Uncertain about what she could do to make her son’s time in Iraq more bearable, a local mother decided to ask for help.

Beverly Dupuy’s son Eric has been in Iraq since December. It’s his second tour of duty there.

Shortly after he arrived this time, five men in his unit were killed by enemy fire. Two of them were very close friends.

“I just wanted to do something special for his unit,” said Beverly.

She contacted a group called Soldiers’ Angels, which attempts to provide some kindness, love and small tokens of appreciation for those fighting abroad.

Greta Perry, the leader for Louisiana’s chapter of the group, called Eric’s unit for suggestions.

“The chaplain said that what they really, really wanted was to start a coffee house,” she recalled.

So Perry and Dupuy started a collection – coffee, coffee makers, mugs, pictures, and anything else that could help provide the relaxing atmosphere of a coffee shop.

“The response was overwhelming,” exclaimed Dupuy.

The chaplain e-mailed recently to say that the effort has been a big success as the Big Easy Café opened to rave reviews.

“It feels good that we started something here that can help somebody over there,” said Perry. “It’s a place to go and get away from everything.”

Dupont says he son called recently to say that the café is a rousing success.