Starbucks On The Front Lines: A Brew For The Brave In Afghanistan

Starbucks has been the subject of various rumours regarding its support for the military and troops in Afghanistan. One such rumour, dating back to 2004, claimed that Starbucks refused to provide free coffee to Marines serving in Iraq because the company didn't support the war. However, this rumour was later proven to be false by both Starbucks and the email's writer, Sgt. Howard C. Wright. In contrast, Starbucks has shown support for U.S. troops in Afghanistan by providing free coffee to service members. In late 2014, the company donated 32,000 three-pack servings of its VIA® Ready Brew Coffee to Bagram Airfield, the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan, benefiting approximately 9,800 service members. This act was recognised by Alan Reyes, USO Senior Vice President of Operations, who stated that such donations remind troops that Americans back home are grateful for their service.

Starbucks provided free coffee to US troops in Afghanistan

Starbucks has a long history of supporting the troops, and in late 2014, the company donated 32,000 cups of coffee to US service members in Afghanistan. This donation was enough to supply the approximately 9,800 troops stationed at Bagram Airfield, the largest US military base in Afghanistan. The coffee was delivered by the USO, who ensured its distribution to the service members. Due to security precautions, the donation could not be disclosed until later.

Alan Reyes, USO Senior Vice President of Operations, commented on the donation:

> Getting a cup of coffee is something your average American takes for granted. But for our troops, a cup of coffee is a special taste of home. Imagine a soldier coming off an arduous patrol or hostile fire, and then seeing that Starbucks logo – it takes their minds out of the war zone, even for a few minutes.

John Kelly, Starbucks senior vice president of global responsibility and public policy, added:

> Donations like this serve as a reminder to our troops that Americans back home are thinking about them and are thankful for their service. We've heard from many servicemen and women about how grateful they were to receive some coffee from their hometown Starbucks. This year we wanted to build on the organic effort and ensure there was enough for everyone still serving in Afghanistan.

This donation is just one example of Starbucks's support for the troops. Since 2002, Starbucks has actively supported military service members through various initiatives. In 2002, the company worked with the Red Cross to send its first shipment of coffee overseas to troops, and members of the Starbucks Armed Forces Network (AFN) have regularly organized care package shipments since then. In 2003, a Starbucks store in Fredericksburg, Virginia, donated 93 pounds of coffee, delivered by then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers during a holiday trip to the region. In 2004, 12,000 pounds of Starbucks coffee was shipped to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, with another 5,000 pounds sent overseas to troops in August of the same year.

In addition to coffee donations, Starbucks has also committed to hiring veterans and military spouses. In 2011, the company set a goal of hiring 10,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2018. Starbucks has also partnered with organizations like the USO and the American Red Cross to provide coffee to relief efforts during times of conflict, donating more than 141,000 pounds of coffee and over one million 3-packs of Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew.

Starbucks' donations to troops in Afghanistan

Starbucks has been supporting the troops in Afghanistan in various ways over the years. In 2014, the company donated 32,000 three-pack servings of its VIA Ready Brew Coffee to the troops in Afghanistan, amounting to approximately 9,800 service members. The donation was delivered to Bagram Airfield, the largest US military base in Afghanistan, by the USO, a non-profit organisation that supports troops and their families.

Alan Reyes, USO Senior Vice President of Operations, emphasised the importance of a cup of coffee for the troops, stating that it provides a "special taste of home" and allows soldiers to briefly forget about the war. John Kelly, Starbucks senior vice president of global responsibility and public policy, added that donations like this remind troops that Americans back home are grateful for their service.

Starbucks has a history of supporting military service members, dating back to 2002 when they first worked with the Red Cross to send coffee overseas. Since then, the company has continued to send coffee to troops, with donations of over 141,000 pounds of coffee and more than one million three-packs of Starbucks VIA. In addition to coffee donations, Starbucks has also committed to hiring veterans and military spouses, with a goal of hiring 10,000 by the end of 2018.

The company has also shown its support through other initiatives, such as fundraising for organisations supporting veterans and active-duty service members and partnering with the USO to provide coffee to relief efforts during times of conflict. Starbucks has also provided financial support for research into post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, with a $30 million donation in 2014.

Starbucks' commitment to serving those who serve

Starbucks has a long history of supporting military service members and their families. The company has actively shown its commitment to serving those who serve through various initiatives and donations over the years.

In 2014, Starbucks donated 32,000 three-pack servings of its VIA® Ready Brew Coffee to U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan. This donation was enough to supply all 9,800 service members in the country and was delivered to Bagram Airfield, the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan. This gesture provided a "special taste of home" and a brief respite from the dangers of war, as described by Alan Reyes, USO Senior Vice President of Operations.

Starbucks' support for the military extends beyond this single act of kindness. Since 2002, the company has worked with the Red Cross and the USO to send coffee to troops overseas. Starbucks stores and employees have also taken it upon themselves to organize care package shipments, ensuring that service members receive not only coffee but also other necessary items.

In addition to coffee donations, Starbucks has demonstrated its commitment to serving those who serve in other ways. In 2014, the company raised funds for organizations supporting veterans and active-duty service members through initiatives like The Concert for Valor. Starbucks also set a goal to hire 10,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2018, recognizing the unique skills and talents they bring to the workplace.

The company's dedication to supporting the military community is further exemplified by its commitment to expand its community store model in military communities. Starting with stores near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Lakewood, WA, and Joint Base San Antonio, TX, Starbucks will convert existing stores to community stores, sharing a portion of their profits with local non-profit programs that help veterans re-entering the workforce.

Starbucks has consistently shown its support for military service members and their families through these initiatives, donations, and hiring practices. The company's commitment to serving those who serve is an integral part of its values and contributes to enhancing the well-being of the communities it serves.

Starbucks refutes claims of lack of support for troops

Starbucks has refuted claims that it does not support US troops, calling the allegations old and false. The rumours, which date back to 2004, claim that the coffee giant refused to provide free coffee to Marines serving in Iraq because the company "didn't support the war or anyone taking part in it". Starbucks has denied this, stating that they respect the efforts of the men and women serving their country and have partnered with organisations to provide coffee to troops during times of conflict.

In a statement, Starbucks said:

> On behalf of Starbucks' more than 140,000 dedicated partners (employees), we want to set the record straight on an old rumor concerning Starbucks' lack of support for the military and our troops. This rumor, dating back to 2004, claims a lack of Starbucks support for the U.S. Marines, and has evolved to include a lack of support for the British Royal Marines. In both instances, the rumor is not, and has never been, true.

The company has also highlighted its commitment to hiring veterans and military spouses, as well as its support for veteran re-entry programs.

Starbucks has a history of supporting US troops through coffee donations. In late 2014, the company donated 32,000 three-pack servings of its VIA Ready Brew Coffee to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, providing coffee for the approximately 9,800 service members stationed there. This donation was kept secret due to security precautions but was eventually disclosed by the company.

Alan Reyes, USO Senior Vice President of Operations, emphasised the importance of coffee for troops, stating that it provides "a special taste of home" and "takes their minds out of the war zone, even for a few minutes".

In addition to coffee donations, Starbucks has also donated funds for research into post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, and has committed to hiring 10,000 veterans or their spouses. The company has also published a book, "For Love of Country", which highlights the courage and sacrifices of post-9/11 troops.

Starbucks' partnerships with the USO and American Red Cross

Starbucks has a long history of supporting the troops, and has partnered with the USO and American Red Cross to provide coffee to US service members in Afghanistan and elsewhere. In 2014, Starbucks donated 32,000 three-pack servings of its VIA Ready Brew Coffee to troops in Afghanistan, which was delivered to Bagram Airfield, the largest US military base in the country. This donation was kept secret due to security precautions and was only disclosed later.

Alan Reyes, USO Senior Vice President of Operations, emphasised the importance of a familiar cup of coffee to troops serving overseas:

> Getting a cup of coffee is something your average American takes for granted. But for our troops, a cup of coffee is a special taste of home... Imagine a soldier coming off an arduous patrol or hostile fire, and then seeing that Starbucks logo – it takes their minds out of the war zone, even for a few minutes.

In addition to providing coffee to troops in Afghanistan, Starbucks has a history of supporting military service members through various initiatives. Since 2002, Starbucks has worked with the Red Cross and the USO to provide coffee to relief efforts during times of conflict, donating more than 141,000 pounds of coffee and over one million three-packs of Starbucks VIA Ready Brew. Starbucks has also committed to hiring veterans and military spouses, with a goal of hiring 10,000 by the end of 2018.

Starbucks employees, known as "partners", have also taken it upon themselves to support the troops. Through the Starbucks Armed Forces Network (AFN), they have regularly organised care package shipments to service members, including coffee and other necessities. Employees also receive one pound of free coffee each week as an employee benefit, and many choose to send this to military members and their families.

The partnerships between Starbucks, the USO, and the American Red Cross, along with the initiatives driven by Starbucks employees, demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting US troops and ensuring they have a "taste of home" during their service.

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