Veterans in and around Moose Jaw are invited to attend the monthly "Veteran’s Coffee Break" meetings at the ANAVETS (Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans) Hall, where an opportunity exists to re-unite with old friends, share experiences with others who understand, and return to a sense of brotherhood experienced during active military service.
The coffee break meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month and are made possibly by both the ANAVETS and the Moose Jaw UN-NATO Veteran’s Group. The goal of the program is to get more veterans involved in the two local support groups that serve on their behalf.
“When we were in the military, we were one big family, right,” explained Ron Roy, the Sergeant at Arms for the ANAVETS and vice president of the UN-NATO Veteran’s Group in Moose Jaw.
“When we left the military, we lost that family. This is a chance here to get (back) together.”
The meetings are only open to veterans, whether they are retired or still actively serving.
Membership with the Royal Canadian Legion, ANAVETS, or the UN-NATO groups are open to veterans as well as civilian members, but the purpose of the coffee break program is for veterans to have an exclusive space to talk about the matters that pertain to them specifically.
“It’s to get veterans together,” Roy confirmed. “Some of these veterans are sitting at home doing nothing all month... and they just look forward to coming out this one time to open up a bit.”
Veterans who attend the once-a-month coffee break are invited to talk about absolutely anything that’s on their mind. The conversations are free-flowing and without moderation. Topics of discussion from this month’s meeting ranged from personal observations to old memories to sharing pictures from their travels, but everything the group shares is strictly held in confidence.
Some of the valuable information discussed at these meetings include practical details about accessing available Veteran’s Affairs programs or pensions, and members can help each other out as needed.
The ANAVETS organization has roots going back to 1840 and pre-dates The Royal Canadian Legion, which was formed after the First World War. Today, there are three ANAVETS chapters across Saskatchewan with one in Moose Jaw.
The UN-NATO group was founded 15 years ago and has over 7,000 veteran members across Canada. In Moose Jaw, the group aims to get together once or twice a month for a breakfast event and a separate wing dinner. The group also organizes motorcycle rides for several veteran members who own bikes.
Each month, the program is supported by a volunteering local business who covers the cost of refreshments and any other minor requirements. This month’s coffee break was sponsored by the New Southern Plains Metis Local No. 160.
“Some (veterans) have some (personal or mental health) issues, and this might just be an opportunity to break the ice and come out and meet other veterans with the same problems,” Roy said.
“You’re welcome. Come on in and talk to other veterans.”
Meeting schedules and further information is provided online at MooseJawVeteransGroup.com.
Veteran’s Coffee Break meetings are held once a month at the ANAVETS Hall, located at 279 High Street West. Meetings typically run from 9:30 until 11 a.m. and visitors can grab a complementary coffee and come and go as they please.
To contact the organization by phone, Ron Roy can be reached at 306-692-4412.
