‘I’ll be back next year’:Veterans pack Jimmy’s Egg in Killeen for annual Veterans Day breakfast
KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - Every year veterans in Killeen find different ways to celebrate their service.
Some head to Jimmy’s Egg off Stan Schleuter in Killeen.
It’s more than just a place to grab breakfast, it’s the place that gets full of veterans before the sun comes up on Veterans Day.
“14 years ago, some of us met here for breakfast,” said Terry Mustapher, retired U.S. Army staff sergeant. “I think Jimmy’s Egg had just opened that year, or been open a year, and they wanted to give back to the veterans in the community. So, some of us met here and we’ve and we have grown as you see today.”
This year veterans packed the restaurant for roll call at 6am to keep up with military tradition of morning formation.
It was something guest speaker retired Major General Kendall Cox was surprised to see.
“So, I was pleased with the turnout,” said Maj. Gen. Ret. Kendall Cox. “Actually, when you have people standing in line to still get it, that means something and speaks volumes.”
“We have all service here, Air Force, Marines,” said Sylvia Gavin, retired U.S. Army first sergeant. “I think when we called out Coast Guard, we didn’t have any Coast Guard here. So, Coast Guard, this is a challenge to you, be here next year.”
For some veterans like Cox, this is the first time coming to the Veterans Day breakfast in Killeen and they all got more out of it then they thought they would.
“There’s a brotherhood and sisterhood that are tied to this,” said Maj. Gen. Ret. Kendall Cox. “It’s not just about the free breakfast, it’s about, we’re here because out service meant something.”
A sense of comradery that he felt at the breakfast is why he’ll be back next year.
“6 o’clock in the morning is but, absolutely,” said Maj. Gen. Ret. Kendall Cox. “It’s created a spark in me again and I really appreciated it. Just seeing these people together, put me in coach, I’m ready to play.”
The annual Veterans Day breakfast takes place at Jimmy’s Egg in Killeen and roll call is 6am.
All veterans from all branches are welcome and eat for free.
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