Valley of Valor: Veterans Breakfast Club

STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) – Hometown Grill and Buffet in Staunton is known for serving all the classic American breakfast options, but a few Wednesdays a month it hosts the Veterans’ Breakfast Club.

The Breakfast Club is an informal, no-nonsense gathering of men and women who have served our country and now live to tell its stories.

“Different people come at different times, and they just want to be together and talk to each other,” said U.S. Army veteran Jim Ridings. “They don’t want a formal program or someone to give them political advice. They just want to enjoy each other’s company.”

As the group of veterans laughed and joked, they also took a moment to reflect on their time in service in different ways. Some chose to reflect on their time in the service, life before and after, while others used the gathering to remember the fallen.

Ultimately, the goal is to build a community of men and women with the shared experience of service.

The Veterans’ Breakfast Club meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. at Hometown Grill and Buffet in Staunton. All veterans and their families are invited to participate.

“I’m enjoying my time with these guys, and this, I think, is important for all of us. We can come together and tell old stories, because we don’t do this in any other environment. We don’t sit around and tell others about these things, but we open up to each other,” said veteran Thomas Thompson.

Stories from four local veterans are below.

U.S. Army veteran Charles Darrah recalls invading Alaskan territory during the Cold War.

U.S. Navy veteran Don Netschke reflects on life after service.

U.S. Air Force veteran Thomas Thompson reflects on his service and a friend he lost in battle.

U.S. Army veteran Del Pardee talks about how service changed his life.