The Coffee Group gathers

Nancy Simpson/The Madera Tribune

The Coffee Group is a close group, currently nine guys who get together every week, or more often, for coffee and conversation. From left, back row, are Eric Oxelson, Jim Patrick, Allen Baraldi, Richard Smith. In front are Ron Peacock, left, and Tom Thornton. Not pictured Nick Nobley, Mike Harris, and Guss Keith.

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It was at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, in the home of Ron and Rhonda Peacock. 

Six long-time friends gathered together for their morning coffee. It was a time they all enjoyed each week, sometimes several times during the week. There are now nine guys in their “coffee group.” Most of them are U.S. military veterans.

Tom Thornton, Richard Smith, Jim Patrick, Allen Baraldi, Eric Oxelson, and Ron Peacock sat around the large table enjoying their conversations, reminiscing about times they have had together, drinking coffee, and savoring the breakfast casserole Rhonda had made for them. Missing from this Wednesday morning meeting were three other veterans, Nick Nobley, Guss Keith, and Mike Harris.