Veterans available for Memorial Day, Veterans Day celebrations

A group of veterans in the community meets weekly at Vienna Coffee in Maryville as a way to reach out to one another and offer assistance.

Veterans Coffee Fellowship meets from 2 to 4 p.m. each Wednesday at the local coffee shop, located at 212 College Street. There is no fee to attend or requirement of membership, said founder Vern Gardai, retired Army chaplain. All attendees pay for is their own beverages or food.

Speakers present programs on occasion. The group sometimes makes visits to veterans’ homes, senior living facilities, hospitals or makes visits to veterans who no longer have family members nearby. Weekly attendance isn’t required, Gardai said. Veterans are welcome to come as often as they choose. Attendance records aren’t kept.

This group has members that represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Gardai said they are available to participate in Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations. Veterans Fellowship Coffee also promotes support for other veteran organizations as well as careers in the military for young people by speaking at schools, churches and ROTC units. In addition to Gardai, Pete Preston is also a retired Army chaplain who attends meetings. Those interested in contacting Veterans Coffee Fellowship may call Gardai at 512-599-0354, Preston at 865-850-0011 or Mark Morris at 316-259-2821.