Finding a donut shop, with a hot cup of coffee, was impossible while patrolling the steaming, tangled jungles of Vietnam or the sandy barren wastelands of the Middle East. Hometown USA offers that convenience on nearly every street corner but there is only one place in Calabash, N.C. where a combat veteran can finally enjoy a donut and coffee in the company of fellow veterans who can appreciate what you experienced in the jungle or the sandbox.

General Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr. U.S. Army (ret.) is the president of the Veterans Creative Arts Program (VCAP). Operating out of VFW Post 7288 in Calabash, North Carolina, where Grigsby serves as Post Commander, they promote healing and connection by  helping veterans, first responders, and military families find creative workshops, therapeutic art classes, and community seminars.

On Monday July 12, 2026, Grigsby kicked off a new Veterans Coffee Group with half a dozen Veterans who met at the post. He provides the coffee, donuts and a safe, judgement free, environment where veterans can meet with fellow veterans and talk about the things only other veterans would understand.

"I want to build a network of fellowship among the veterans in our community”, said Grigsby "We need to get the word out that we are here to support them, especially younger veterans who have returned to civilian life and may be struggling to find a place to fit in.” The Veterans Coffee Group is a place they will fit in. Many of the older, retired vets living in the community have struggled through this themselves and can mentor younger vets with their life experience. The main purpose of the group is to facilitate a comfortable place to share experiences, learn about veteran programs and spend time with fellow veterans.

The group meets every month on the second Monday at 9:00 am at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Calabash Post 7288 building located at 900 Carter Drive in Calabash. Hot Coffee, fresh donuts and warm camaraderie await any veteran who would like to attend. No reservations are needed, just come and join us, but if you would like to learn more you may call Wayne Grigsby at 910-317-6237 or the Post at 910-579-3577. The meetings typically last one to one and one half hours, but don’t be surprised if you leave the post with new friends heading out to lunch. Can’t make it in person, but hate to miss it? No problem. "We’re working on adding ZOOM remote meeting capability to include even more veterans who may be unable to attend in person”, Grigsby said. "We are also planning a book nook where veterans can contribute and borrow books about the many subjects that interest them. We also would like to be a resource for current and up to date information about Veterans Administration (VA) benefits and programs that impact vets. Come join us before your coffee gets cold!”

The Veterans Coffee Group operates as part of VCAP who also offers classes and workshops that are tuition-free for veterans, active duty military, first responders (including nurses), and their immediate family members. Visit their Website to learn more and find a calendar of upcoming offerings: https://www. veteranscreativearts.org

Team VFW Post 7288 builds camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts and the Auxiliary in order to serve Veterans, the military, our community and advocates on behalf of all veterans. If you are a veteran that served in a war zone you may be eligible to become a regular member.  If you have a family member who served in a war zone you may become  a member of the Post's Auxiliary. Come by the Post to see what we are all about and pick up a membership form.