Lemonade from Lemons – Muster & Mingle Gets Real
On Wednesday April 30th, we gathered at the TippCenter in Tipp City for our April Muster & Mingle event. Our Director of Development made homemade meatloaf with mac & cheese and green beans. The homemade meal created a great atmosphere for conversation and socializing among our veterans.
After announcements of upcoming events, our Director addressed the group. She had an interesting mix of items with her, a jug of water, a pitcher, a cutting board, knife, sugar, and a bag of lemons. As she began to cut the lemons, she talked to the group about the curveballs of life. A lively discussion followed about various hardships our veterans had been through, and there was even some laughter about the situations they have found themselves in.
After all her lemons were cut, Valerie added them to the pitcher. Then, while opening her bag of sugar and adding it to the lemons a spoonful at a time, she asked the group about how those situations were resolved. Did someone help? Did they learn a new skill to solve the problem? Did they leave it unresolved?
As she began pouring in the water, she talked about how we all handle life’s hiccups differently, and all find solutions in unique ways. However, no matter the situation and how it affects us, they all share a common bond. Just like lemonade is unique to the person making it – some prefer tart over sweet, or maybe you only use organic ingredients while your neighbor uses powdered mix – it’s all still lemonade.
On Wednesday, April 30th, we gathered at the TippCenter in Tipp City for our April Muster & Mingle—a monthly opportunity for veterans to come together, share a meal, and build community.
This month’s gathering featured a homemade dinner prepared by our Director of Development: hearty meatloaf, creamy mac & cheese, and green beans—comfort food that set the tone for relaxed conversation and camaraderie. The room quickly filled with laughter, stories, and connection.
After sharing announcements about upcoming events and opportunities, our Director took the floor with what looked like an unusual assortment of items: a jug of water, a pitcher, a cutting board, sugar, a knife, and a bag of lemons. With curiosity piqued, the room grew quiet as she began slicing lemons and talking about life’s unexpected curveballs.
As the scent of fresh citrus filled the air, she invited the group to reflect on the hardships and surprises they’ve faced—from deployments and injuries to personal losses and moments of resilience. The discussion was honest and engaging, sprinkled with humor and shared understanding.
She slowly added sugar to the pitcher—one spoonful at a time—while asking thoughtful questions: Did someone step in to help? Did you learn something new to overcome the challenge? Was the issue left unresolved? As the water was poured in, she brought the metaphor full circle.
Just like lemonade, each of our life stories is a little different—some experiences more bitter, others a little sweeter. But in the end, we all find a way to make it through. It’s not the challenge that defines us, but how we choose to respond.
This impromptu lesson came about because our scheduled presenter had to cancel at the last minute. But instead of letting the change derail the evening, we turned it into an opportunity—one that reminded us all that adaptability, perspective, and community matter.
We’re looking forward to our next Muster & Mingle and hope to see you there. Because whether life gives you smooth sailing or a bag of lemons, you don’t have to go it alone. Check out our Upcoming Events page to see where you can find us next!