Saying hello

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bencluever

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 16, 2012
4
10
Texas
Name: Ben Cluever

Age: 34

Location: Temple, TX

Smoking Experience: none

Smoking Equipment: Considering the Brinkmann Trailmaster from Home Depot

I have been an avid meat eater since birth. I have always enjoyed grilling burgers, chicken, steak, and so forth. I am really excited about purchasing a smoker and really turning up my outdoor cooking game.

A tidbit about myself. I am an Army Medic about to medically retire from the Army. I was diagnosed with cancer back in September 2011. After surgery to remove the mass we thought we were in the clear, but a few months later it came back and spread to my lymph nodes. I am in the middle of a chemotherapy regiment which CT scans have shown has already done everything it should have. So I should be done with chemo and in the clear at the end of this month. After 2 tours in Iraq and countless time away from my family, it is time to hang up my Stetson and do something new.
 
Hi Ben! 
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 to SMF!!! We're happy you are here! First, Great to hear the good news! We're happy to hear you're going to be in the clear! Second, Thank You for your service! We're very grateful for all you have done!

Now on to the smoking! Since you are new to this I suggest you take Jeff's Free 5 day E-course, it will teach you all the basics and a whole lot more: http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse.html  There are lot's of great people on here who just love to share their talents and experiences. Everything you want to know about smoking is here. Also you can use the search bar at the top to find quick answers to almost all your questions, it has saved me a lot of time and I have learned so much by it.

Happy Smoking and hope to see you around here for a long time!
 
Thank you for the welcome. I have learned a lot already in the last few days since I came across this forum. I do have some questions though.

I am considering purchasing the Brinkman Trailmaster. I am excited about smoking with this grill, but I have a question for you seasoned veterans. Would it be sacrilege to put coals in the main chamber for say burgers and steaks? How does this grill perform when cooking with this method? Will it ruin future smoking with the ash in the main chamber? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
Hello Ben

Welcome to the site and I appreciate the sacrifices you've made in serving the country and as a medic.  Thank you.

As varied as the equipment and the experiences of the folks on the site are I doubt you'll have any issues find whatever info or advice you seek.

Will you be staying there upon retirement or PCSing to Fort Hometown?

Lance
 
Hello Ben, Happy to hear that you will be ok. A friend of mine was given the clear 15 years ago. I will say a prayer that you stay cancer free now....Thanks too for your service. Glad you are here on our site..........
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