In a heartwarming display of gratitude, tech mogul and philanthropist Elon Musk traded his Tesla factory floor for a kitchen apron, personally cooking a meal for disabled veterans at a community event in Austin, Texas, yesterday. The event, hosted at a local veterans’ center, left attendees inspired by Musk’s hands-on approach and his call to action: “They deserve more than just our thanks.”

The billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI arrived at the Austin Veterans Community Center with a team of volunteers and a menu designed to honor the veterans’ service. Musk, known for his relentless work ethic and bold ventures, rolled up his sleeves to prepare a hearty spread featuring smoked brisket, roasted vegetables, and a signature dessert dubbed “Mars Bars” — a playful nod to his interplanetary ambitions. The meal was served to over 200 disabled veterans, many of whom expressed surprise and gratitude for Musk’s personal involvement.

“I didn’t expect to see Elon Musk dishing out mashed potatoes,” said Army veteran Maria Gonzalez, 42, who lost her leg in Afghanistan. “He sat with us, listened to our stories, and made us feel seen. It’s more than just a meal — it’s respect.”

Musk’s decision to host the event stemmed from a conversation with a veteran he met during a Tesla factory tour last year. “He told me about the struggles veterans face after service — not just physically, but emotionally and financially,” Musk shared with the crowd. “Words of thanks are cheap. Action matters. These men and women gave everything for us, and we owe them more than a holiday nod.”

The event wasn’t just about food. Musk partnered with local organizations to provide resources for the veterans, including job placement services through Tesla and SpaceX, mental health support, and adaptive technology for those with disabilities. A highlight was the unveiling of a prototype for a new wheelchair design, developed by Neuralink engineers, aimed at improving mobility and comfort for paralyzed veterans. While still in early stages, the demo sparked excitement and hope among attendees.

“Elon’s not just here for a photo op,” said retired Marine Corps Sgt. James Carter, 50, who uses a wheelchair after a spinal injury. “He’s asking us what we need and showing up with solutions. That’s rare.”

Musk’s hands-on approach wasn’t without its lighter moments. Social media buzzed with clips of him struggling to flip pancakes, laughing as he admitted, “I’m better at coding than cooking!” Yet, his sincerity shone through as he spent hours engaging with veterans, posing for photos, and even signing a prosthetic leg with a Sharpie at one veteran’s request.

Critics, however, noted Musk’s high-profile philanthropy often draws attention to his companies. Some X users questioned whether the event was a PR move tied to Tesla’s recent push to expand its Austin gigafactory. Supporters countered that Musk’s track record of tackling big problems — from electric vehicles to space exploration — shows his commitment to impact over optics.

As the evening wound down, Musk addressed the crowd, urging others to step up. “Don’t just tweet about veterans. Hire them. Help them. Build something that makes their lives better,” he said. “That’s how we honor their sacrifice.”

The Austin Veterans Community Center plans to make the event an annual tradition, with Musk pledging to return next year — spatula in hand. For the veterans who shared a meal and a moment with one of the world’s most influential figures, the day was a reminder that their service hasn’t been forgotten.

“They gave us their all,” Musk said as he left the center. “The least I can do is show up and cook a decent meal.”