A Letter & Photos from Iraq

Here is a letter & some photos from one of our favorite people, Chaplain Rick Nevard, stationed over in Germany and out on deployment in Iraq. It all started when he found us on the internet and contacted us, because he had this idea to open up a coffee house as a respite for his soldiers, who are sacrificing and fighting for freedom over in Iraq. From his inspiration came the reality, shown in the pictures above. It's just a little touch of home and a little getaway, even if just for a moment, for these brave soldiers. Chaplain Nevard was kind enough to send us back pictures of some of the things we sent over to help with his project, and the letter he writes gives us a little more understanding as to what life is really like over there for these brave men & women. Next time you think you're having a bad day, think of them and it puts everything into perspective. They ask for nothing in return. So the best way to thank them for everything they and their families sacrifice for us, is to remember them, live your best life over here, and enjoy the freedoms that so few in the rest of the world get to enjoy, and that so many of our own give their lives for. We are forever grateful & in your debt. To Chaplain Nevard and your soldiers, thank you and stay safe. You're always in our thoughts & prayers.

A Letter from Chaplain Nevard:

"I will say, the funny signs have gotten a lot of laughs and a lot of
praise, from visiting Generals to the young Private, who desperately
needed something to smile at again. The "Put Your Big Girl Panties On"
sign is a huge favorite among the Soldiers and has become a regular
saying around here when Soldiers are ready to give up. My favorite, of
course, is the "Chaplain's Coffee House" sign (which will go back to
Germany with me!), with the "No one gets in to see the wizard" sign a
close second. The Betsy Ross flag hangs just opposite of my office desk
and is the first thing I see every time I raise my eyes; it hangs over
the couch, where I counsel Soldiers each day.

Outer Banks Country Store, you did more than just mail off a couple items from your store -
you helped to recreate the image of home to hundreds of Soldiers who
desperately needed to reconnect with home. Twelve months away from
parents, spouses and children; twelve months of missed birthdays and
anniversaries and holidays; putting yourself in harm's way, living out
in a dusty, barren land, working very long hours, seven days a week.
Every day I spend several hours counseling Soldiers who are homesick and
frustrated and depressed - every day! But something as simple and
profound as stepping inside a "rustic coffee house" takes them back to
better days and for a little while they can escape this deployment. You
have helped to make that happen. On my computer Outer banks
Country Store is saved under my favorite places. Thank you."

Chaplain (CPT) Richard Nevard