Veteran Support & Coffee | Ben Terpsma on Fire Watch, The 90 Nonprofit & Community After Service
Featuring: Ben Terpsma
Words by Chapter Coffee
What if the best way to honor veterans wasn’t just by saying "thank you for your service," but by inviting them for a cup of coffee?
In this episode of Connection Over a Cup, host Jennifer Brown sits down with veteran leader Ben Terpsma, founder of The 90, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life. Ben shares how coffee fueled soldiers during long nights of "fire watch," sometimes even more essential than food or shelter, and how those memories inspired Chapter Coffee’s new veteran-dedicated roast: Fire Watch.
Ben also opens up about building community through The Forge Yoga & Movement Studio, where veterans and civilians find strength, mindfulness, and belonging. This conversation explores resilience, the challenges of transition, and why a simple cup of coffee can bridge communities.
What We Cover
Why the offer of a simple cup of coffee can mean more to a veteran
How fire watch in the military inspired Chapter Coffee’s new blend, Fire Watch
The founding story of The 90 and its mission to support veterans
How yoga and movement are transforming lives at The Forge Studio
A challenge for listeners: skip the script of “thank you for your service” and invite a veteran for coffee instead
Notable Takeaways
Reintegration into civilian life can be challenging for veterans
Encouraging veterans to participate in community events fosters connection
The importance of saying no to avoid burnout
Creating a welcoming environment in fitness spaces is crucial for newcomers
Overcoming challenges and building connections
Episode Chapters
00:00—Introduction to Ben Terpsma and His Background
06:30—Military Experience and Community Building
12:40—Challenges of Reintegration into Civilian Life
15:43—The Forge Yoga Studio: A Community Initiative
20:20—Supporting Veterans and Community Engagement
21:58—NEW CHAPTER
24:02—Creating an Inclusive Environment in Fitness
28:16—Ascent 90: A Nonprofit for Veterans
32:50—Overcoming Challenges and Building Connections
If this episode landed, share it with one person who needs the reminder that connection is built, not found.
YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Your turn to build connection over a cup. Invite a veteran for coffee this week, and share your story with us on Instagram @chaptercoffeeculture.