Brewing Up a Way to Help Vets

Five years ago, Mike Ferraro adopted a novel approach to financing programs he created to help veterans find success in the civilian world. His cause has become a passion for Michael Forcella, a part-time Marco resident, who’s now working to introduce it here and throughout Southwest Florida.

Ferraro is the founder of the multi-faceted, New Jersey-based organization “Bridging the Gap for Veterans.” The nonprofit provides vets and their families with career transition programs and coaching, resume writing, hiring assistance, career fairs with employers, scholarships, service animal programs, and free professional business attire.

The cause is near and dear to the heart of the U.S. Air Force veteran, who retired as a command chief master sergeant in 2013 after 32 years of service. He created Bridging the Gap three years later. 

“What gave me purpose after I retired was I wanted to help other veterans find a successful career path,” said Ferraro. “So, for me, being a career coach and being able to help someone get a job was, at that time, most important because they were struggling and still are today. I feel like I have a purpose in life for many years to come because I can help and serve others.”

During his search for a dependable funding source for Bridging the Gap, inspiration struck in the form of one of this country’s most loved beverages: coffee. In 2019, taking a tip from Paul Newman’s “Newman’s Own” nonprofit food products line, Ferraro established The Coffee Platoon, which markets its own coffee brand to generate revenue for Bridging the Gap.

“I came up with the idea of coffee because billions and billions of people drink it,” explained the java aficionado. “I get corporate grants for our nonprofit, but I felt this could be something sustainable. I felt that coffee would be something manageable because people like it.”

Beans are sourced from farms in New Guinea and Brazil. Coffee flavors range from mild to dark, to extra-dark roast and decaf, whether they be in ground, whole bean or K-cup, single-serving pod form. Blends and packaging are inspired by branches of the U.S. military, with such names such as “Semper Fi,” “Aim High,” “Army Strong,” and “Anchors Away.” 

Some groups, such as the Purple Heart Foundation, the American Red Cross, and Wreathes Across America, have their own custom logo coffee blends. 

Hot chocolate products are also available, and Cameo black tea will be added later this year. 

Coffee Platoon products are found in supermarkets in New Jersey, as well as through the nonprofit’s website, www.coffeeplatoon.com. 

The products are also being marketed to schools, nonprofits, sports teams, and other organizations, activities and services as a fundraiser for programs, activities and improvements. Expanding the fundraising market can spur growth in the products’ presence on grocery store shelves, said Ferraro. 

“The fundraising is really the key because we can help the Elks, the Boy Scouts, churches, food pantries, whomever, raise money,” he explained. “And when people like the coffee, then, of course, they're going to want it in their store.”

Forcella is also a New Jersey resident but spends winters on Marco. He began marketing Coffee Platoon products after arriving here in November. 

“I'm committed and I believe in what Mike's doing,” he said. “There are two absolutes in life:  water and coffee, which people are not giving up, and when tied to causes of helping veterans and nonprofits, especially with food deficiency, it’s a winning formula.”

His professional background includes high-level, management positions at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and in the limousine and dry cleaning industries. He retired from Ocean County (N.J.) College as the manager of business engagement, where he customized employee training programs for business owners.

In 2018, Forcella was selected for the first Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (N.J.) Honorary Commander Emeritus Program. Before that, he served three terms as an honorary commander at the Air Force base. He’s also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Military Support Alliance of New Jersey.

His marketing efforts have yet to gain real traction. But he’s confident that will change as awareness of the Coffee Platoon grows, given Marco’s strong support for charities and the military. 

“I'm amazed at the philanthropy on Marco Island and all the help that’s given,” he said. “When I saw what was done in November for the holidays with feeding the food deficient, I said, ‘Wow, we can do this here too, and we can really make a difference. It really is a program where once it happens, people are going to say, ‘Wow.’” 

One organization that is participating is the Smokehouse Bay Club Condominium Association. Sales proceeds are dedicated to philanthropic uses, said Forcella, who resides there. Citing the island’s “in-season” population boom, he expressed confidence that snowbirds who try the products will remain customers after they return to their northern homes. 

The Coffee Platoon also offers two special programs: “Coffee Commander” and “Buy One, Donate One.” 

“Coffee Commander” enables companies to buy a six-month supply of coffee to donate to a military unit, veteran service organization or first-responder group they’ve chosen. Donations are tax-deductible. With “Buy One, Donate One,” people can buy one coffee or hot chocolate for themselves and one for a designated charity, which also receives $10 to support its mission. 

The program has seen “Coffee Care Packages” sent to the deployed military bases of the 2,100 New Jersey Army and Air National Guard personnel who, in January, were deployed to Syria and Iraq for 11 months. Forcella said Southwest Florida businesses can do the same thing for the 126 Florida National Guard and highway patrol personnel Gov. Ron DeSantis recently sent to Texas to assist with border security. 

Bridging the Gap also has a program that provides financial grants to veterans attending law enforcement academies. Another program, entitled “Hometown Hero,” recognizes veterans, first responders and frontline workers monthly with a $100 Visa gift card to thank them for their service. 

For more information about Bridging the Gap for Veterans, please visit bridgingthegap.vet. For more information about The Coffee Platoon, please visit thecoffeeplatoon.com/. Michael Forcella can be reached at 201-320-7595 and maforcella1226@gmail.com.