Submitted by Forward Rabun
CLAYTON, GA – On the second Tuesday of every month, the quiet morning air at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia -- Clayton (Mountain) Branch is replaced by the smell of fresh coffee and the steady hum of shared stories.
The “Vet-to-Vet Cafe,” a monthly gathering sponsored by Forward Rabun, has become a vital hub for area veterans seeking camaraderie and support.
The program, which kicks off at 10 a.m., is designed to be more than just a social hour. While a generous breakfast — often featuring homemade dishes prepared by local supporters — is provided to all attendees, the heart of the event lies in its mission to connect former service members with essential resources.
“Rabun County is very patriotic, and our community supports one of the largest populations of veterans in northeast Georgia. Thus, the Vet-to-Vet Cafe is a great way for veterans to come together to listen, share stories, and enjoy refreshments,” noted Forward Rabun’s Director of Development, Rick Story. “The event began as a spin-off to our Annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner, held each November to honor our local veterans, and as both interest and support grew, we decided to establish additional meetings monthly. We felt this was the least we could do to honor our area veterans and thank them for all they do in service to our nation and to our local community.”
Each monthly session features guest speakers who address topics specifically tailored to veterans and their families. Past presentations have included Veterans Field Service Officers from the Georgia Department of Veterans Services outlining benefit summaries and procedural steps for applications. Other sessions have even bridged generations, bringing in students from local schools to engage with and learn from those who served.
Forward Rabun’s Youth Leadership class has been a past participant in the event, as local high school students were given the opportunity to speak with veterans who served in previous times of both war and peace. The dialogue between generations proved informative for all participants as students were able to gain first-hand knowledge of the experiences veterans faced as they shared their experiences from both historical and personal perspectives.
Monthly meetings are sponsored jointly by Family Hospice and Forward Rabun, Incorporated. The Board of Directors of Forward Rabun thanks all attending veterans and their families.
“We equally thank Mr. James Brim and the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia for the provision of a meeting space, as well as Ms. Ann D’Agostino for graciously providing food each month,” Story said.
For more information on upcoming speakers or to learn how to get involved, community members can contact Forward Rabun at (706) 782-4812, or reach out to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia at (706) 782-0780.