This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The Folger Coffee Company. The opinions and text are all mine. #sharefolgers #veteransday
Growing up Veterans Day was significant to me because of my grandfathers. They had both served in the US Army during World War II. They were my only connection to military life but, unfortunately, they passed before I was ever old enough to hear their stories. It wasn’t until I got married that I completely understood what the day was about and how important their stories were. Over seventeen years ago I married my husband and became an Army spouse. Since then this Army life has introduced me to so many others who have also served, each with their own story.
After moving back to the Fort Bragg area I began volunteering with a national veteran service organization. While volunteering I have fallen even more in love with the different stories that the veterans that I meet tell. If there was one thing that would get veterans talking and sharing their stories, it would be a good cup of coffee and maybe some doughnuts. Thankfully, I always have some Folgers on hand and when we get low Walmart is just a couple minutes away.
Right now Folgers and Walmart have a program that I can completely get behind, the Walmart and Folgers Share a Cup & a Story program. The thought behind the program is easy! They want everyone to do more than just say thank you to our veterans. They want people to engage with the veterans in their community and/or their lives. To just talk and share stories over coffee.
Thinking of many of the veterans that I know, I think a cup of Folgers is a great way to say, “Thank You.” Our veterans sometimes hear, thank you for your service from time to time but that is about it. Then there are many more veterans that were never thanked at all. They all have stories. Some are funny while others may leave you saying, “Oh my goodness!” My husband’s stories range from everything from moldy muffins to falling down the side of a mountain and more! He will tell you that the letters from elementary school age children are the best and usually the funniest. My husband will also tell you about the children and the people from the countries that he has visited. He will tell you about their cultures and the things that are normal there that we would consider weird and vice versa. Since we are a foodie family, my husband will tell you about his foodie adventures. From eating pigs’ brains in Kosovo, blood sausage in Spain and the best apples he has ever eaten in the Middle East. There are many different things that my husband, and veterans like him, could talk about and their stories are all fascinating.
So where do you find a veteran? Anywhere and everywhere! They live in your neighborhood, you may work with them, they are your family members. There are organizations like my favorite, Team Red, White, and Blue, that supports veterans and encourages community engagement. Another great place to go is your local veteran’s homes. They love visitors and yes, you can share a cup of coffee with veterans there. Just stop at Walmart and pick up a fresh can and maybe a sweet treat to donate to their community room. The VA home has become one of my favorite places to visit.
On Veterans Day I know there are awesome sales and other special discounts going on. I know it is easy to say, “Thank You” for your service on Facebook but I want to ask everyone to do a little more. I want to ask you to reach out to the veterans in your community, ask them to have coffee and listen to their stories and just talk for a while. It means more to them than many would think and they will thank you for it.
Do you have a special veteran in your life?
.