Truluck’s Celebrates Military Appreciation Month

Scenes from an unforgettable day of service at Camp Hope in Houston

‘Press On,’ our collaboration with Katz Coffee in support of the PTSD Foundation of America, offers Truluck’s guests a unique opportunity to show their appreciation for our nation’s veterans. For every French press coffee or Espresso Martini sold in our restaurants, we give back $1 of the proceeds to Camp Hope, an interim and transitional housing facility operated by the foundation for those suffering from the effects of combat-related PTSD.

It’s an honor to be able to support our veterans — especially during Military Appreciation Month — and it’s been exciting to see the ‘Press On’ initiative spread to Truluck’s restaurants nationwide. We hope to continue raising awareness and money for Camp Hope, and we’re always looking for new ways to show our solidarity and gratitude.

Boots on the Ground in Houston

Several members of the Truluck’s team, including Beverage Director Dave Mattern, Managing Partner Chris Davis, and Corporate Executive Chef Thomas Dritsas, along with our partners at Katz Coffee, had the opportunity to visit Camp Hope in Houston to treat them to a well-deserved lunch.

“It’s about taking care of the people who take care of us,” said Chef Thomas. “And of course, we had to do it the Truluck’s way, so we’re doing a lobster boil, with hand-carved prime rib.”

“It makes me so proud,” said Dave Mattern of Truluck’s partnerships and the good they’re doing.

“What we do is so celebratory in our restaurants,” said Chris Davis. “We get to celebrate all kinds of amazing things. But the ability to give back and impact people is really what drives us.”

Opportunities to serve the community are always inspiring for our team, but even we weren’t fully prepared for how profound of an impact this experience would have on everyone involved. Taking the time to connect with someone who believes the world has forgotten them, and bringing even a moment of joy, can be profoundly transformational.

David Maulsby, Executive Director of Support and Giving at the PTSD Foundation of America, summed up the significance from a veteran’s perspective: “‘If I matter to them, then maybe I should start mattering to myself.’”

Our veterans matter, and they’ll never be forgotten. Honoring their sacrifices and expressing our appreciation was the very least we could do.

“Our Hearts are Full Today”

During our day with Camp Hope staff and veterans seeking to heal and re-integrate into society, we witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of this peer-to-peer, faith-based program, and we were moved by the amazing stories of perseverance.

It was humbling to be in the presence of such courageous vulnerability, and after many tears, cheers, and heartfelt embraces, we were invested in the mission of Camp Hope — and in the futures of these extraordinary veterans — like never before.

If you’re inspired by this story and wondering how you can support the work of the PTSD Foundation of America and Camp Hope, it all starts by simply spreading the word.

“If everyone who sees this video and hears our story shares it, it will come into contact with someone who’s never heard of us before and might need us,” said Maulsby.

“All of us have the opportunity to be a part of saving a life, and at the end of the day, that’s what I need your help with.”

Visit the PTSD Foundation of America website to learn more, get help, or make a donation.

Join us at Truluck’s and ask about ‘Press On’ to support Camp Hope. By sharing a special moment over hand-crafted coffee, you can help our veterans on their journey to healing and remind them that they matter. Sometimes that’s all it takes. Your table is waiting.