How a Service Dog Inspired a Veteran-Owned Coffee Company

In 2019, I found myself at a crossroads. After nine years of service as a Marine infantryman and combat instructor, with deployments to Afghanistan and Europe, I was medically retired due to combat-related PTSD. The transition from military to civilian life felt like a battle I wasn’t prepared for. The camaraderie, the mission, and the structure that had defined my existence were suddenly stripped away, leaving me with a heavy silence that I didn’t know how to fill.

PTSD wasn’t just a diagnosis—it was an invisible weight that colored every aspect of my life. The nightmares, the hyper-vigilance, the feeling of being on edge constantly. I felt lost, disconnected, and isolated. I searched for ways to manage it—therapy, medication, and self-help books—but nothing truly clicked. Then, I found Venus.

Venus, my female Border Collie, came into my life at a time when I needed her most. Training her to be my service dog wasn't just about obedience; it was about survival. She became my anchor, my reminder to stay present, my reason to get up in the morning. The bond we formed was deeper than anything I had ever known. She could sense when the walls were closing in, nudging me out of spirals and pulling me back to reality. In those quiet moments, with her by my side, I realized something profound—this wasn’t just about me. There were thousands of veterans out there feeling the same way I did, and they needed a lifeline too.

The journey of training Venus wasn’t easy. It took patience, consistency, and a lot of trial and error. Some days were frustrating, but every small victory—whether it was mastering a new command or simply getting through the day without feeling overwhelmed—felt like a step forward. Venus taught me that healing isn’t linear; it’s a process that requires time and effort. Her unwavering presence reminded me that I wasn’t alone, and that in itself was a powerful lesson.

That’s when Honorguard Coffee was born. Not just a business, but a mission. A veteran-owned coffee company that does more than sell coffee—it provides hope, support, and healing. With every bag we ship, we help provide service dogs to veterans in need. Because I know firsthand how life-changing that bond can be.

I had no love for coffee, and I had no desire to build a business. What I did have was a burning desire to build something that could expand my impact. I couldn’t end the suicide crisis alone, so I decided to enlist the aid of Americans by building something they could appreciate, participate in, and enjoy—while doing something profoundly beneficial and life-saving for the veteran community. Coffee became the medium through which I could rally support, create awareness, and provide a tangible way for people to make a difference. Honorguard Coffee isn’t just about the beans; it’s about the mission, the veterans we serve, and the lives we aim to change. When you choose our coffee, you're not just fueling your day; you're standing alongside our nation's warriors and becoming part of something truly meaningful.

We understand the struggles veterans face after service—the sleepless nights, the feeling of being out of place in the civilian world, the battles fought in silence. That’s why we’re dedicated to building a community of support and understanding. From our carefully sourced beans to our commitment to giving back, every aspect of our business is rooted in the values instilled in us through service.

Being a veteran-owned coffee company isn’t just a title; it’s a promise. A promise to serve those who have served, to honor their sacrifices, and to continue the mission long after the uniform comes off. If you're looking for more than just great coffee—if you want to be part of something meaningful—Honorguard Coffee is here.

Every time I see someone enjoying a cup of our coffee, I think about the lives we are touching—the veterans who will receive a service dog, the families who will have their loved ones back, and the supporters who believe in our mission. It’s more than just a beverage; it’s a bridge to healing and hope.

In the end, Honorguard Coffee is more than just a veteran coffee company—it's a movement born from struggle, resilience, and the unwavering belief that no veteran should face their battles alone.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for supporting our mission. Together, we can change lives—one cup, and one dog, at a time.