Sometimes the most meaningful support doesn’t come from a formal program or a long agenda. Sometimes it starts with something simple: coffee, conversation, and the comfort of being with people who understand.

That’s the heart behind Coffee & Camaraderie—a veterans meet-up built to keep things simple, practical, and supportive. We’re grateful to share that Coffee & Camaraderie has added a new group meet-up at Western Home Communities, giving veterans another place to connect right where they live.

A simple concept—with a real mission

Coffee & Camaraderie is designed for veterans to interact, learn, and help each other—while honoring the service of those who served in every branch of the military. It’s rooted in the belief that we can all make better efforts to reach out to veterans who may feel judged, alienated, demonized, or looked down upon.

This group exists for a purpose: to help ourselves and each other.
And the message is clear: We’ve got your six.

How it started—and how it’s grown

Coffee & Camaraderie began about 10 years ago when Kris Jones and Andy Schreiber started meeting for coffee and conversation—then grew into a model other communities could adopt.

Kris, now a co-founder of Coffee & Camaraderie, shared that the earliest meetings were driven by real needs—navigating benefits, resources, and the intimidating process of figuring out what help was available. Over time, those conversations became something bigger: a community built on fellowship and shared understanding.

As Kris explained, the goal is to rebuild the bond many veterans remember from service:

“We want veterans to have the fellowship, the interaction, the friendship, the camaraderie—the bond that they once shared in the military.”
— Kris Jones

Support for veterans—and the people who support them

From the beginning, Coffee & Camaraderie wasn’t intended to serve only the veteran. Kris emphasized the importance of including the people who walk alongside them, too—especially spouses.

Spouses and family members often carry questions, stress, and their own need for support. Coffee & Camaraderie makes room for that, while keeping the focus on respect, dignity, and connection.

Why bring it to Western Home Communities

One of the biggest reasons Coffee & Camaraderie is expanding into senior living settings is accessibility. Many veterans—especially as they age—may not be able to get to events in the community, or may not feel comfortable doing so.

Kris put it plainly: the goal is to bring connection to veterans where they are.

“Sometimes veterans are not able to come to outside events… so we want to bring it to them.”
— Kris Jones

At Western Home, that matters. Some veterans live side by side and still don’t realize the person nearby served too. Coffee & Camaraderie creates a natural way to discover that shared experience—without pressure.

What happens when you show up

Coffee & Camaraderie is intentionally low-pressure and veteran-led. Each gathering may look a little different, but the heart stays the same:

Coffee and informal conversation
Shared resources and practical information (benefits, services, community supports)
Time to learn from each other’s experiences
Occasional guest speakers (optional), kept brief and practical

Kris described how helpful it can be to simply compare notes and talk through the process together:

“There’s no manuscript that tells you how to go about seeking help… so you compare notes… and you advocate for each other.”
— Kris Jones

And for veterans who are proud of their service but hesitant to talk about it, simply listening can be the beginning of trust. Over time, a “comfort zone” can become a community.

A respectful space for all veterans

Coffee & Camaraderie is built to protect the integrity of the space and the honor of those who served. Veterans bring different perspectives, backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs. This group is committed to being compassionate, thoughtful, and understanding toward peers.

To keep the focus on support, the group does not exist to push religion, politics, or ideology—and does not tolerate bullying or harassment. The goal is not debate. The goal is connection.

When and where it meets at WHC

Coffee & Camaraderie will meet once a month on the 1st Friday, alternating between two locations across campus: Windermere and Windgrace.

Western Home Communities resident veterans are welcome, and spouses and family members are welcome too. Veterans may also invite loved ones who they feel would benefit from the connection and support.

“Don’t give up.”

During the interview, veteran advocate John Barthel shared the message that anchors this work—especially for veterans who feel isolated or unsure where to turn:

That’s what Coffee & Camaraderie is about: helping veterans remember they are not alone, their experiences matter, and support is available—sometimes beginning with a conversation over coffee.

An open invitation

If you’re a veteran—or you love someone who served—we hope you’ll consider joining Coffee & Camaraderie at Western Home Communities.

Come for the coffee. Stay for the connection.
We’ve got your six.

We’ve Got Your Six: Coffee & Camaraderie at Western Home