[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 28, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S7782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING TABLE VIII OVERLAND CATERING COMPANY

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho's veterans risked everything 
for our freedoms, and we owe them our immense gratitude. Many who 
returned from service continue to be mission-driven, highly skilled, 
dedicated to success, and have opened small businesses vital to the Gem 
State. This month, I am proud to recognize the veteran-owned small 
businesses that make Idaho's communities and economy thrive. As a 
member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business 
and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Table VIII Overland 
Catering Company in Boise as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the 
Month for November 2025.
  Table VIII Overland Catering Company started in January 2024 when 
Alexander Balderas, call sign ``Combat Knife,'' decided to pursue a 
dream that had been in his heart for years. Alexander, a veteran of the 
Marine Corps, Army, and Army Reserves with a combined 24 years of 
service, served as a cook and culinary arts instructor during four 
combat missions. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked as the 
senior chef at the Boise VA Medical Center.
  Alexander opened Table VIII after connecting with other veterans in 
Boise who were able to help him navigate life after service and 
managing PTSD. Alexander credits much of his success to the family, 
friends, and community that supported him through the struggles he 
faced.
  The name Table VIII honors Alexander's military experience and comes 
from a training term used by his Army unit. During training, his unit 
went through gunnery tables I to VIII to assess and qualify crews on 
their ability to effectively engage targets. When his unit completed 
table VIII, Alexander would help the team celebrate with a feast after 
a week of ``meals ready to eat''--MRE--in the field.
  Today, Table VIII offers catering services for galas, fundraisers, 
weddings, off-road events, and exclusive functions for veterans and 
first responders. While Alexander and his team specialize in smaller 
gatherings of around 30, they can serve a specialized menu for up to 
300 with the aid of his wife and volunteers.
  Thank you, Alexander Balderas, for your service to our country, and 
congratulations to Table VIII for being selected as an Idaho Small 
Business of the Month for November 2025. You are an outstanding example 
of the immeasurable impact veterans have in communities across Idaho 
and the U.S. You make the Gem State proud, and I look forward to your 
continued success.

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