On one Thursday every month, the Greta Carrick Memorial Library in Coalmont hosts complimentary coffee and donuts for veterans and first responders. In October, Grundy County Veterans Service Officer Joe Volpi, husband of Coalmont librarian Carol Volpi was there to address any inquiries regarding military benefits. Other events honoring veterans and first responders at the Greta Carrick Memorial library, which cozies right up to the Coalmont Fire Department and lies in view of the Coalmont Cemetery, include Volpi’s 9/11 Memorial program, and the Wreaths Across America project, when every December organization volunteers lay wreaths on veterans’ graves across the country to pay tribute to those who served.

Tennessee, well-known as the “Volunteer State” since the War of 1812 ranks #14 in total Veteran Population: 463,047 counted by the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics in 2020. The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services reports a count of 770 resident veterans living in Grundy County. On Friday, November 6th at noon, the Coalmont Community Center, located at 60 Phipps St, Coalmont, invites all veterans to their 20th annual Veterans Thank-you Luncheon, sponsored by Citizens Tri-County Bank.

On Friday, November 13th, the Coalmont Communty Center will also be hosting a Bingo Night & Silent Auction fundraiser for Wreaths Across America, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Volpi beckons: Bring your family and friends to play Bingo, bid on some cool items, grab a bite to eat, and support a great cause that supports our Veteran Heroes. We hope to see you there! They are also accepting donations for the silent auction – no matter the size…any contribution helps! – which can be dropped off at the Greta Carrick Memorial Library in Coalmont.