Rainy weather did not keep hundreds of people away from VFW Post 9156 in Sheboygan on Wednesday, where a free Veterans Day breakfast for local veterans went ahead after the surrounding community rallied to save it.
The post has hosted the meal for more than a decade. This year's spread featured biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, French toast and pancakes.
The tradition was nearly interrupted this year. On Nov. 2, the post announced it would not be able to serve the meal because of staffing and volunteer shortages following the September death of its quartermaster, Dave Fretig, who had served as the post's commander for about 10 years before taking on the quartermaster role.
Christina Hephner, the operating owner of LushLounge, saw the announcement online and decided to act, putting out a call for volunteers and donations. "I saw the post online saying their commander just passed away, and they were navigating their way through their operation," she said.
The response was swift. "Our wonderful community stepped in, and got tons of donations, and tons of volunteers," Hephner said. "This place is home. You know, it makes me emotional because so many people showed up."
Among the volunteers was Victor Dominguez, owner of Las Brisas in Plymouth, who helped prepare and serve the food. "When the need is there, community always steps in," he said. "We have our freedom, and that's why we're here. They did so much for us. At least we can give back a little bit."
Samantha Huibregtse, a Sheboygan resident whose grandfather is a veteran, also signed up after learning the breakfast might not happen. "It's nice to see, especially the community coming together to help everybody. It's just heartwarming," she said.
For the veterans in attendance, the gathering offered more than a free meal. Army veteran Michael Sachse, who served at Camp Casey near Dongducheon, South Korea, a city about 40 miles north of Seoul, from 1971 to 1972, became emotional as he reflected on the event and on community members serving those who served. Navy veteran Scott Metz said the response reflects what makes the city special: "That's the thing about Sheboygan. When they see someone in trouble, they do what they can."
Ken Hemenway, the post's House Committee chair, said the support was especially meaningful as the organization worked through a difficult transition. "All of the community is behind us again, and that's wonderful," he said. He also encouraged veterans who are not members of the VFW or other veterans organizations to consider joining.
Hephner, who is the mother of three sons serving in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, said supporting veterans is something the entire community can take part in. Beyond the breakfast, she donated 100 pairs of rechargeable hand warmers intended for people experiencing homelessness, and she said she is already planning a Christmas dinner for local veterans on Dec. 5.
