Long Beach, CA – February 2020 – Operation: Transition Outside the Wire announces the launch of a Kickstarter campaign to help put an end to the difficulties veterans experience when transitioning from service to civilian life. This program consists of housing, jobs and a plethora of services for veterans as well as retired military K9’s, those that have been identified as not quite ready to transition from the fox hole to civilian life immediately. They have 6 months of support to acclimate and ready themselves for the next chapter in life. The entire program is funded through the sales of coffee subscriptions, however we need to crowdfund in order to get it off the ground. Created by founders Tom West and Shannon Francis, Tom is a USMC veteran himself, and has experienced the challenges firsthand.
“When I transitioned from Service to Civilian life I struggled and soon after found myself homeless, abusing alcohol and didn’t fit in.” says West. “Currently, I see the same cycle day in and day out with veterans living on the street, and more horrific, veterans taking their own lives in the parking lot of the VA. A proactive solution needs to be in place to help veterans transition from service to civilian life in a manner that allows them to acclimate and be successful.”
Operation: Transition Outside the Wire is our vision and passion for making a difference in the current cycle. The military does very well preparing you for combat, but they lack at preparing soldiers to transition to civilian life. We cannot wait for a veteran to fail before they receive the help they need.
“The ranch would also be open to and have services available for spouses and families of returning veterans.” says Shannon. “Sometimes you just need the right people to talk to, who understand what you are experiencing because they have also been there. Too many times we hear frustrated veterans stating the VA does not understand them because the person they are talking to did not serve. Well, same goes for military spouses.”
We know we can do better for our veterans, and we expect this program to be a positive example and easily replicated in other places. With our experience and resources we will make a change in the lives of many veterans returning home as we welcome them to our ranch.
In exchange for pledging to this project, backers can gain access to a variety of rewards including fresh roasted coffee, subscriptions, t-shirts, invitation to ribbon cutting ceremony and BBQ, and even naming a tiny home in your honor.
Contact Information:
Tom West
562-619-8299
longbeachcoffeeandtea@gmail.
