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The Kansas Courage celebration is a community event in downtown Topeka that honors veterans, active-duty service members, and military families while directly helping those in need.
It’s free and open to everyone, with a special focus on supporting the Coyote Cabinet—the base pantry that serves the 190th Air Refueling Wing and Kansas Army National Guard at Forbes Field. Donations of non-perishable food (and optional financial gifts) are encouraged.
Key details at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, November 8, 2025 |
| Time | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (follows the Veterans Day parade, which begins at 11:00 a.m.) |
| Venue | Evergy Plaza, 630 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS |
| Cost | Free (all are welcome) |
| Bring | Non-perishable food or a donation for the Coyote Cabinet |
| Meals | 600+ free meals prepared by VFW Post 1650 (for individuals with military ID) |
| Family Fun | Inflatables, military vehicle displays, and live music (band: Better than Roadkill) |
| Presenters/Sponsors | Greater Topeka Chamber’s Military Relations Council, Visit Topeka, plus partners including Kendall Construction, INTRUST Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas |
| Why it matters | Helps fight food insecurity among local military families |
How your support helps
Organizers are using Kansas Courage to collect pantry items and boost awareness of food insecurity in the military community. According to community briefings, 1 in 5 military and veteran families experience food insecurity, rising to 1 in 4 among active-duty households.
A federal review also found nearly 24% of active-duty service members faced food insecurity in recent years—especially junior enlisted. Stabilizing access to food improves family health and military readiness.
What to expect on the day
- Parade + Celebration: The Sunflower Salute Veterans Parade starts at 11:00 a.m., flowing into the Kansas Courage festivities at noon, making downtown Topeka the place to be for appreciation, community, and service.
- Free Meals & Activities: The VFW will hand out 600+ meals to those with military IDs. Families can enjoy inflatable attractions, vehicle displays, live music, and veteran-owned vendors like Joylight Coffee offering free coffee.
- Direct Impact: Bring canned goods, boxed staples, or baby items for the Coyote Cabinet at Forbes Field. Monetary gifts are also welcome.
Why this celebration matters now
Local leaders point to rising living costs and recent economic strains that have increased demand at the base pantry. Events like Kansas Courage channel community generosity into immediate relief for neighbors who serve—right here in Shawnee County.
The Kansas Courage celebration blends gratitude with action. By showing up, enjoying the free, family-friendly program, and bringing non-perishable food or a donation, you’ll help ensure local military families have the resources they need.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 8, 2025, 12–3 p.m., at Evergy Plaza—and be part of Topeka’s community of support.