A Cup of Joe for our Troops

Being a part of the American Legion Auxiliary (Post #45 in Meriden) is a rewarding opportunity to help our veterans and active military. 

I was instilled with a great respect and appreciation for our military from a very young age. We were frequently reminded of the great sacrifice men and women make to ensure our freedoms and how appreciative we should always be. My husband and I continue to instill this in our children.

As a member of the auxiliary, I have the privilege of working with a diverse group of women who all share the same passion to help our soldiers and veterans. We hold fundraisers year round and give to numerous organizations that help our military. We are constantly working to raise money, supplies and awareness for our troops and veterans. 

One organization we had the privilege of supporting this month is Holy Joe’s
Café. This program was started in 2006 out of the First Congregational Church in Wallingford. Holy Joe’s was started by sending coffee to our troops in Baghdad and working with chaplains as a way to provide our soliders with a place to relax and receive support in the midst of a war. 

Since 2006, Holy Joe’s has worked with 132 chaplains in Afghanistan and 22 in Kuwait. These cafes have been set up in various locations such as hospitals and air fields. 

The Chaplains serve all of the coffee and have the opportunity to interact with the soldiers on a daily basis. Holy Joe’s has now become the sole provider of coffee in this area. To us this may not seem like a big deal, but imagine being thousands of miles away from your family and friends and serving your country in a foreign land.  Now a good cup of coffee and a friendly face is priceless.  We can all understand how comforting a good cup of joe and friendly conversations can be. 

I am always encouraged by people who use everyday simple things and grow them into something that touches thousands of people.  One person really can make a difference. So the next time you are enjoying a cup of joe, remember the soldiers around the world and the sacrifices they are making for you. 

To all of our veterans, Thank You for your service and commitment to our country. You all have a special place in my family’s hearts and I know in the hearts of the ladies of the auxiliary.

For more information on Holy Joe’s Café please visit their blog at: www.holyjoescafe.blogspot.com and on Facebook.  You can also view their videos on their YouTube video page.