
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Starbucks will recognize the Fort Liberty North Post Starbucks as a Military Family Store, the first of its kind on a military installation. The celebration will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. and will include a ribbon-cutting, coffee tasting and more.
Fort Liberty’s Starbucks Military Family Store is designed to recognize, honor and appreciate service members, their families and Veterans. The store, which is operated by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, has been updated with military-inspired art, guidons, patriotic aprons for associates and more. It will be a gathering place for the Fort Liberty community and emphasizes the Exchange’s and Starbucks’ commitment to caring for Soldiers, Veterans and their families. Fort Liberty—the largest Army installation in the U.S. by population—was chosen to kick off the on-installation Military Family Store program. Additional locations at Exchanges around the country will follow.
The Military Family Store program is an effort from Starbucks to give back to military and Veteran communities across the U.S. According to the Starbucks website here, Starbucks Military Family Stores are operated primarily by Veterans and military spouses. Each store works with a non-profit organization in the community to provide services for Veterans and their families.
Scheduled speakers include Chris Holifield, Army & Air Force Exchange Service vice president, central eastern region, Thomas Kuttamperoor, Fort Liberty Exchange general manager,
AJ Jones II, Starbucks chief corporate affairs officer, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin and LTG(R) Gwen Bingham, chair, Blue Star Families Board of Directors.
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