Brewing Purpose: A Veteran’s Coffee Shop Becomes A Haven For Healing

Whether it’s serving as a military officer or stepping up as a first responder, it takes a rare combination of dedication, resilience and heart to take on these roles. And for many of these individuals, that same drive carries over into life beyond the badge.

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When retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ray Herr launched Freedom’s Found Coffee in Pensacola, he wasn’t chasing profit—he was answering a deeper call.

The idea came after the loss of several close friends to suicide and his own struggle with post-traumatic stress.

“I remember asking God why you’re letting my friends kill themselves and why am I messed up?” Herr told Pensacola News Journal.

That search for meaning turned into a mission: to create a safe space where veterans can talk openly about mental health, connect through shared experience, and find comfort over a simple cup of coffee.

Opened in June 2024 near the University of West Florida, Freedom’s Found Coffee features military memorabilia and flags honoring each branch of service. Herr, who’s completing a doctorate in trauma counseling, plans to host veteran-led support groups. He hopes to make the shop a gathering place grounded in faith, family, country and community.

“I didn’t really think I had the ability before,” he said. “But all of a sudden people started coming up to me and so many of those conversations [about PTSD] happened over coffee.”

Want to learn more? Visit Freedom's Found Coffee's website or read the full story on Pensacola News Journal.

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