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Respite for Vets

Bed-and-breakfasts, guest cottages, inns and hotels are offering returning veterans complimentary one- and two-night stays

Veterans Day, November 11, falls on Sunday this year. With so many veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, Texans are thinking of ways to honor them beyond that Sunday only. Bed-and-breakfast proprietors in Fayette County have come up with a program to do just that, the Texas Veteran Project. Bed-and-breakfasts, guest cottages, inns and hotels are offering returning veterans a complimentary one- or two-night stay as part of the program.

Eldon and Kathy Aydelotte, owners of Arbor House Bed and Breakfast at Las Brisas Farm, were inspired to start this program by their own son, an Army doctor serving in Iraq.

“It occurred to us that all returning military from Iraq and Afghanistan will need lots of nurturing to move on with their lives when they return,” Kathy Aydelotte said. “I can think of no better place than coming to the country to get grounded—with clean air, slow pace and wonderful, supportive people.”

One soldier the Aydelottes played host to said, “None of us come home the same person. We bury our war experiences; we don’t talk about it. It is hard to adjust. To be able to receive the support is very helpful.”

The Aydelottes say this is a way to thank veterans for their service to the country and to “recognize the sacrifices of their time, talents, and in many cases, health.”

Most of the participating inns are served by Fayette Electric Cooperative. For more information on the Texas Veteran Project and a list of participating businesses, go to www.texasveteranproject.org.