Virginia Beach Veteran Honored Nationally for #StillServing

Virginia Beach veteran Michael Martinez is being honored for dedication to country and community in the national Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #StillServing campaign. The VFW #StillServing campaign was launched in March 2020 to recognize the many veterans who continue to serve in their community after the military.

A former US Navy SEAL, Martinez is #StillServing by donating half of his company’s profits to www.stopsoldiersuicide.org. While deployed and after, Martinez struggled with depression and lost fellow veterans to suicide, including his commander while they were in Afghanistan together. He chose to start a coffee company, Coffee of Valhalla, because while in Afghanistan he would sit on the roof of his mud hut, drinking a cup of coffee and watching the sun rise over the mountains, and it was the one thing that got him through the difficult time of heavy combat and injuries. Veterans are 50 percent more likely to die by suicide than those who did not serve their country, and Martinez wants to change that.

By donating 50 percent of proceeds, Martinez’ business has been able to fund 15 hours of therapy through the providers at stopsoldiersuicide.org since launching in May. His short-term goal is to donate 500 hours of therapy each month.

VFW is honored to recognize Martinez for his work in the national VFW #StillServing campaign.