Fairfield Hy-Vee hosts Veterans Day breakfast

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield Hy-Vee honored those who serve on Friday by giving veterans and their spouses a complimentary breakfast, plus a 15 percent discount on store purchases that day.

The band “My Romance” set up in the cafeteria and performed for the store’s patrons. Rosemarie Sleaford, Hy-Vee Events Coordinator, said that about 200 people attended the Veterans Day breakfast, which she was very pleased with.

In addition to its Veterans Day breakfast Friday, Fairfield Hy-Vee hosted a kick-off for Sieda’s Christmas Toy Collection. The public is invited to drop off toys, clothing and other items at Fairfield Hy-Vee now through Dec. 11. Sieda’s website states that 378 children received gifts through the program last year. Families who wish to sign up to receive gifts can contact 641-472-6140, with an application deadline of Dec. 7.

Sleaford said organizing the Veterans Day breakfast is her favorite event to plan because she feels strongly about honoring veterans. She is a veteran herself, having served in the U.S. Navy. Chuck Hanson, who has worked at Fairfield Hy-Vee for nearly 19 years, said he always asks to work on Veterans Day so he can serve those who have served their country. Hanson, too, is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

“It’s been nice to see the veterans come out, and one told me this was the best meal he’s had in months,” Hanson said. “I feel it’s important we do this.”

Sleaford said she’s helped with Veterans Day events in the past, and she’s sad to see fewer World War II veterans every year.

Hanson said it’s common for veterans of one branch of the service to tease members of other branches, but at the end of the day, they’re all family.

“We tell a lot of jokes about each other, but we also take care of each other,” he said.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com