The American Red Cross of Northern Ohio hosts three different Coffee Cart days for U.S. military veterans at Veteran’s Administration (VA) facilities across the region. The Red Cross Coffee cart offers free coffee and conversation for patients and family members at the various VA locations. On Mondays, volunteers are at Findlay VA Outpatient Clinic, Wednesdays they are at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, and on Fridays at the Parma VA Clinic.

United States Air Force veteran and Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces / International Services Program Specialist Nasir Ahmad says the Coffee Cart program is more than just a free cup of coffee. “It’s how we, as veterans, connect to one another and share stories. We may have served at different times, sometimes decades apart, but sometimes we’ve been to the same places,” Ahmad said. “It’s nice to relive some of those memories together, even if those memories are generations apart.”

Taalib Muhammad is an Air Force veteran who served during Vietnam. He’s been going to the VA Medical Center in Cleveland for more than 20 years. “It makes me feel good that the Red Cross is interested in the vets,” Taalib said. “A lot of people come here for their appointments, but some come to just hang out, and the Red Cross Coffee Cart is a great place to share stories, some laughs, and just spend time together.”

The Red Cross Coffee Cart program is just one of the many ways the Red Cross serves military members, veterans and their families. To learn about these services or to volunteer to help click here.