Couple shows appreciation in an 'appetizing' way

“It’s really only a small way of showing our appreciation,” comments Stephanie Albert. “New Richland is such a wonderful town, and the veterans are a big part of what helps make it special.

 

“Buying them a meal now and then is barely anything compared to the sacrifices they made for us.”

 

Albert, who is married to New Richland native and 1978 New Richland-Hartland graduate Pam Quiram, says she is thrilled to have the community as her hometown by proxy. The couple made the decision about four years ago to send a wordless “Thank you for your service. May I buy your lunch?” message to area veterans by setting up an arrangement with Theresa and Dean Grubstad of Red Leaf Cafe. The couple reimburses the cafe for the cost of any breakfast or lunch served to a member of the New Richland American Legion and his or her spouse on the second Tuesday of every month.

 

Dean and Theresa Grubstad have operated the cafe for more than 11 years. Theresa explains the reimbursement arrangement began when Albert and Quiram arranged to buy meals on Veterans Day. Soon after, the decision was made to expand to every second Tuesday. Theresa says Legion meetings are occasionally held at the cafe. Those days, there may be as many as 15 veterans and their spouses. Other times the number is as low as four or five couples.

 

“I wish more would come in,” she says. “I like to honor them, and I want to see them enjoy each other and the food.” She mentions that the veterans tend to sit together in one group and the spouses in another, separate one.

 

Even though the small cafe is very full with about 30 “extra” people in the seats, she says if anything, the days when the veterans are there are the most orderly and composed.

 

“They’re a prim and proper group,” she comments, estimating nearly all who come are between the ages of 60 and 90. “These guys take it very seriously that they’re representing the military,” she says. “Though they don’t say it, it’s easy to see they’re proud of who they are and the service they’ve given.”

 

Of some area veterans who choose not to take advantage of the free meal, Grubstad observes, “They’re a proud bunch. But this isn’t meant to be charity. It’s gratitude.”

Quiram says her appreciation for veterans began with her father, Elmer, who with her mother Marilyn ran the bakery in New Richland throughout her childhood. She remembers the story of her father’s tattoo–a ribbon-like banner with the word “Mom” printed in it.

 

She explains Elmer joined the military soon after finishing high school. He and Marilyn had been dating, but he couldn’t be sure she would still be available when he returned.

 

“Tattoos are permanent, so he went with the safe option,” Pam remembers.

 

Elmer didn’t talk much about his experience in the military. She did learn, however, that he was originally trained as a ranger, but when he arrived in Korea, the company was more interested in his skills as a baker. “He spent his time making food instead of going on missions,” she says lightheartedly.

 

Her most profound memory of Elmer’s connection to his service in the army came at his funeral, she remembers, when local veteran organizations provided military honors. “It sent a message about the connection and mutual respect veterans feel for each other,” she recalls.

 

Stephanie’s impressions center around time spent in New Richland during visits and celebrations, most importantly Farm and City days. “These folks returned from their service and went to work helping build the community,” she observes. “Some of them returned from truly horrific experiences,” she comments. “All of them had the mental trajectory of their lives changed by their service.

 

“It’s so important to remember how we got what we have as American citizens–why we have the right to protest, the freedom to express ourselves. I’ve always felt honored to be part of this country and to be able to live the life that I pursue.

 

“We all know our lives would be much different without the Constitution and the rights it gives us.

 

“These veterans protected that Constitution.

 

“That’s part of why we think it’s so important to show them honor.”