Copyright Coeur d'Alene Press
COEUR d'ALENE — Between bites of scrambled eggs and pancakes and sips of coffee and juice, veterans shared stories Wednesday morning at Legends Park Assisted Living. Voices drifted around the room, men and women locked in close conversation. During a lull in the chatter, Dr. Norman Leffler stood to announce that The Press had arrived and wanted to interview people. “Can I get your attention?” the veteran said. “I have something I need to tell you.” This drew laughter from the men and women seated at tables spread throughout the lobby area. “Don’t you always?” someone shouted as the laughter continued. Spirits were high, as they always are for the monthly free breakfast at Legends. Veterans came from near and far. They served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. At least one was part of World War II, many were in Vietnam, and others were in the Middle East conflicts. They have their own reflections of their time in the military, their own personalities and their own reasons for serving their country. Among them was JT Strong, whose 22-year Air Force career provided him with experiences to last a lifetime. He enjoyed the morning. While the food is great, it’s not the main attraction. "It’s the people,” Strong said. “It’s kind of fun just to share war stories." Herb Sivertson, a Navy veteran who served from 1949 to 1953, said the company was wonderful. "It’s nice to have a free breakfast, too,” he said, smiling. Sivertson, married to his wife, Jan, for 67 years, recently went on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., his first time there in three decades. The plane ride, the accommodations and the sightseeing tours were unforgettable. “They took care of us,” he said. Organized by local hubs of the Honor Flight Network national nonprofit, Honor Flights celebrate America’s veterans by inviting them to Washington, D.C. to see the nation’s memorials that commemorate their service and sacrifice. At 95, Sivertson was older than most in the room, but said being among fellow veterans always gave him a nice boost and a reason why he looks forward to spending time with them. “Absolutely,” he said. Dale Stamper, a Purple Heart recipient, served in the Army from 1966 to 1968, almost all in Vietnam, before taking a medical retirement. He said the breakfast brings veterans together, which is reason enough to celebrate. He had high praise for the Legends staff. “It's quite amazing, what they do,” he said. “Their whole intention is to give back. We appreciate it. Unbelievable.” Russ Lebourdais, an Air Force veteran from Pinehurst, went on an Honor Flight earlier this year. “They treated us like kings,” he said. During his service years from 1960 to 1965, Lebourdais was stationed on the Russian border in northern Turkey. “They liked us back there,” he said. He joked about Leffler, known for his loquacious ways. "Sitting beside this character, it’s fantastic,” Lebourdais said. At 101, Doug Gwin was the oldest in the room. Sharp and strong, he was thankful for his good health. “I feel very blessed, I tell you," he said. “I feel great. My doctors tell me I’m doing great.” Any secrets to a long, good life? Gwin shook his head. “Gee whiz, I don’t know what to say,” he said. Today, he still drives and lives on his own. The Veterans Administration provides a housekeeper for 10 hours a week. “Between her, me and my cat, we’re doing just great,” he said. Gwin, originally from the Sacramento area, signed on for the draft after graduating from high school in 1942. “By Christmas, they had me,” he said. Gwin served with the Air Force in radio operations in Burma during World War II. One of his jobs was to report on aircraft flying by, friendly or enemy. “We protected the airfields,” he said. "I think we did pretty good." Gwin has attended several of the free breakfasts at Legends Park Assisted Living because he likes being around friends. “It's great to get together with veterans,” he said. And family, too. His grandson, Jason, sat next to him. “I was with him when he shot his first deer,” Gwin said proudly. “He was still in high school.” The Veterans Appreciation Breakfast is held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every third Wednesday at Legends Park Assisted Living, 1820 N. Legends Parkway, Coeur d'Alene. Veterans and their families are invited to enjoy a full breakfast — eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, pancakes, coffee and juice — all free of charge. Call 208-699-6015 to RSVP.
