November 17, 2004
photo

Herald photo by Lisa Perkins
Army veteren Derry Williams of Traverse
City was one of 507 veterens who dined at
Rico's Cafe in Grawn on Veterens Day last
week. Rick Dubro, owner of the restaurant,
has been serving complimentary meals to
vets on the holiday for four years.

Rico's Cafe glad to serve our veterans

By
Herald staff writer

      A good meal was just part of what was offered to area veterans at Rico's Cafe last week.
      Rick and Lori Dubro, owners of Rico's Cafe' in Grawn, treated 507 veterans to complementary meals in observance of Veteran's Day last week. For the fourth year, the Dubro's have taken an opportunity to give back to the men and women who have served their country in the military forces offering breakfast, lunch or dinner to veterans or current military personnel.
      "Right after September 11 President Bush in one speech said to do something special for a vet. I thought with our restaurant, this was one way to show my gratitude and appreciation for veterans," said Rick Dubro who served up 75 pounds of bacon, 30 pounds of ham, 35 pounds of sausage and 50 pounds of potatoes during the breakfast hours alone.
      "Vets don't get much recognition and I think they should," Dubro noted.
      While Dubro is grateful for the service given by veterans, the veterans are equally appreciative of his kindness.
      "It's wonderful to have a home based restaurant put on something like this, it's wonderful - lest we all forget," said Jayne Tregoning of Lake Ann, who along with husband Robert, an Army vet, had lunch with Navy veteran John Strunk.
      "This is the only place you get treated like this. A vet downstate doesn't get recognition at all. Veterans Day is just another day of work," Robert Tregoning said.
      The meals offered by Dubro are only part of the reason vets come back to Rico's year after year. Just as important is the chance to reminisce with other vets over a cup of coffee and a piece of pie.
      "He really brings the community together, it's like a big happy family," said Rob Tregoning who plans to make this an annual event.
      George Bissell of Honor looks forward to Veteran's Day at Rico's, even though he finds it bittersweet.
      "I can't hardly find anyone from World War II to talk to any more, there aren't many of us left," said Bissell, a Marine Corp veteran who served at Guadal Canal and in the South Pacific.
      The stories that Bissell and others share are what makes the day worthwhile for Dubro.
      "Every year I talk to vets and hear stories, none of them are the same. They all have their own twist," Dubro said.
      "Earlier today two men met up with each other who were in boot camp together in 1967. They hadn't seen each other since. Today they rekindled their friendship. It's just incredible, the stories we see around this place."