For those serving our country halfway around the world in a hot, dusty environment, what could taste better than a good cup of joe?
To make the mug extra special, how about java from back home?
Kristi O’Harran / The Herald
Mike Jemmett, whose family owns Vinaccio Coffee in Sultan, made a special blend for soldiers in Iraq. He happily sent the special bags of coffee to Lance Cpl. Jared Cook, a U.S. Marine, who grew up in Marysville.
The Marine’s uncle, J. Cook, is a Sultan police officer and a customer at Vinaccio’s. The officer mentioned his nephew was serving in Iraq and Jemmett hatched a plan to send over Vinaccio coffee.
Using only organic beans from around the world, Jemmett patterned his store after a Seattle coffee shop. Vinaccio is a region in Italy from which espresso originated.
“We use tried-and-true methods,” Jemmett said. “There was no need to reinvent the wheel.”
The shop sells coffee with names such as Sky Valley Mud, Sultan’s Very Best Blend No. 16 and Gold Bar Blend No. 1. Drinking a mocha breve, the 33-year-old proprietor made no bones about his patriotism.
“They risk their lives over there every day,” Jemmett said. “This is a small gesture.”
Jemmett contacted the Marine via e-mail.
“Thank you for putting your life on the line every day so that I can live in safety here in the States,” Jemmett wrote. “I have it easy over here because you and soldiers like you are willing to fight for the freedoms that Americans take for granted. I truly know that freedom is never free.”
He heard back from the Marine.
“I want to personally thank you for the Vinaccio coffee and cups,” Cook said. “The blend was very smooth, flavorful and packed with caffeine! I’ve really enjoyed it, along with the fellow Marines in my shop.”
Cook said the longer and longer troops are out there, the less it seems people at home really care.
“From the little bits of news that we do get from back home, it’s usually very negative towards us,” Cook wrote. “It’s nice to know that there are businesses and people that support us and have not forgotten about us, or why we are here.”
Jemmett, who lives in Lake Stevens, opened the store in Sultan because he fondly remembered fishing with his war-wounded, disabled grandfather on the Skykomish River. His grandfather landed in France on D-Day. His father served in Vietnam.
Though Jemmett didn’t join a branch of the military, his soul is red, white and blue. He said folks at home do care.
“Overall, the nightly news portrays troops in a positive light,” Jemmett said. “I have yet to meet someone who has anything bad to say about the troops. They are kicking some serious butt over there and representing the stars and stripes to the fullest.”
To back his troop support, Jemmett will supply free bags of coffee for any Sky Valley serviceman or woman whose family pays for shipping and handling. He said he’s not making any money on the project.
“I feel strongly about it,” Jemmett said. “It’s a small gesture.”
To make arrangements, visit the store at 507B U.S. 2 in Sultan.
“My grandfather instilled in me that I should never take my freedoms for granted,” Jemmett said. “I know that men far better than I died for our flag and I hold them and all American soldiers close to my heart.”
At his shop, enjoy the picture on the wall of Lance Cpl. Jared Cook. You might get a lump in your throat, like I did, to see his Black Sheep “Pappy” Boyington unit holding much-appreciated bags of coffee from back home.
The bags read “Jared’s Iraqi Freedom Blend.”
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@ heraldnet.com.
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