So after retiring in 2005 with 21 years I knew it would be a matter of short order before I’d feel the fraternal strings pulling at me to get involved with a local chapter of most likely the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, and/or the VFW.  I had the most familiarity with these organizations and their stellar reputations.

Because of the very namesake and thought behind my coffee company I stacked the deck as an extension of our family business.  I ensured I’d always be closely tied to my beloved Corps and in the process I hope we conduct ourselves as a bully pulpit for those I respect most – American Patriots serving in Harm’s Way.

A couple of years ago I came across a fairly new group of Marines, both Veterans and Active Duty, who communicated with eachother primarily through the internet.  One of the characteristics that makes TogetherWeServed unique is the ubiquitous nature of the internet. Brothers and Sisters join their respective Service site and can communicate and share stories with each other no matter where they are stationed and regardless of time zones.  Disabled veterans that have limited mobility can tie into a network of friends and Service Brothers and Sisters that they may have otherwise not gotten in touch with.

How fortuitous that I personally know the founder, an outstanding man and friend. It was no less than an amazing coincidence that Major Wes Prater and I were Sergeants when we attended Texas A&M together through a internal Marine Corps scholarship program called MECEP.

Through TogetherWeServed I’ve been able to reconnect with both friends from Bootcamp and Officer Candidates School. From far away places Okinawa, Korea, Panama, I’ve tracked many down.

Wes, through TogetherWeServed, has been a strong ally supporting events and causes near and dear to my heart. A Birthday Ball in Iraq, care packages sent to many friends on various deployments, promoting veterans’ causes and initiatives, even employing disabled veterans on his staff.

Last year TogetherWeServed hosted its first major reunion, Island Storm 2008 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Special indeed because it was the last public venue for Medal of Honor Recipient Jack Lucas.  This year our reunion event was Capital Storm 2009. In attendance was a cross section of members that included three World War II Veterans, and various others from Korea, Viet Nam, Beirut, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Our reunion included paying our respect at Arlington Cemetery, touring the Home of Marine Commandants, the Evening Parade at 8th & I, and our closing ceremony at the National Marine Corps Museum. The owner of MilitaryByOwner, a member of TogetherWeServed himself, made a significant cash donation to the Marine Heritage Foundation after a speech by its President Lieutenant General Christmas. Additionally, monies were collected by our Marine Corps League members for calling cards for active duty members serving overseas. There’s no competition, Wes and by extension TogetherWeServed, is a proud advocate of the Marine Corps League and other Veteran Organizations.

If you know somebody that served or is serving, you might just tell them about TogetherWeServed. If you’re curious go ahead and take a look at my TWS profile, it’s a snapshot of just how profiles are built and shared within this tight nit community.

TogetherWeServed Capital Storm 2009 Iwo WWII Marine Corps Memorial

With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank

*Commencing with the launch of its US Marines website on the Marine Corps Birthday in 2003, Togetherwerserved.com has produced a series of US Military community heritage websites specially created to enable current or former serving US Servicemen and women to reconnect with old friends and share in the camaraderie of others who served. Togetherweserved.com websites are headed by Major Wesley T Prater (USMC Retired) and Major Mark Cooper (USA Retired), and assisted by a team of retired US Military administrators and support staff, including disabled Veterans.