Veterans and Families Invited to Free Veterans Day Breakfast in East Alton

Breakfast for a Hero: Terry Schneider on Wood River-area Veterans Day gathering

EAST ALTON/GODFREY - Veterans and their loved ones can enjoy a free breakfast in honor of Veterans Day next week.

From 8–10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at Julia’s Banquet Center in East Alton, Embark Wealth Partners will host their annual “Breakfast For a Hero” event. Veterans and their family members are invited to enjoy a breakfast buffet, a performance by The Gibson Girls, and a speech by guest speaker Thomas Haine, an Army veteran and current Madison County State’s Attorney.

“I know it’s something small, but providing a breakfast for them, it’s something that has called on our heart. We just wanted to give back to them,” said Terri Schneider with Embark Wealth Partners. “It’s one of my favorite days of the year, seeing that and being in a room full of all those people who have sacrificed so much.”

Located in Godfrey, Embark Wealth Partners is a financial advising firm. This year marks their ninth annual “Breakfast For a Hero” celebration.

Schneider and her team conceptualized the event because they work with many veterans at their firm. Additionally, Schneider describes herself as “an Army brat,” with many family members who have served.

The Embark Wealth Partners team has seen firsthand what these veterans experience, and Schneider felt they “don’t get what they deserve.” They wanted to honor the veterans with a special event.

It was important to the company to give back. But they decided to go one step further and also invite the veterans’ family members. Schneider noted that people go through a lot when their loved one serves in the military, and the company wanted to honor that.

“We believe that not only veterans have sacrificed, but their entire family did,” she said. “Let’s give back to the veterans and families.”

Embark Wealth Partners asks people to RSVP to ensure there is enough food. You can RSVP by calling 618-433-8881 or emailing casta.zippmann@raymondjames.com.

In addition to the performance by The Gibson Girls and Haine’s address, veterans can enjoy handmade cards from a local school and a sense of community as they get to know their tablemates.

Schneider expressed her gratitude for the sponsors who have stepped up to contribute toward the event. She noted that the “Breakfast For a Hero” isn’t about selling anything, and “nobody talks business that day.” Instead, it’s a chance for these local businesses to give back and support their community.

She hopes more businesses will step up next year, allowing them to reach even more veterans in the Riverbend region. For more information about how to sponsor the event, call 618-433-8881.

More than anything, Schneider and the team at Embark Wealth Partners hope the experience brings people together and reminds veterans they aren’t alone. They want to honor veterans and families on Veterans Day and every day.

To learn more about Embark Wealth Partners, visit their official website.

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