A Veteran’s Journey: From the Battlefield to the Barbecue Pit

Elbert Wingfield, a name well-known in Mobile, Alabama, as a successful businessman and a master of barbecue, has a story that goes beyond his culinary achievements. His journey includes a significant chapter as a Marine veteran who served during one of the most intense periods of the Vietnam War.

Wingfield was a senior in 1967, on the verge of starting college to play football when Marine recruiters visited Mobile’s Central High School. The sight of the Marines in their dress blues made a lasting impression on him. “When I saw those dress blues, I said, ‘I’m not going to college, I’m going into the Marine Corps,'” he recalled.

Just a year later, Wingfield found himself in one of the most dangerous locations during the Vietnam War — outside Danang, during the Tet Offensive of 1968. His first night “in country” was filled with challenges. “My platoon sergeant came over and said, ‘Get some rest, get some rest, Wingfield, you’ve been running all night, get some rest.’ I said, ‘Rest? Where? There’s nothing but water down here.’ He said, ‘Get your poncho and put it over you.’ But there was nothing but water down there! ‘How am I going to get some rest?'”

Facing the Perils of War

The search and destroy missions were perilous, filled with dangers such as snakes, enemy forces, and what Wingfield feared most — booby traps. One incident changed his life forever. “One of my best friends got blown up, and I was too close to him, and I got blown up also,” he said.

Wingfield suffered a chest injury and was hit by debris that eventually caused the loss of his vision in one eye. Despite this, he continued his service, though he admitted he became more reserved afterward. “Then I stopped making friends over there,” he said. “I just stayed to myself a lot.”

A Return to Home and a Legacy of Generosity

After returning to Mobile, Wingfield spent decades operating Saucy Q Bar-B-Q, a restaurant that became a local favorite. Before its closure two years ago, the establishment often hosted veterans groups and events. “They would cater our food,” said John Kilpatrick of Mobile’s Vets Recover. “They would feed us, and we would ask, ‘How much do we owe you?’ And Elbert would say, ‘Don’t worry about it. It’s on us.’ Just unbelievable generosity.”

“He’s always just blessed the veterans,” said Tom Claxton of the Marine Corps League. “He’s always had a vet heart.” Wingfield’s generosity and dedication to the veteran community have earned him numerous honors for his military service and contributions.

“I’ve always had a heart for veterans,” Wingfield said. “And I still do.”

No Regrets, Only Resilience

When asked if he ever regretted not going to college to play football and instead enlisting in the Marines, Wingfield responded without hesitation. “I’ve seen a lot, been through a lot, and know a lot,” he said. “I always had something in my mind to prove that nobody was better than me. And I did that in the Marine Corps.”