Coffee talk

When you have been in a situation like Vietnam or World War II, the only people who understand are those who have been there.”

Buzz Farrell

It is Veteran’s Day, but like every Tuesday, a group of vets sit in a circle on couches and chairs in a sunny room on the second floor of Every Third Saturday (ETS), 5402 43rd Ave. S. in Minneapolis. The center provides a gym, Bible study, art lessons, guitar lessons and fishing trips for vets. This group, called Coffee Talk, has been meeting for the past three years.
Although today is a memorable holiday, every Tuesday here is special for these vets. It is a place where they can come and talk about anything that is on their mind, whether it be running marathons, the weather, sports or living challenges. Even politics are sometimes discussed, but the discussion remains civil.
Sugar the cat and Sarge the dog are also in attendance with their owners.
Jesse Vaonais served in the Army Reserve from 1991 to 2000 as a military policeman. He is new to Coffee Talk, having come for about three months.
“I’m a vet and disabled so I have a lot of time on my hands, and this is a good place for me to come and spend some quality time,” he said.
Sugar, a furry Maine Coon, comes with him every time. “She’s an emotional support animal. I live alone, so having her there really helps me. She’s always there,” said Vaonais.
As for Coffee Talk, Vaonais said, “I really love these guys. I come every week to get out of the house and around other vets who I can share my experiences with.”
Buzz Farrell has been a part of Coffee Talk nearly since its inception. “Dave instigated this thing, and I heard about it.” Farrell said he was seeing a therapist at the VA to help with his PTSD. Farrell served in the Air Force starting in 1967.
“You can go to the VA and see a licensed, degreed psychiatrist, but you can’t let it all out,” Farrell said. “The topic criteria can be anything. Dave is far left, I’m far right, and Matt Smith, one of the other fixtures around here, is in the middle. But we all get along.”
Farrell said he worked with the Disabled American Vets (DAV) for 11 years, working with vets and getting to know them. “I loved that job, and Coffee Talk is kind of similar.
“Sometimes vets come in who are just lost. It’s our job to raise them out of the muck and mire,” he added.
Farrell said the idea of Coffee Talk is a pretty simple formula.
“When you have been in a situation like Vietnam or World War II, the only people who understand are those who have been there.”