Kathleen’s Story. Finding Connection Through New Experiences

When Kathleen returned to Buffalo, Veterans One-stop Center was one of the first places she looked up. She had spent years building a culinary career, traveling and volunteering abroad, but she knew the value of having somewhere to go and people to spend time with. She had connected with VOSC years earlier, and she wanted to see what was happening there now.

Kathleen joined the U.S. Army in 1982 with a specific goal: to become a chef. She had already earned an associate degree in food service, but attending the Culinary Institute of America was beyond what she could afford. When she learned the military could help pay for her education, she enlisted. As an Army cook, she earned the rank of sergeant and represented the military at culinary shows. After her service, she attended the Culinary Institute and began a career that would take her to Seattle, where she lived for 23 years.

Her first connection with VOSC came after she returned to Buffalo and began pursuing a food truck business. At Veterans One-stop Center’s former Main Street location, she received guidance on a business plan she could take to the bank. The practical help mattered, but she also noticed something about the space: Veterans were welcome to come in, have coffee and spend time together. She began participating in activities, including yoga and an equine retreat.

Later, wanting to do something different after years in a demanding profession, Kathleen began traveling and volunteering. She taught English to children in Cambodia and spent time helping with rescued elephants. Giving back and learning from new experiences became important parts of how she wanted to spend her time. When she returned to Buffalo again, she found that VOSC’s calendar offered plenty of opportunities to keep exploring while connecting with other Veterans.

Since returning, she has attended rafting outings, bowling, football gatherings, photography group and yoga. Rafting has been a favorite. Rock climbing was more intimidating, especially with an injury that made her nervous about falling. She isn’t sure she will try that one again, but she is glad she gave it a chance. An equine outing sparked a more lasting interest: afterward, she returned to the farm several times on her own to learn more about how horses respond to people and their emotions.

“When I’m exposed to something that is new, I can then take it to another level,” she said.

For Kathleen, these opportunities matter especially as people move into retirement. After years of busy schedules and responsibilities, having more free time can bring an unexpected question: What do I do now? She has also faced personal and health challenges, and she understands how easy it can be to withdraw. She values professional care and support, alongside opportunities to build relationships and have something to look forward to.

That is why she often tells other Veterans about VOSC when conversations begin in VA waiting rooms. Her suggestion is to find something that appeals to them, whether that is a day of rafting, an afternoon of bowling or watching a Bills game over wings and pizza. “Those lead to further relationships,” she said.

She appreciates the welcome she receives when she walks through VOSC’s doors and the enthusiasm of the people she meets there. Between her travels and plans to volunteer, it is a place she can return to, join an activity and spend time with people who share part of her experience.

“It’s important to feel welcome,” she said. “It’s important to feel like you kinda belong.”

Story Published: October 2026