it all, Cook says he and his fellow marines never worried about the danger of combat. "We didn't join the marines to die for our country," says Cook. "We joined to make the other guy die for his." Discovery of missing WWII plane brings closure to Napoleonville family So how does a special ops Marine wind up gently garnishing a plate of sauteed fish with lemon and watercress? Cook tells WGNO Photojournalist Jeff Kent how he made the journey from combat veteran, to chef, in our story above. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts From Marine Corps combat to commanding a kitchen, a popular chef recounts the journey Rafael stays south but we could still see rain this weekend What is the 'super' 401(k) catch-up contribution for older workers? Laredo massage parlor shut down for alleged human, sex trafficking Applebee's, IHOP to open first combo restaurant in US