White House Chef Michael Raber is a native of Delanco, New Jersey and a 1990 graduate of Burlington County Institute of Technology Westampton.  Chef Raber joined the Navy in June 1990.  He completed recruit training at Great Lakes, IL  and Basic Enlisted Submarine School, Groton, CT.  He is a  Master Certified Food Executive from International Food Service Executive Association (IFSEA).  He has completed advance culinary skills course at Fort Lee , VA and attended the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York.  He is a graduate of Burlington County College with an associates in applied science degree in Food Service Hospitality Management.

Chef Raber's assignments at sea include USS PORTSMOUTH (SSN 707) where he stood watch as the nuclear weapons security guard.  He was later selected for conversion to Food Service Specialist where he served as the leading Petty Officer of Food Service.  He was transferred to the USS DOLPHIN (AGSS-555), the last diesel submarine and the world's deepest diving submarine.  On board he earned the Navy's Deep Submerges Pin and also served as a Culinary Specialist.  Exhibiting all-around proficiency, he also stood watch as Sonar Operator and Submarine Rescue Swimmer on the open ocean during two operational deployments.

Chef Raber's shore assignments include Naval Hospital Millington, TN.  He completed two deployments while assigned to the Fleet Hospital.  Chef Raber was selected for Presidential Food Service, Washington, D.C. and served as the Food Service Purchasing Coordinator for the White House Navy Mess Logistics Department.  As Presidential Travel Advance Team Leader, he spent more than 250 days on 75 domestic and overseas Presidential trips supporting the President and First Family with personalized services and security.  As a kitchen supervisor in the West wing, he was awarded THE FIVE STAR FIVE DIAMOND AWARD for the years of 2003, 2004 and 2005.  Chef Raber served as a Federal Response officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from 2001 and 2009.  His service earned him two certificates of appreciation from the United States Secret Service Presidential Protective Division for his efforts in providing logistical support and food security.  In 2008, Chef Raber received the New Jersey Council Vocational Technical Schools Successful Graduate Recognition Award.  Retired as a chief from the navy in 2010, he now works for Burlington County (SPCA) police and the the office of Military Education & Veterans Services at Burlington County College.

CHEF MICHAEL "WOODY" RABER

UNITED STATES NAVY RETIRED