Tryon Presbyterian Church invites veterans for breakfast to be held July 30

Published 11:22 am Monday, July 18, 2022

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Michael Meissner works, has three small children and still serves in the U.S. Army Reserves, making it hard to find time for local veterans’ events. But he thinks it’s important for younger veterans like himself to get together occasionally.

“There are probably a lot of younger veterans who are looking for ways to connect,” he says.

So, he asked leaders at his church, Tryon Presbyterian, to consider hosting Saturday morning breakfasts for local veterans. The answer was a resounding yes. The first will be on July 30 at 8 a.m.

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“We decided to give it a try,” says DeAnne Zaeske, a member of the church’s Missions Committee who volunteered to organize the breakfast. “The goal is to make it a monthly event.”

Zaeske lives at Tryon Estates in Columbus and knows many veterans there. She’s arranging for a bus to transport veterans from Tryon Estates to the church at 430 Harmon Field Road.

Polk County has a large share of veterans and honors their service in many ways. The veterans memorial in Columbus is a fine example. But Meissner, who has seen many overseas deployments, says veterans – especially younger ones – need more opportunities to get to know each other and talk about their experiences. He thinks his church provides a perfect setting. “I look at it as mission and outreach and helping others,” he says.

Of course, veterans of all ages are invited to a serving of breakfast in appreciation for their service to our country.

Submitted by Doug Clark