America Supports You: 'GI Java' supports foundation

WASHINGTON D.C. (June 16, 2008) - The relationship between servicemembers and their coffee is so storied that the hot black liquid has a role in nearly every war movie ever made.

With a desire to support the troops and an understanding of that relationship, the mother and daughter team of Tamra Gravitt and Crystal Espiritu started GI Java. The coffee shop serves its brew to each customer with honor, integrity and excellence above the call of duty, according to a news release from the coffee shop.

The company, with five locations in Washington state, offers coffee in military-themed sizes: the small is called a private, and the large is a sergeant. A portion of all sales goes to U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation, and donations for the foundation are accepted in all five shops.

U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation provides for the needs of servicemembers wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.