Creating Community Beyond Service
By Courtney Ammons, Public Affairs Specialist
Every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Veterans gather in the dining room across from the cafeteria for the weekly Veterans Coffee Social hosted by our Peer Support team.
While coffee may bring people together, it’s the conversations, friendships, and sense of community that keep them coming back.
For Army Veteran James E. Harper, who served for 10 years, the weekly gathering has become more than just a place to grab coffee—it’s become part of his routine and support system.
“We come here to share military experiences and things we’re experiencing currently,” Harper explained.
He says he continues attending because he enjoys being involved and values the connections he has built. In fact, finding time for the Coffee Social is important enough that when searching for jobs, he prefers a work schedule that allows him to keep Wednesdays free.
Over time, Harper has built meaningful friendships through the gatherings and often stays connected by attending Peer Support meetings later in the day as well.
“It’s therapeutic,” he shared.
When asked what he would tell Veterans considering attending for the first time, his advice was simple: “If you have time on your hands, this is a great place to spend it.”
For Harper, community means connection—something that helps him stay engaged and connected outside of home.
Stories like Harper’s are a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful support starts with something as simple as a cup of coffee and a conversation.