VA's Veterans Canteen Service

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

AMERICA'S FIRST PATRIOTS 🇺🇸 Revolutionary War Veteran Richard Gentry enlisted at 17, witnessed the surrender at Yorktown, and continued serving after the Revolution. Today, he is honored at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

07/04/2026

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we’re not just observing a date on the calendar. We’re honoring the story of America itself – a story Veterans have been at the heart of since the very beginning.

Two hundred fifty years ago, America was born from the idea that freedom was worth the fight. From our nation’s founding, one thing has held us together: the people who raised their right hands and swore to defend this country.

Since Lexington and Concord, every generation has faced its own battle to keep this country free. From Valley Forge to Gettysburg, Normandy to Fallujah, the men and women who served in uniform made America what it is, and they are why we do what we do.

Throughout American history, service members have put their lives on the line for this country. VA and VCS have supported Veterans along the way. President Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address highlighted our country’s duty to care for those who have served our nation in war. This formal recognition of the duty to provide for Veterans and their families and survivors inspires our work to this day.

Have a happy 250th Independence Day!

07/03/2026

Our VCS teams across the country are joining in the celebration of America’s 250th birthday! 🎉

How are you gearing up to celebrate? Let us know in the comments below!

07/02/2026

Canteen Chief Brittany and Operations Clerk Autumn, both members of the Murfreesboro Canteen team, earned awards for their attention to safety.

For Brittany, she was recognized with a safety coin for “noticed improvements in safety” during quarterly Canteen inspections and for empowering her associates to recognize and stop unsafe actions and conditions.

“We’ve also noticed her overall efforts and dedication to creating and fostering a safety culture within the Canteen, as well as recognizing your employees that do take that extra step for safety,” said Franco, a safety specialist.

Brittany nominated Autumn for the Safety Award of Excellence in consideration of a recent event when Autumn was cleaning a soda spill and discovered a loose floor tile. She immediately contacted EMS to help her clean up the area, while also contacting Engineering to have the floor-tile tripping hazard fixed. Autumn stayed at the scene while waiting for both departments to arrive and assist.

“Autumns has really taken ownership of safety, and she makes it a priority to ensure all VCS concepts are safer for our Veterans,” Brittany said. “She makes sure all VCS employees are trained on proper procedures and trains to take all the correct precautions to avoid safety concerns.”

In another recent event, while Autumn operated the cash register in the PatriotCafé, she noticed a Veteran who swayed in place, looking very pale. Autumn checked with the Veteran, who told her his blood sugar was low and was feeling dizzy. She guided him to a table for a seat, got him a bottle of water, a snack, and an icepack. She then contacted a nurse to come help him.

“She is a safety champion!” Brittany said.

06/18/2026

VA’s reimagined 2026 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic was held in Orlando, Florida, for the first time, marking a change of venue for the annual event, which was previously held in San Diego.

The event also put greater emphasis on helping Veterans with their mental health, as Veterans from across the country arrived for a week centered on health, resilience, personal growth, and connection. Throughout the clinic, Veterans charged into unfamiliar and challenging experiences, while supporting one another and creating connections with their Veteran peers.

VCS is a longtime sponsor of the Summer Sports Clinic, and a Canteen Service team was on hand to give away care packages to the participants.

06/16/2026

Sip into the celebration with the new Patriot Blue Blast! This bold, bright, flavor-packed, and refreshing blend of blue raspberry and cherry is the ultimate summer sip.

Ready to taste the burst of summer? Stop by PatriotBrew and try it today!

06/14/2026

is a day to honor the American flag and its significance. June 14, 1777 marks the day the Continental Congress resolved to adopt the United States flag, establishing the pattern which features 13 alternating red and white stripes and 13 white stars on a blue field.

06/12/2026

On this day 78 years ago, President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, which allowed women to permanently serve in the regular Armed Forces. Join us in celebrating Women Veterans Recognition Day (June 12), and honor the service of Women Veterans.

06/05/2026

This giveaway is brewing something good!

Now through June 12th, enter for a chance to WIN a $25 gift card, coffee mug set, mug warmer, and beverage sleeve! To enter, comment your go‑to PatriotBrew coffee order below 👇

Winner will be contacted directly. Giveaway ends 6/12.