Free Starbucks Coffee for Veterans & Military on Veterans Day

Robert Haynes
Starbucks Offers Veterans & Military Free Coffee This Veterans Day
Starbucks announced that they will offer a free cup of coffee for all veterans and military members and their spouses this Veterans Day, November 11th, 2022.
This year they have added iced coffee as an option!
To receive your free cup of coffee, visit your neighborhood Starbucks. If you need help locating one, use the “Find a store” feature on the Starbucks website, or use their app.
What is the Starbucks Veterans Day offer?
Free tall (12-oz) hot brewed or iced coffee at participating U.S. Starbucks stores.
Who’s eligible to receive free coffee from Starbucks?
- Veterans
- Service members
- Military Spouses
But it’s not just about free coffee. They’ll also be helping charities that help veterans.
Helping Charities that Help Veterans
“This Veterans Day, Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks stores on Nov. 11. Starbucks is also donating 25 cents for every cup of hot brewed coffee sold that day to support the mental health of military communities.”
That is quite a statement and an outstanding offer. The charities that benefit from Starbucks’ donation this year are Team Red, White & Blue and Headstrong, which are organizations that support mental health and the wellbeing of military communities.
Matt Kress, senior manager of Veteran and Military Affairs for Starbucks and 20-year Marine Corps veteran, explained on Friday that, “COVID brings a whole new host of stresses and challenges, especially for veterans and military families. Seeking mental health treatment and providing opportunities through organizations like Headstrong and Team Red, White & Blue is an important way to help veterans meet the challenges that are happening this year.”
In 2022, Starbucks donated $100,000 to both Team Red, White & Blue, and Team Rubicon.
Team Red, White & Blue
At Team RWB, their mission is “to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.” To help the nation’s 250,000 service members who transition each year, Team RWB seeks to help with a myriad of issues ranging from isolation, weight gain, lack of purpose, and other health issues.
Their local chapters deliver consistent and inclusive opportunities for veterans and the community to connect through physical and social activity. They regularly host:
- Fitness activities
- Social gatherings
- Community service events
In addition, they seek to develop strong connections between veterans and their local community.
As a veteran who transitioned almost seven years ago, I can attest that these issues are real and problematic for our nation’s heroes. Organizations like Team RWB can make all the difference in the world to the transition to civilian life.
Headstrong
Founded in 2012, Headstrong provides confidential, cost-free mental health treatment for military veterans and their families. This organization has partnered with Weill Cornell Medicine, one of the nation’s leading mental health care centers, and has developed an “effective, individually tailored and comprehensive treatment program for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other related military trauma. Currently, they have offices located in 12 states and Washington D.C. from which to offer their services. If Headstrong is not in your state, you can contact a Peer Support Specialist at Vets4Warriors or by calling 1-855-838-8255.
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon was founded in 2010 and provides immediate relief to those impacted by disasters and humanitarian crises. They have been deployed on over 500 operations since they began, including international operations in Chile, Burma, and the Bahamas. They help with local hurricanes, and smaller disasters such as snowstorms, smaller tornadoes, and flooding. 70% of Team Rubicon are military veterans.
The Stigma of Mental Health Care
I applaud the efforts and generous contributions pledged by huge companies like Starbucks to help our nation’s military community. Veteran suicide is a national crisis. We have many brothers and sisters-in-arms who struggle each and every day to cope with their military experiences.
When I served as an infantryman in the Army, I used to believe that talking to the “head doctors” was a sure sign of weakness that could end someone’s career. I never kept Soldiers from seeking care, but I didn’t go myself. That is, until I left the service. Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to. So, I encourage anyone who’s reading this to reach out to these and many other fantastic organizations. These organizations are here to help us cope with our pasts.
If you don’t know where to look, start with the Veterans Crisis Line. They offer 24/7 support if you just need to talk to someone. Many of the counselors are themselves veterans and identify with your struggles. Reach out in these different ways:
- Call 1-800-273-8255
- Chat Online
- Text to 838-255
- They also offer support for the deaf and hard of hearing
There are many resources available to you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to someone.
Don’t Forget Your Free Coffee from Starbucks this Veterans Day
So enjoy your free coffee courtesy of Starbucks for military, veterans, and military spouses this Veterans Day, November 11th.
(Image courtesy of Starbucks Multimedia)
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About the author
Robert Haynes is a retired Army infantryman who has a squad of kids and is married to an active duty Soldier. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, who spent his last few years in the Army as a Drill Sergeant. He is now a full-time dad, freelance writer, and out-of-work comedian.