Iraq War Veteran Embarks On New Mission

Wednesday, August 15th 2007, 5:00 pm

By: News On 6

A veteran of the Iraq war is embarking on a new mission. After two Marine tours in Iraq, John McLemore is now getting a taste of another line of work. The News On 6â€™s Rick Wells reports itâ€™s a dream he's been cooking up for quite some time.

Mack's Grill at 81st and Lewis has been open just over a week. The restaurant is the dream of Marine John McLemore and his sister LeAnne Kenneda.

"Our grandfather and great-grandfather owned a bar in Okfuskee and Oklahoma counties," John McLemore, owner of Mackâ€™s Grille said.

And that's about as close as they've ever been to running a restaurant themselves, and they are fearless.

"It's got to be easier than his last job as a Marine, so we're really not scared," McLemoreâ€™s sister LeAnne Kenneda said.

When the push on Fallujah, the operation to clean up the city, began in 2004 John was there, and he was back for a second tour six months later.

â€œI did about 230 combat patrols in seven months," McLemore said.

McLemore figures combat is scary and Mackâ€™s is just a restaurant. The menu has things he likes, in fact many are based on recipes he's used barbequing.

"Especially this Mack Burger, it's cheddar cheese, onion and bacon all in the patty, really good," said McLemore.

When he came home from the Marines McLemore and his sister decided they wanted to go into business together, and Mackâ€™s is what they settled on.

"It's great to have him home and back safely, to be able to spend time together," Kenneda said.

McLemore figures if he puts the same effort into the restaurant as he did into being a Marine it can't miss.

Mack's is located in the Plaza Shopping Center at 81st and Lewis. It's open everyday.

Watch the video: Oklahoma Veteran Becomes Restaurateur