Westbrook Veteran Services Director Arty Ledoux is considering holding monthly coffee meet-ups at the community center starting later this year.
The goal of the gatherings would be to draw veterans together socially. If there’s enough interest, other events, such as a yearly barbecue for veterans, could be held as well, he said.
Ledoux wants to hear from local veterans about whether they are interested.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Larry Caron, 84, of Westbrook, said the program would be a great way to build community.
“Vets should get together. It’s good for everyone that’s served in the military, and we can shoot the breeze and get some stuff off our shoulders,” Caron said.
Information on benefits and programs would also available, but socialization is the main goal, Ledoux said.
“There is a camaraderie between veterans,” Ledoux said.
For Caron, a monthly meet-up would allow him to meet younger veterans and offer them his support.
“I like to meet the young fellas and see what they went through,” he said. “Getting together and knowing we care for one another means an awful lot.”
Ledoux said the gatherings would be especially welcome coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If interested in the event, reach out to Ledoux through his contacts on westbrookmaine.com or at the Public Services office.
“You are not alone, there are other veterans in the city and support,” Ledoux said.
Westbrook’s Veteran Services Office opened in January 2020 as the state’s first municipal veterans services office. The program connects veterans with benefits and uses the city’s first electric vehicle to take veterans to appointments or other meetings.
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