By Joe Bachman
Editor

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — It is said that not all heroes wear capes, and this is true for a veteran’s cafe who has celebrated two successful years in Wisconsin Rapids.

Since Septmeber of 2015, local veterans gather at the Heroes’ Cafe, now located at Crossview Church on 1000 E. Riverview Expressway. With the help of Air Force veteran, Pastor Dan DeRoche, the cafe has moved from it’s small beginnings at the Lowell Center to a place that holds nearly 100 veterans on a weekly basis.

Another shot inside the Heroes’ Cafe. (City Times Photo)

The cafe reaches out and brings together veterans from all wars — and it’s something that never goes unappreciated.

“It’s nice, because you know quite a few people,” said Navy veteran Carl Weinfurter, who was celebrating a birthday at the time of this piece. “I would like to see more turnout from different legions and posts, as well as the youth.”

According to founder Bill Haack, the cafe has not only grown in numbers, edging close to a total count of 10,000 visitors over its two years, but it has given younger generations a place to appreciate their local veterans. In last month’s Quilt of Valor presentation, nearly 200 people from all ages and walks of life filled into the space inside Crossview to witness the ceremony.

As the Heroes’ Cafe grows in size, feel free to check out our veterans schedule to find a time and meet a local veteran. A special thanks on behalf of the Heroes’ Cafe to Grace’s Restaurant, who provides free breakfast for the cafe every week.

For a rundown of veteran’s events and activities this month, check out November Veterans Events