Happy Veteran’s Day!
I dropped by the Roastery this morning. It was shortly before 7:00 AM. I ordered a danish and a tall cup of coffee. I got told “no” free coffee for veterans at the Roastery, and was invited to “watch” a Chemex. The barista pointed to the experience bar, which at 7:00 is closed, and will be for another hour. I just wanted a cup of coffee. I would’ve been totally happy with a short coffee, not tall. I left disappointed and confused.
It’s humiliating to have to argue with a manager over something that feels like it should be an easy “yes”. I’m not going to do that.
When I was 18, I joined the Air Force. Basically, I was a confused kid, and the Air Force sounded like a great way to leave Southern California. I served honorably. Four years later, I found myself at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma (later “Joint Base Lewis McChord”), and decided that I liked Washington a lot. My four years ended, and I moved to Seattle.
I write this NOT because I want a thousands comments saying how terrible the service at the Roastery was or anything like that. While I agree, in that moment when a barista has a flash decision between yes and no, usually the “yes” is the right answer (not always, but often). It’s that moment that counts.
I’ve already received an email from a member of Starbucks media relations indicating “We are looking into what happened, but wanted you to know that we are offering the free coffee to veterans and spouses at the Roastery.”
Here’s why I write this:
First off, the news has been absolutely full of commentary on Starbucks plain red cups. If we cared as much about veterans as we do plain red cups, the situation for our veterans would look totally different.
Secondly, I hope this is smoother next Veterans Day, 2016 at the Roastery.
Thirdly, it’s an all-volunteer military. You never know what you’re signing up for.
Fourthly, I’ve been out of the Air Force for a very, very long time now. But I still remember the anxiety and nervousness and what it was like to move, alone, to Seattle, and separate from the military. I wanted to go to school at University of Washington, and so off I went. I’m sure lots of military feel this anxiety of the awkward transition from military life to civilian life. This one reason (of many) that all the Starbucks initiatives surrounding veterans are important.
So, I simply challenge you to think: What if the news and people were as passionate about veterans as they are some scandal over solid red cups, and the two words “Merry Christmas” (which haven’t appeared on the cups anyways)?
Do you know a veteran in your life? What are their stories and sacrifices?
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By far one of my fav articles. Mainly because its addressing the veterans, veterans all over the world deserve far more exposure than the red cup. Thank you for this!
@Nicholas Yes, that’s what I am trying to say! Maybe I should’ve linked to some news stories about veterans! I was just reading this one! http://www.cbsnews.com/news/la-world-war-ii-veteran-frank-levingston-who-served-in-italy-to-turn-110-years-old/
Well said Melody!!! Well said! Also, Happy Veterens Day!
i agree wholeheartedly about the passion we should display for our veterans. thank you, melody, for your service.
i have two customers who are my favorite veterans: Chris and Larry. Chris has moved away, but he used to come in and get a quad venti caramel frappuccino. i didn’t know he was a vet until one day i told him i was having trouble with my back. he was very concerned for me and told me to get it checked out–that he’d had two back surgeries and that back problems weren’t something you want to mess around with. when i asked him why he had to have two back surgeries, he told me he was a Marine and that he had been in TWO helicopter crashes while deployed to the Middle East.
Larry is a Korean War veteran and a retired physician from CO. he’s dying of cancer more slowly than he’d like. i don’t see him much these days except when he’s up early to go downtown to the VA hospital for an appointment. he always has a smile for me.
i don’t know any vets who go around telling everyone about their service. in my experience, they have been quiet servants who don’t want to be put in the spotlight. they are amazing individuals, and our country is blessed to have them living and working among us.
i am married to a naval veitnam vet, granddaughter of a retired marine colonel, daughter of a purple-heart WWII marine, neice of an air force captain whom served 4 missions in Veitnam.
My family has served our country for generations, a cup of coffee should be offered at any time to a veteran if needed but especially today.
a barista of no appreciation or class.
I agree with others that this is one of my favorite articles. Hard to rise about the “coffee geek” stuff, but I believe this did it. Our world is so lost. Truly. Social media (I believe) was never intended to be the pariah that it has become. it all goes back to interacting with others. I get so tired of looking at the top of every one’s head. I always tell my children to “make eye contact when you are walking along” instead of looking down at their iPads. Sometimes it almost looks like it surprises people when you greet them with a smile or a “hello”. It’s the same way for our Veterans. I always try to speak to every Veteran I see and thank them for their service. Not an obligatory thank you, but a real heartfelt thank you… because I mean it. I am trying to teach my children to do the same. What is so very hard about offering a cup of coffee? My goodness… to the man or woman who is willing to give their life for me. It doesn’t matter if it’s policy or not… surprise and delight… just say yes… inspire each person… the list goes on and on. This was an epic fail on so many levels. I hope you… and any other Veterans who are affected today by less than gratuitous actions are rewarded in other ways.
Sorry about that experience again. considering how fast the corporate office responded to you. I’m sure it will done right by the roastery for you and other veterans
Thanks for sharing this story.
@Cecile: But what if Melody weren’t a blogger? And there are plenty of people out there who still aren’t on Facebook or Twitter. I wonder how many other people might have had the same experience today.
The first thing that comes to mind Melody, is the sacrifice many of our soldiers, airmen, seamen, and Marines make in regards to their own personal life and relationships. Regardless of the level of service (combat role overseas or support role stateside), military service places a huge stress on relationships, especially young married couples. This happens time and again, and most everyone reading this knows a young married couple, with one of the two serving our nation, that is no longer together. One friend of the family comes to mind. They are still together, but it is a struggle… these young men and women all need our prayers and support.
Beautifully written, Melody! I agree on a number of levels, first and foremost for the veterans and the thank you for what they do. My dad is a veteran and has currently been in the VA since July nursing an infection in his foot and other leg struggles that were a result of his service years ago. I love him and like you, the military helped him find his path and to attend and graduate college. I’m glad Starbucks contacted you to Apologize and so many other baristas were willing to step up and make it right.
Also what you said about its humiliating to argue with a manager over something that should be an easy yes resonates with me. I have had some recent conversations at a nearby Starbucks and its frankly embarrassing to speak up about a negative experience and be given a run around about what’s happening, told misinformation so when I brought it up I got no response and defensive-ness over something that Coukd have so easily saved by 1 I’m sorry, you are important and 1 drink to extend trying make it right.
I was humiliated even walking in this morning and feeling like I’m nothing to them.
Thank you for your service Mel, and thank you for stepping up to write this!
Happy Veterans Day, Melody!! Thank you and all veterans who have served and sacrificed for our great country.
@Melody that is just rather heartbreaking. The Roastery needs to get it’s act together. I expect that nonsense here in the middle of the country but not in the heart of Starbucks. I’m also from a family that has served and am very proud of them all.
I just had an opportunity to buy a coffee for an amputee World War II Veteran. I don’t know who was more teary-eyed… him or me. He was genuinely touched (as was I), and I was reminded immediately of this article. Thank you again, Melody, to you and all other veterans for your service. Please do not offer me any kudos for my “gesture”… It is certainly the least I could do. For now… leaving it at that.