GOULDSBORO -- Thanksgiving is still a week away, but it came early for a group of veterans from the VA hospital near Wilkes-Barre.
A hearty meal gave the local heroes a lot to be thankful for this year.
Getting around isn't very easy for some of the veterans. With many in wheelchairs, it takes time to transport them from the VA hospital near Wilkes-Barre to the American Legion Post in Gouldsboro, but by now it's tradition.
"Between us and VFW Post 509 in Tobyhanna, we take turns bringing the vets up from the VA hospital and nursing home and preparing a meal for them and activities," said John Allen, American Legion Post commander.
Activities include singing and a little dancing, but mostly eating a full Thanksgiving meal with the works.
"Veterans said of course, they're thankful for all the food, but just being there means much more to them than a Thanksgiving meal.
"It's just like a retreat. I look forward to it. It's just like being in another world. I feel very human," said Norm Milgrim, Korean war veteran.
So what are the vets thankful for this year?
"Well, I have two grandchildren, a boy and a girl," said Morris Brown, WWII veteran.
"Everything that I have, my health, my health is number one," said John Miklosi, WWII veteran.
All the people helping to serve the Thanksgiving meal said they're thankful to have heroes like the veterans.