Holiday Luncheon Brings West Side Veterans Together for Food, Gifts, and Community

West Side veterans gathered on Dec. 2 for a holiday luncheon hosted by the Austin Veterans Community Organization, a grassroots group that supports former service members through year-round programming. Attendees received free meals, holiday gifts, and information about benefits and services available to veterans.

The luncheon, held at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd., drew men and women who served in conflicts ranging from Vietnam to Desert Storm.

Cassandra Norman, founder of the Austin Veterans Community Organization, said events like the luncheon help keep veterans connected — especially those who may feel isolated.

“A lot of times we meet on Zoom, and in the summer we meet out in the Veterans Peace Garden,” Norman said. “I want to keep bringing veterans together. We’re all in this together.”

Norman said the organization is working to expand its partnerships with agencies and institutions that help veterans access disability benefits, Medicare enrollment support, and other services.

Robert Brown, 57, served in Panama and in Operation Desert Storm after entering the Army in 1986.

“I stayed active duty until ’91, then did 20 years in the Reserve,” Brown said. He later worked in the medical field in Memphis before returning to Chicago in 2017.

Brown said events like Tuesday’s luncheon help veterans find the support they need — particularly when navigating disability claims and health services.

“These events open up doors so we can get the right help,” he said. “People need to know what services are out there.”

Brown also spoke about an injury he suffered during training exercises in Korea in 1987, when a tank ditch collapsed.

“It crushed the bones in my right hand,” he said. “It just collapsed. It’s arthritic and everything. But I’m handling it.”

Lisa Scott, who served in West Germany from 1982 to 1985, said she worked in family support operations during peacetime, helping civilians evacuate in the event of an emergency.

Scott, who lives in North Lawndale but attends church in Austin, said she was grateful to discover the event.

“I think it’s awesome,” she said. “I’m glad I found out about this Austin veterans event. I’m going to become a member and stay informed.”

Norman said the organization plans to continue holding regular gatherings and hopes to strengthen its base of volunteers and supporters. 

The Austin Veterans Community Organization hosts meetings every third Wednesday of the month throughout the year and maintains seasonal programming from May through late fall at the Veterans Peace Garden, 5413 W. Madison St. in Austin. 

Learn More 

Email avco5413@gmail.com for more information on the Austin Veterans and Community Organization.