By Mike Steely

steelym@knoxfocus.com

Tellico Village is the site of a monthly gathering for active duty and military veterans at Mama Grits/Classico Restaurant. The event, Breakfast for Buds, is growing each month and gives veterans a chance to reminisce about their time in the service.

“There’s no agenda or speeches,” Dennis Drake told The Focus.

This month’s 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. breakfast will be held Saturday, January 12 and will also feature military memorabilia. Sponsored by the VFW Post 12135, the gatherings started three years ago. The post’s meetings are held the Tellico Village Yacht Club, on the fifth floor. The next post meeting is January 16th.

Speaking of the Breakfast For Buds, Drake said, “There will be an area set up so pictures and memorabilia can be displayed for everyone to enjoy. We will also have someone from our post to provide information about military benefits.”

Mama Grits/Classico Restaurant in just off Highway 444 at the only stop light in Tellico Village behind the Tellico Village Visitors Center.

“We sponsor and volunteer for several projects each year,” he said.

“Breakfast for Buds was conceived to give our membership, all active duty military, and veterans a place and time to get together and just socialize,” Drake said, adding, “Each month the number of attendees grows and right now it’s about a 50/50 split between VFW members and non-members.”