By Tim Unruh
Untold numbers of veterans were treated to hearty meals on Thursday nights at IHOP restaurants in Salina and elsewhere during June July and August.
While word of the meals spread quietly around the community, it delighted Don Koelling, 79, of Smolan. A U.S. Marine from 1963 to 1966, he served in Vietnam.
“This veteran would like to express appreciation to IHOP for providing free meals to veterans,” Koelling wrote in a letter that he shared late last month.
“Staff provided excellent service and this also is appreciated,” he said.
Koelling’s IHOP of choice was off North Ninth Street in Salina, near Interstate Highway 70.
A dozen or more often dined there on Thursday nights, he said.
“My understanding was this was nationwide,” Koelling said. “Thank you all.”
