A New Chapter Begins: Our First Muster & Mingle in Troy

On April 7, Operation Veteran & Caregiver Support proudly hosted our first Muster & Mingle in our new Troy space—and what a night it was.

We welcomed nearly 60 veterans and family members for an evening centered on connection, community, and simply being together. While we didn’t have a formal program, the room quickly filled with something even better: conversation, laughter, and the kind of easy camaraderie that reminds us why this work matters.

We were honored to partner with Mission BBQ, who generously provided a full spread for our guests. From pulled chicken and pork to baked beans, mac & cheese, cornbread, sauces, and drinks, they made sure no one left hungry. Their support helped set the tone for a warm and welcoming evening, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership.

One of the most meaningful parts of the night was our interactive “Share Your Story” art activity. Veterans and their families were invited to select ribbons representing different aspects of their journey—branch of service, era, status, and the vital role of family members and supporters. As ribbons were chosen and added, a collective story began to take shape—one that reflected not just individual experiences, but the strength and diversity of our entire community.

This first gathering in our new space affirmed exactly what we hoped it would: that when you bring people together with intention, the connections happen naturally. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening so special. We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see you in May for our Fiesta Night on May 5th! We will be hosting the Tortilla Mexican Street Food food truck, who is making their Troy debut! They will be partnering with us for the Troy Strawberry Festival, and we are looking forward to getting sneak peek at what they have to offer.

To see where you can find us next, be sure to check out our upcoming events page by clicking here!.