For years, Starbucks has shown an unwavering commitment to veterans and their families, and that includes supporting our mission at Team Rubicon. Recently, Starbucks has received unfair criticism they weren’t taking any strides to support veterans, and as an organization that’s received generous support from the company, we feel compelled to highlight their investments in the veteran community. Some of these include:
- Veterans Card: Starbucks provided financial support to Team Rubicon and other veteran-led organizations through their Veterans Card and eGift initiative in November 2016. The Veterans Day campaign generated $150,000 worth of support for TR, and we continue to look for opportunities to collaborate.
- For Love of Country: Starbucks CEO and Chairman Howard Schultz co-authored For Love of Country, a book recognizing the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of post-9/11 veterans on the battlefield and their equally valuable contributions on the home front. For Love of Country featured a dedicated chapter to Team Rubicon and proceeds from the book benefitted TR and several other veteran service organizations.
- Hiring Veterans and Military Spouses: Since 2013, Starbucks has hired 8,800 veterans and military spouses, with the aim to achieve the 10,000 hiring goal by 2018 before casting a new, broader ambition.
- Starbucks Armed Forces Network: Includes 14 chapters across the country to focus on the needs of their local veteran population and participate in activities that support veterans both inside and outside of Starbucks.
- Starbucks Benefits: Starbucks offers 80 hours of pay and pay equity for military service and to honor military families. The company also allows veteran partners to use the debt-free education benefit and extend it to a family member.
- Military Family Stores: Building on the concept of the Third Place, Starbucks created a welcoming space in 32 stores to bring active duty military and their families together with their communities. These spaces help provide the resources needed for a successful transition.
- Military Mondays: A program originally created by the William & Mary Law School. It is a partnership between Starbucks and community based veteran service organizations to provide a space where pro bono legal support and other veteran and military spouse services are offered. More than 30 stores have hosted events to provide pro bono legal services, military spouse focused services, and networking events.
- Adopt A Unit: To date, Starbucks partners have adopted 25 military units around the country. Through these connections, relationships are built among partners (employees), customers, veteran service organizations and the service members they support to make lasting connections within the military community.
- Coffee: In the past year, Starbucks has donated over 60,000 lbs of whole bean coffee and 200,000 sticks of VIA instant coffee shipped to troops serving overseas.
- The Muster: In partnership with Schultz Family Foundation and JPMorgan Chase, Starbucks brought together 350 of the nation’s leading advocates to discuss the pressing issues and solutions facing our transitioning military members and their families.
We’re grateful to those companies, foundations, and individuals who recognize the importance of empowering veterans as they transition to civilian life, and Starbucks is among those making it a priority.
View a list of sponsors who are committed to Team Rubicon’s mission.
