Starbucks dedicated its 25th Military Family Store May 25 at the Mandalay Village location in Port Hueneme, California. The store is near Naval Base Ventura County, which is composed of three operating facilities, including Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. The base has a population of more than 19,000 personnel.

Starbucks staffs Military Family Stores with many veterans and military spouses. The stores also work with a nonprofit organization in the community to provide services for veterans and their families. Partners (employees) at the Mandalay Village store will support Blue Star Families. Amy Jerome, director of community for Blue Star Families, shared excitement over her organization’s expanding partnership with Starbucks.

A highlight of the afternoon, Jeremiah Reitz, a nine-year partner and Coast Guard veteran, explained the role Starbucks played in his employment stability as he pursued his sociology degree and became a counselor for children with autism. Later this summer, the Starbucks Newsroom will feature Reitz's story.

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