The Marion County Commission of Veterans Affairs held their first Comrade Coffee event in Knoxville on Wednesday.

The event was held at the Pierschbacher Events Center and had no agenda or program. Comrade Coffee intends to facilitate fellowship and encourage information sharing among local veterans. Veterans also had an opportunity to ask questions about their VA benefits. Approximately 30 local veterans came out to the inaugural event on Wednesday to enjoy camaraderie with coffee and pastries that were donated by Kwik Star. Executive Director of Marion County Commission of Veteran Affairs and retired Lieutenant Colonel with the United States Air Force Rob Bandstra told KNIA/KRLS it was a great opportunity for our local veterans to enjoy time together and share common stories with someone who understands it.

“These events are super important for our veterans just as a time to get together and no one understands veterans like veterans do so just to have that common experience and common stories and sharing them with someone who understands it is a great opportunity for our veterans that they don’t always get with family, or at church, or in the community.”

The next Comrade Coffee is expected to happen next month.