The first monthly free breakfast for American Legion Post 212 Veterans on January 10 was very well attended, with over 50 participants! The Union County Veterans and their families and friends were supported by members of the TN Highway Patrol, Union County Sheriff’s Dept, Union County High School NJROTC, members of the Tri-County Honor Guard, Union County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Mark Cook, and several Veterans from some of the other 17 East TN counties free Veteran breakfasts. The bountiful breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits + gravy prepared by Food City was delicious. Everyone enjoyed the company, conversation, and camaraderie.

The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee, Inc. organized this first event. They have organized The Free Veterans Breakfast Project, Wreaths Across America, and the traveling pictorial memorial "Salute to Tennessee's Fallen", a tribute to those military members from Tennessee killed in action since 9/11. Speaker Chris Albrecht (Navy, Cold War, USS Franklin D Roosevelt) addressed the group first by calling out separately each branch of service. Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force each responded with a resounding HOORAH. The Coast Guard and Space Force were not represented. There was then a moment of silence for Gold Star Families. Chris Albrecht said that this organization is dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans. Their mission is to foster collaboration among veteran organizations, support groups, and individuals passionate about veteran causes.

Shawn, a Union County High School graduate, attended the event. Shawn is an active-duty Marine who just finished boot camp. He had a week off before starting Marine Combat Training (MCT). His next step after that will be Marine Schoolhouse as a Military Occupational Specialist (MOS). MOS provides specialized training after recruit and combat training, covering hundreds of military occupational specialties, all of which are critical. Shawn will be a Diesel Mechanic.

Tia (Marine) attended with her father, David (Marine), and her mother, Becky. (Tia’s grandfather (Marine) invited young David to his office one day, and a Marine recruiter "just happened” to be there!) Although she is not military, Becky’s father was a Marine, and four of her five brothers and one nephew are Marines. Tia’s son (Marine) is in Korea. Serving their country as Marines is just part of their heritage and a family tradition.

VSO Mark Cook introduced himself to the group and emphasized that the VSO is here solely to help Veterans. He is employed not by the VA but by Union County just to help Veterans. He encouraged all Veterans to visit his office in the Senior Center to explore the many benefits available to them.

Door prizes were awarded to three of the attendees. Gift certificates were won for both Lowe’s and Food City. The last door prize was the book The Longest Rescue: The Life and Legacy of Vietnam POW William A. Robinson - a gripping account of U.S. Air Force POW William Robinson's record-breaking 2,703-day captivity in Vietnam, exploring his resilience and post-war struggles.

This breakfast was sponsored by the United Veterans Council of East TN Free Veterans Breakfast Project. Additional sponsors are being sought for the monthly breakfasts held on the second Saturday of each month. Anyone interested in supporting our Veterans and possibly sponsoring a breakfast should contact Adjutant Norman Gillen at Adjutant@ALTNpost212.org for details.