This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine. I’m partnering with Folgers® at Walmart through the Share A Cup & A Story campaign, to create personal connections with Veterans and honor their service to our country.
In honor of this upcoming Veterans Day, I invited my neighbor Frank over for a cup of Folgers® Classic Roast from Walmart while we chatted about his military background and his service to our country. In all honestly, I never knew much about the military until I became a military spouse. What I’ve learned is that the military community has the strongest support system I’ve ever seen. Thankfully for me and my husband Scott, our neighbor Frank looks out for us both in terms of careers and simply being a good neighbor.
The thing I like most about Frank is his passion for helping others. I don’t know how my husband or I have were so lucky to have a neighbor like Frank, he’s truly a blessing to us. He lets us borrow his power tools, he lets our dog out while we are at the beach, he even offered to teach me how to drive in his brand new Mustang convertible (respectfully declined LOL!).
I remember one time he knocked on my door, and he was wearing this rad 80’s sweater with the sleeves and waist cut off. It was bright purple with a faded jazz scene on it. I told him I LOVED his sweater and that I secretly wanted it – I have this strange obsession with the 80’s. To my surprise he told me he had the EXACT SAME SWEATER in blue. Not only do I get to wear that sweater and jam out to Mötley Crüe while I vacuum my house, but I also get to be twinning with Frank. Such a win!
As I poured a cup of the aromatic Folgers, I asked him a little about his background and his service in the US Army. Frank was born and raised in Iowa. He joined the Army 4 days after graduating high school in 1983. He then reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training. Frank’s first assignment was in Germany as a combat engineer. After completing that assignment he entered college at Iowa State University where he graduated in ’89, with a Political Science degree and ROTC commission. To non-military people that means he became an officer, prior enlisted. Overall in his career he did 6 assignments across Germany (3 times), Missouri, Chicago and Atlanta.
A few of his deployments included Africa Peacekeeping (humanitarian relief in Mali), Operation Provide Comfort 1990 Northern Iraq, a UN assignment in Macedonia, and later 3 tours in the Middle East. Frank told me that the things he valued most while in the Army were learning organizational skills with large logistical problems, sequencing troop movements, shipping, and, most importantly, he values all the relationships with different people that he was able to develop.
Frank was a Lieutenant Colonel (yes that’s really fancy) when he retired in 2008. He now works at Forces Command as a G13 on Fort Bragg, where my husband Scott is currently stationed. I asked him if his elaborate military background helped qualify him for his current occupation. We giggled as we tried to come up with a way the lay folk could understand exactly what he does. Frank thought about it, sipped his Folgers and said, “I assist in equipping the CONUS-based Army (Continental United States) with all variants of military trucks and trailers.” There’s obviously more to that – because I know he’s pretty close with the 5-star Generals on base. Frank is married to his wife, Olga, and they are residing in Fayetteville, NC. They have been married for 18 years. Outside of the military he enjoys traveling, football games, reading, and he is a hobby craft beer brewer.
I encourage you to sit down and talk about the military with someone who has served. I think the experience as a civilian is so different than having a family member in the military, or serving yourself. Soldiers and veterans are people too, and they have some of the most unique life experiences. Before talking with Frank I had no clue how much he traveled and how long he lived abroad during his time in the military. Listening to veterans’ stories over something as simple as a warm cup of Folgers Coffee can help bridge the gap. You will learn things you never knew, and I’m sure you will hear some of the best stories in your life. So my advice to you is to find your “Frank,” get to know them, and learn about their life. After all, it just may teach you something about yours.
Do you have a veteran in your life? I’d love to hear about them in the comments
Morgan at Traveling Trendy
October 25, 2017What an incredibly special experience. I have cousins in the military and I am always eager to lean more about what they do and how I can contribute. So incredible you were able to sit and chat with him while learning more about his background.
tayloraube
October 25, 2017Frank and I are great friends, and it’s really nice having an experienced veteran to look out for my husband’s career Vets are people too and with their unique life experiences, we have A LOT to learn from them.
Shelby Back
October 25, 2017What a neat thing to do!
xo!
Shelby
http://www.glitterandgingham.com
Emily
October 25, 2017Such a great story, I loved getting to know more about Frank and your relationship with him. And to share over a cup of Folgers – YUM!
Amanda | The Golden Girl Diary
October 25, 2017I loved learning about Frank. Such a cool idea for a campaign!
Stephanie
October 25, 2017I think it’s SO neat that you were able to bond with your neighbor over this special part of ya’lls lives. I’m sure Frank doesn’t get the opportunity to share his experiences with the younger generation as often as he’d like – and I’m sure he certainly doesn’t get a chance to have someone “understand” where he’s coming from. How bold of you to take the time to meet with him and bring him into you and your husband’s lives!
Whit
October 25, 2017What a great way to honor his time to our country and his service! Thank you for sharing! So important to support the troops and their sacrifices!
Britt+Whit
Kimmie
October 25, 2017Aww this is such a sweet post! I have family in the military so I always love hearing stories like this! Thanks for sharing <3
Barbara
October 25, 2017Wow !!! … such a very special campaign to honor our veterans … special thanks to Frank for being such a great neighbor to you and Scott … and … I love Folgers coffee too
Gita
October 27, 2017What a sweet post. I didn’t know much about the military either until I worked for USAA. Say hi to Frank for me
tayloraube
October 27, 2017I have USAA and I LOVE them! Such a great bank and they truly understand servicemen and their families go through.
Stephanie // A Sparkle Factor
October 28, 2017What a cool campaign! I love that you took time out to get to know your neighbor, but also that you took time out to show appreciation to a vet. And that sweater sounds fun haha!
Liz
October 28, 2017I love this post so much! I have a lot of veterans in my family!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
Candace
October 29, 2017I have always loved how close knit the military is. They are who help to support our country, so it’s important!
Nataly
October 29, 2017This is such a great story! Thank you so much for sharing!
Kasey | Running in Heels
October 29, 2017This is such a great post! I love getting to know someone over a warm cup of coffee!
Annie
October 30, 2017Loved this post! So special. Love how you incorporated the Folgers!
Katie Ann
October 30, 2017This is so special. What a great post babe!
xo
katie ann
http://www.the-holly-tree.com
Jenn Hanft
October 30, 2017Aw this was so sweet! It’s crazy how a cup of coffee can lead to a whole new friend. Such a great conversation starter. Glad you had this experience!
With love, Jenn
https://jubilantdose.com
Meghan
October 30, 2017This is such a sweet and special post! I loved learning about Frank.
Silvia
October 31, 2017Such an awesome story! This was so sweet! I know a few people in the military and this post inspired me to reach out to them – thanks!
Terri Steffes
November 6, 2017What a wonderful opportunity you had. God bless our veterans.
clancey
November 7, 2017My veteran is currently deployed in Taji for two more months (9 months total). This is his fourth deployment. We were married at the JP the day before he was deployed so we haven’t had a wedding ceremony or honeymoon but plan on visiting Italy when he returns. He will not be back until after the holidays which will be hard on us both but we are down to two months so that is something to look forward to.
tayloraube
November 7, 2017Wishing your husband the best during his deployment! I actually have not had a ceremony yet either, I think reading my marriage announcement blog post might be insightful to you! https://stopdropandvogue.com/lifestyle/my-confession/