7 Korean War veterans continue 25-year breakfast tradition at Rockland eatery

The group call themselves the "Retired Old Men Eating Out Club" or ROMEO.

Blaise Gomez

Nov 10, 2023, 2:20 PM

Updated 334 days ago

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A group of Korean War veterans from Rockland haven't let time get in the way of a special, time-old tradition recognizing their special kinship.
The group call themselves the "Retired Old Men Eating Out Club" or ROMEO. It's made up of seven veterans, all in their 90s.
Some live in retirement homes and assisted-living facilities but they make their friendship and comradery a priority by meeting every Monday at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast at Pancake Plus on Seeger Drive in Nanuet.
The group began with twice as many veterans years ago and was originally formed through a Nanuet Rotary Club connection decades ago, but many of their members have passed away.
The current ROMEOS are Anthony DeAngelis, 90, Bruce Cameron, 92, Carl Iseman, 93, Jerome Bonomolo, 90, Lawrence Beckerle, 92, Salvatore Migliardi, 94, and Victor Veltidi, 94. Five members served in the Army and two served in the Navy.
Migliardi's daughter, Laurie, says they are treated like "celebrities" at the eatery – especially by the owner, Manny and their regular server, Chloe. She says word has spread over the years and many people stop by to have breakfast with them and take photos.