Benjamin Hutson has repeatedly volunteered at an organization called The Bunker house in Kenosha, Wisconsin, which is a coffeehouse/safe space for veterans. In the following article, Benjamin Hutson discusses the importance of such spaces, what The Bunkers are brewing for these heroes, and why it’s essential to support them as they help our brave soldiers. No person deserves to go hungry. Sadly, in a survey by Feeding America, they stated, “1 in 9 working-age veterans live in food insecure households.” Fortunately, one coffeehouse is helping vets in their humble way.

Benjamin Hutson on the Hidden Battles That Veterans Are Fighting

Military men and women are undoubtedly courageous. For one, they put their own lives at risk. But they also have to spend long periods separated from their family – all in the name of freedom. Therefore, when these brave soldiers return home, they deserve nothing short of a hero’s welcome. Benjamin Hutson says that sometimes, upon return, veterans have to fight more battles. Such as these:

PTSD

As with most mental health diseases, PTSD can be very debilitating for those who suffer it – and those who witness their loved ones go through it. According to the National Center for PTSD, 7% of veterans will most likely develop PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in their lifetime. Benjamin Hutson says that as such, thousands of vets find it difficult to reintegrate themselves into society. Most likely due to traumatic experiences haunting them. Tragically, when trauma gets too unbearable, some vets turn to drug use and suicide. But sometimes, a veteran’s suffering is already visible to the naked eye.

Physical Injuries

A census by the Department of Defense states that over 30,000 soldiers have been Wounded in Action since the Invasion of Iraq. However, the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs (Brown University) disputes this, as the statistics don’t account for non-hostile injuries. Non-hostile injuries include bodily damage from the effects of vehicular accidents, respiratory problems from toxic fumes, or heat stroke from the harsh environment that the soldiers were deployed in. Other injuries, however, are permanent or irreversible – such as traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, limb amputations, and many more. Benjamin Hutson explains that mental and physical disabilities aren't the only challenges that vets face.

Poverty

Joblessness and homelessness may not be exclusive to soldiers and veterans, but they’re slightly more at risk of being in these situations. According to the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, 48,000 vets are homeless or at risk of being one. If a person is homeless and unable to work, finding the means to provide food for themselves and their loved ones will also be a struggle. Benjamin Hutson also notes that Bunkers Coffee House for Vets aims to minimize these struggles for our modern-day heroes.

The Bunker House – Kenosha’s Compassionate Coffeehouse

The Bunker House is a coffeehouse founded by Jo Wynn – CEO of Walkin’ in My Shoes (a nonprofit organization supporting homeless people). But to Jo, humanity extends beyond the unhoused.

Cooking for the Courageous

Benjamin Hutson says that after talking to a few vets regarding their post-service situations, Jo knew she had to help them. Alas, the Bunker House came to fruition – a place for veterans to get free coffee, breakfast, or lunch. Jo Wynn also set up a food pantry where military vets who cannot afford groceries are welcome to take what they need. The Bunker’s services seem life-changing to vets. In an interview by Spectrum News 1, they spoke to Maureen Szczepankiewiczli (a Navy veteran). She told the news station that The Bunkers are helping her with her food and rent; it was difficult for her to earn the funds by herself since she recently had a stroke. And these positive experiences are exactly what Jo Wynn aimed to achieve. Her response to the vet's statement, “This is what this program is all about. We are all volunteers to do something good for someone else other than ourselves.” But The Bunkers' support for veterans goes beyond providing them with tasty coffee.

Recognitions and Celebrations

Benjamin Hutson says that besides the menu varieties – such as Taco Tuesdays, Wellness Wednesdays, and Cookout Fridays – The Bunkers also hosts events and provides other free services for the vets. On their chalkboard, The Bunkers also provides the following:

• Registration assistance in VA Benefits Application
• Free haircuts and grooming (in collaboration with Exclusive Cuts & Salon)
• Art Days
• Joyful Joy (a spiritual, mental, and emotional healing program)

Moreover, The Bunkers also hosts other events that readers, donors, and other military veteran supporters can participate in – such as catering banquets, Veterans Day dinners, and Memorial Day celebrations.

Help the Bunker House Support Our Veterans:

For more information about The Bunkers and how to contribute to their cause (through volunteering or donating), visit their website: https://sewivets.org/TheBunkers/ Or visit them at 2211-50th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin.

All in All

Benjamin Hutson says that veterans sacrificed a considerable portion of their lives fighting for freedom. The last thing they deserve is to suffer in a country they fought hard to protect. Telling them a simple “thank you” can remind them that their efforts did not go in vain. But those who can provide vets their basic needs – food, clothes, or medical help – are the heroes that our heroes need.