Fire Dept. Coffee Celebrates Military Appreciation Month (All Year Long)

If you asked us what our military means to us, we would not know where to begin.

The extraordinary men and women of our armed services — active duty and veterans — are everything to us. Our nation owes them so much.

May is Military Appreciation Month, which makes it a natural time to take a moment to say, “THANK YOU,” and to remind our entire military community just how grateful we are for all they do. 

As a veteran-owned company, certified by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), we understand the sacrifices made by military members and their families. Honoring veterans is not just a once-a-year occasion for us. It's an integral part of our mission.

We do it in ways large and small, by supporting organizations that benefit military members and veterans and by making sure our heroes know they can always find a great cup of coffee roasted by a company that honors their service every day.

In fact, we offer every military member and veteran a 15% discount on every order. For life. Because we know how much our military loves its coffee, we know that adds up to significant savings.

Throughout May, we're also dedicating $5 from every subscription to our Charity of the Month Shirt Club to benefit ill or injured service members or veterans.

A Veteran-Owned Company — And Proud Of It

Before Luke Schneider founded Fire Dept. Coffee — before it was ever a thought in his mind — his dream was to become a professional firefighter.

To achieve that, he joined the U.S. Navy.

Why?

Because in the Navy, every sailor is a firefighter. And Damage Controlmen are the next level, the dedicated emergency responders aboard ship, ready to deal with floods, fires or any other potential calamity. 

That’s the position that Luke held and where he served alongside some of the most dedicated and hard-working men and women he’d ever know, including on deployments supporting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the Navy, Luke developed his love of coffee and an appreciation for how it helps people stay alert and focused through long shifts. After leaving the Navy, he began his career as a professional firefighter/paramedic with the Rockford Fire Department.

Yet his love of coffee continued to grow. 

He began roasting coffee at home with his wife. They enjoyed it and found they had a knack for creating roasts that his fellow firefighters really enjoyed.

Fire Dept. Coffee was born in 2016, and it has steadily grown. Firefighters, naturally, have been among our most prominent supporters. But right there with them are military members and veterans.

Shellback Espresso Honors U.S. Navy Sailors

Coffee has always played an essential role in the lives of sailors aboard ships in the Navy. It helps them stay alert and focused during long shifts, and it serves as a source of comfort and camaraderie among the crew. 

Fire Dept. Coffee is proud to honor the Navy's tradition and the importance of coffee to sailors through our Shellback Espresso.

The term "Shellback" refers to a sailor who has crossed the equator, which is a significant milestone for those serving in the Navy. Our founder is a Shellback, something that gives him great pride.

Fittingly, our Shellback Espresso is a bold, adventurous roast that packs a caffeinated punch. It’s a fitting tribute to U.S. sailors around the world.

So during Military Appreciation Month, we invite you to pour a cup of Shellback Espresso — or any of your favorite roasts — in celebration of the service and sacrifice of military members and veterans.

Then go ahead and keep raising your mug to them all year long. They deserve it.