Local restaurant, volunteers give back to veterans

Published 2:00 pm Saturday, November 10, 2018

Crockett’s Family Cafeteria is famous in the Milledgeville community for serving mouthwatering, down-home food but what is not well-known is that for the last eight years the restaurant hosts a group of residents from the Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH) once a month for lunch.

Frances and Allen Crockett have a special place in their hearts for those who have served and wanted to give the gift of fellowship and a hot meal to local veterans living at GWVH.

“I know it is not much, but we are very humble and honored to be able to do what we can for those who gave up so much for us and the USA,” said Frances. 

The Crocketts have deep connections to the military. Allen is a Navy veteran and their sons served in the Marines.         

Crockett’s hosts the veterans on the fourth Thursday of each month and holds an annual Christmas party for the group as well. A social group the Crockett’s belong to — the Lake Sinclair Hens and Roosters — regularly volunteers at the monthly gathering.

“My friends, the Hens and Roosters, help the veterans get off the bus, carry their food tray, cut up their food if needed and clean up,” said Frances. “Most important is that they visit with the veterans and socialize with them — the men and women that served our country are so interesting, and we learn a lot from them.” 

Retired teachers and transplants to Lake Sinclair from Warner Robins, Linda and Ross Harridge, belong to the Hens and Roosters social group and find the monthly luncheons with the veterans extremely rewarding. 

“It is a blessing and a privilege to serve our veterans,” Linda said. “My son is in the United States Air Force and completed four tours in Afghanistan, so I have a special place in my heart for those who served. I lost a dear friend who died in Vietnam at age 19 — I volunteer to honor his memory. And I just want to add that Frances is an angel to do this — it’s the perfect small-town tribute.”

Another Hens and Roosters couple, Tommy and April Thomas, said that volunteering at the monthly luncheon is one of the greatest joys in their lives.

“We feel so blessed to have this opportunity to help the veterans enjoy their time at Crockett’s. We love to talk to them and hear their stories. Frances and Allen absorb all financial cost of the meal each month-they have given so much of themselves for many years to honor our veterans,” Tommy said.  

For the veterans that travel to Crockett’s every month, a delicious meal and good conversation goes a long way to enrich their daily lives. 

“The veterans enjoy going to Crockett’s for lunch because of the personal attention they receive from the staff and the volunteers that are always there. And the great food they serve,” said GWVH Recreation Services Director Wanda Blackwell. 

n addition to the monthly lunch, the Hens and Roosters and Crockett’s hold an annual Christmas party for the veterans with all the holiday trimmings including a patriotic Santa Claus who usually makes an appearance. 

“We (the SHR) raise money for Christmas gifts for the veterans — we like to give them warm blankets and gloves, hats and things they may need or want,” said Frances. “We also give them gift cards so they can shop for what they like.” 

Crockett’s commitment to the veterans has not gone unnoticed. Frances received a Helping Hands award presented to her from the GWVH Veterans’ Council. She maintains her humbleness when addressing her service to those who have served. 

She added: “The vets thank me every month for having them but I tell them it is my place to thank them for every sacrifice they have made on our behalf.”