Pearland Veterans keep a 20-year breakfast tradition going

PEARLAND, Texas (KTRK) -- Three times a week, a group of men from Pearland's Country Place Community gathers for breakfast and conversation, continuing a tradition that began more than 20 years ago.

They meet at the Kolache Factory on West Broadway, where the shop gave them the nickname "Kolache Crew" and even handed out hats to match.

Many of the men are veterans. Their conversations cover anything from aches and pains to the weather and politics.

"I would like to tell you what we talk about, but everyone talks, but nobody listens," Navy Veteran Walker Cook said.

The gatherings also give the men a place to take pride in the lives they have led and everything they have accomplished.

Among them is Marcus Lane, a 94-year-old Korean War Veteran who spent 35 years in education, working as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. He credits his military service with helping set the course for his career.

"Without the military service, I probably would have never ended up in education," Lane said. "I've really been blessed."

Jimmy Humphrey, a 78-year-old Marine veteran who saw action in Vietnam, said his time in the military helped shape the man he is today. His pride in that service still brings strong emotions.

"I get all emotional when we put our flags out," Humphrey said.

He believes veterans and those who gave their lives for the country deserve recognition beyond a single day each year.

"It's got to be veterans every day somewhere," Humphrey said.