August 2026 Newsletter

The U.S. Coast Guard Birthday, observed every August 4, commemorates the founding of this vital military branch in 1790. This day honors the brave men and women who safeguard our nation’s waterways, enforce maritime law, and perform critical search and rescue missions. Join us in recognizing their valor and discipline and learn more about their essential service.

Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, established the Revenue Cutter Service on August 4, 1790. This service was the precursor to the modern U.S. Coast Guard, tasked with enforcing tariffs and preventing smuggling. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton recognized the need for a maritime force to protect the nation’s economic interests and secure its borders. His vision laid the groundwork for an organization that would evolve into a critical component of national security and maritime safety.

While the U.S. Coast Guard Birthday isn’t typically a day for widespread commercial deals, many businesses offer appreciation programs for active service members and veterans. Look for year-round military discounts at retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Bass Pro Shops, which may be highlighted around this date. Restaurants such as Texas Roadhouse and Applebee’s often provide special offers for military personnel. Additionally, organizations like the USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union offer financial services tailored to military families. Happy Birthday Coast Guard!!! 

National Purple Heart Day: To specifically honor those wounded or killed in action. 

National Purple Heart Day remembers the history of the Purple Heart award along with the sacrifice those who have earned the award have made for our freedoms. Purple Heart Day is on August 7^th. This is the date in 1782, when the precursor to the award was first awarded by George Washington. There are almost 1.8 million people who can lay claim to being a part of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. This military holiday is important not only for remembering the history of the award but also for advocating for those who have been wounded along with their families. 

National Airborne Day – United States Army

August 16, 1940 marked the first official Army parachute jump, validating the innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat forces behind a battle line by parachute. National Airborne Day is a day designated by the United States Congress to honor the nation’s airborne forces of the Armed Forces. It was created in 2002 by George W. Bush.

The history of airborne forces began after World War I, when Brigadier General William Mitchell first conceived the idea of parachuting troops into combat. Eventually, under the leadership of Major William Lee at Fort Benning, Georgia, members of the Parachute Test Platoon pioneered methods of combat jumping in 1940. In November 1942, members of the 2nd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, conducted America’s first combat jump, leaping from a C-47 aircraft behind enemy lines in North Africa.
This strategy revolutionized combat and established airborne forces as a key component of our military during World War II.

Airborne tactics were critical to the success of important missions, including the D-Day invasion at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the invasion of Southern France, and many others. In Korea and Vietnam, airborne soldiers played a critical combat role, as well as in later conflicts and peacekeeping operations, including Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm, Haiti, Somalia, and the Balkans.

Most recently, airborne forces were vital to liberating the people of Afghanistan from the repressive and violent Taliban regime; and these soldiers continue to serve proudly around the world in the global coalition against terrorism. The elite airborne ranks include prestigious groups such as the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, “Sky Soldiers,” 82nd Airborne Division, “All American,” and the “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Airborne forces have also been represented in the former 11th, 13th, and 17th Airborne Divisions and numerous other Airborne, glider and air assault units and regiments. Paratroopers in the Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps, the 75th Infantry (Ranger) Regiment and other Special Forces units conduct swift and effective operations in defense of peace and freedom.

Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery and daring spirit of sky soldiers. Often called into action with little notice, these forces have earned an enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and honor. 

“ALLTHE WAY”

Green Star Recognition

In June of this year, I learned about green star recognition for families who have lost a loved one who served but give up their life by suicide. Green Star Families of America, a veteran-led nonprofit organization advocating for recognition of families left behind after veteran suicide loss through proposed federal legislation (H.R. 6022) and the Green Star Service Banner initiative, a national symbol like Gold Star and Blue Star banners. Founded by former Army medic Matt Cahill in 2020, organization has been hearing from family members that there has never really been a place for them to properly grieve inside the military community. “Suicide adds layers of grief, stigma, questions, guilt, shunning, and the feeling that their veteran’s service has somehow been diminished by the way they died. “These families are the future of our voluntary force and let us not forget that suicide of active-duty personnel also happens and they too need to be reorganize.

Back to School

August is preparation month to prepare students to return to school. As in many communities, it can be difficult for parents to afford the back-to-school needs and more so for military families who get by on the limited income for service. So Coffee4VETS is pleased to be able to assist some of these military families with their back-to-school needs.

TOURCH 1 1

On July 5^th, Coffee4VETS and the Bravery Brewery Company along with Family Memorial Service Mortuary and other veterans’ organizations hosted a Celebration of Life for the families of the TOURCH 1 1 crew members who died in the fatal crash on 15 June at Edwards Air Force Base in honor of their memory. Many in the Aero Space Valley community attended and help to raise funds for the families impacted. We raised funds in support of the families distributed through the Edwards Federal Credit Union. We continue to wish the family members well through these Challenging times. 

Before signing off, I want to wish by beautiful wife of 30 wonderful years a Happy Anniversary. I look forward to many more years together.

Until next month. Happy Trails.

Our Moto: “Honoring Our Veterans of Yesterday Who Secured Our Today.”

Our Purpose: Pride of Service