Hooray For Our Heroes

The inaugural meeting of Heroes Cafe Shoreline, March 9, 2021 in the middle of the COVID pandemic. L-R: Ray Coffey, Larry Fischer and Gary Walderman. Photo by Doug Cerretti

By Rob Oxford

I’ve known about Shoreline Heroes Café for over a year and can’t think of a better day than today, Veteran’s Day, to share with you the incredible work they do for veterans in our community.

Associated with the Pacific Northwest Veteran Association, a 501c3 charitable organization, Heroes Café is an additional resource for the men and women in the Shoreline Community who so honorably served our nation.

Gathering on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Seattle Scottish Rite Center, 1207 N 152nd St. in Shoreline, Heroes Café is open to all. Whether you personally served or have a family member or friend who served in the United States Military, all are welcome and volunteers are especially appreciated.

Contact us for assistance - Shoreline Heroes Café

As the son of two Veterans, I was raised with a great deal of respect for those who made a commitment to defend the freedoms we hold so dear. My father made a career of serving in the United States Army, my mother was in the Royal Canadian Air Force and three of my four brothers also served.

L-R: Brother Stan, Mom, Dad

Soon to be celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Heroes Café is the largest monthly gathering of veterans in King County. Partnering with the American Red Cross, Shoreline American Legion Post 227 and relying on the support of such generous donors as Home Depot, WaFd Bank, Lynnwood Elks, Kiwanis International and Rotary International.

Executive Director Gary Walderman, an Air Force Veteran himself, explained the goal of Heroes Café and how valuable its resources have become. It’s not as simple as providing meals and fellowship.

Heroes Café Volunteers

Last year, Heroes Café spent $30,000 helping to get veterans off our streets and into reliable housing. Another generous donor, Luma NW., formerly the Assistance League of Everett, accepts your gently-used donations and in return provides gift certificates to our veterans, allowing them to purchase the clothes and accessories they may need for critically important job interviews.

Mom was in the Royal Canadian Air Force

Currently there are four active Heroes Café Gatherings. One each month in Marysville, Woodinville, Lynnwood, and Shoreline. Doors open at 9am and guests are presented with coffee and pastries. At 10am opening ceremonies commence with a salute to the flag and a POW/MIA remembrance, followed by lunch at 11:20am.

Brother John

Each location offers a little something different. The Shoreline Heroes Café will sometimes feature musical entertainment, while the Lynnwood location will occasionally host a guest speaker.

For information on making a monetary donation, email: americanheroescafe@gmail.com

Forever grateful for those who served with honor and dignity.

Happy Veterans Day!