LINDA PAYNE

Whether it's a quick cup of coffee on a Monday morning or the opportunity to meet with a fellow veteran for help, Caldwell County veterans now have a centralized location to gather.

Thanks to a donation from the late Hubert Gunter, a retired Army vet, members of the local Disabled American Veterans chapter, Veterans of Foreign Wars post, Ladies Auxiliary post and the Marine Corps League detachment have somewhere to call home.

"We hope that this building will serve all veterans of all past, present and future wars, and be a reminder to the community of the price paid for their freedom," wrote DAV member Jimmy Bryant. "Without Mr. Gunter's generosity, I would not have been able to see a lifelong dream of mine come true, which was to have a building that would serve as a meeting place to the veterans' organizations that are devoted to helping veterans and their families."

Back in July, the organizations pulled their resources together to purchase two vans and moved into a new building, located at 4113 Hickory Nut Ridge Road. The building serves as a meeting location for each individual organization, but as a collective group, the members strive to meet the needs of the local veterans.

"As a whole, we can do a lot more than one group can alone," said Jim Smith, commander of the DAV. "We have developed strong friendships and camaraderie during these past few months, and we want to share that with other veterans. This building serves as a place for our local veterans to come be among friends and talk about anything they need to."

Each Monday and Friday morning, the chaplains host a coffee call. During this time, veterans enjoy the fellowship of each other's company and the opportunity to share stories of days gone by. DAV Chaplain Bobby Harmon said he usually sees 10 to 15 veterans each week who pick up where they left off the last time they met. He also said the coffee breaks provide new residents the opportunity to make friends.

"I really like coming to these events," said Gary Laxton, a Navy vet. "I enjoy meeting with the other veterans and hearing their stories. They are some of the nicest people I have met, and I proud to be part of this."

In addition, the veterans organizations host fundraisers to provide financial assistance to veterans. From medical bills to rent, VFW member Larry McMullen said the organizations try to do reach out to veterans and their families.

"Everything we do is for the betterment of our veterans," McMullen said. "We want them to know they have somewhere they can go for help. Whether we help them in a bind or lend an extra ear, we want our veterans to feel part of the family."

When the various organizations are not in meetings or taking a coffee break, they are busy in the community. They volunteer at area schools, donate flags to schools and visit veterans who are hospitalized. McMullen said they visit area hospitals and play games with the veterans. They also provide honor guards for military funerals.

"We aim to serve our veterans any way we can," McMullen said. "We welcome all veterans to stop by the new building to see what we are doing."