More than a BBQ...

The past 8 weeks, I spent working on a special project for veterans. In its third year, Techstars Patriot Bootcamp landed in New York City ready to take small companies, provide them with world class mentors, and help them bring their ideas to fruition. I, on the other hand, was not so important. I am the perennial party planner. I worked on things like keg-vs-bottles, flowers, food, and trash pick up...and it felt GREAT. I don't possess a graduate degree in computer engineering, and my mentorship would consist of a warm meal and my 2 bits about their idea, but helping veterans...WOW...what a privilege! I did take to the phone one day to contact breweries in the NYC area. I was thrilled to get a response from Alphabet City Brewing (@ACBCNYC) who generously donated kegs for our dinners. The proprietor, Jason was happy to help given that many of his family members have served, including his father who fought in Vietnam.

Attendees and their spouses come from all over the country and sometimes the world to have access to this program. For their part, Techstars provides the conference free of charge and all meals are included. Although I participated as a volunteer last year, I was thrown into the mix as an event planner this year and difference was significant. Interacting with soldiers who have given their time for our country makes a difference. They are so appreciative of our time and energy and excited for the chance to make their companies better. Jason Cahill even skipped his graduation from Carnegie Mellon to be at the event. His idea ended up winning the pitch competition Sunday morning (@impaqd). Check out how his company is making a difference in the trucking world! More importantly, it wasn't just a quick..."Thank for your service" kind of thing, but an interaction and relationship building opportunity for all involved. I loved seeing some familiar faces and I was told that it was like a summer camp for Veteran Entrepreneurs.

It is amazing how many lives have been touched and changed by generations of warriors. My own dad served in the navy and Korean War and my father in law served in Vietnam as a surgeon on an aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Valley Forge. To this day, he doesn't like the sound of helicopters.

If you ever have a chance to help those who have served their country, do it. Don't say, "Thank you for your service", but rather, "What can I do to help?"...

With Memorial Day today try to remember that to our patriots, it's more than a BBQ.


God Bless America,

Coffeetalkmom
@coffeetalkmom