I served as a US Army sergeant (E-5) from 1997 to 2004 as a 63 Sierra (Heavy wheel mechanic). First duty stationed in Korea with 2ID, PCS to Ft. Story Virginia, Ft. Bragg North Carolina 1-159 Aviation and the Illinois National Guard with 1244th Transport Company in Iraq in 2003.

My love for coffee started with espresso because of my Sicilian background. My parents are both first generation immigrants from Sicily to America for a better life. During family gatherings or holidays, there was always coffee and espresso. It was not uncommon for children to drink espresso or coffee at that time with some cookies and milk which was damn good.

While in high school I played football and other sports but my senior year, I blew out my ACL in football and at that time the Army would not accept my injury. I would listen to stories about my grandfather in the Italian army during World War II and was always fascinated. I always wanted to join the military to make my family proud.

Our family has a long line of history of being in the military in Italy and I was able to continue it in the United States. I went to work at Burgess Norton manufacturing plant where most of my family had been working. All I could think of was joining the military. After 6 years I tried the recruiter again and they said they could waiver me for my ACL. It was my proud honor to join the Army in 1997.

Hello my name is Michael. I came to America from Poland in 2015 with my wife and daughter. When I was a kid, in Poland I used to hear stories from my grandfather about World War II and the suffering he had to go through.

As a child we used to play army but only with the best gun-like sticks. At that time we were controlled by the USSR and we didn't have access to toy guns, only sticks. We used to play War (usually Poland vs Nazi Germany like WWII) or American Special Ops for hours on end.

When Poland gained its independence in 1989, I wanted to join the United States Navy to become a SEAL operator, but that was only a sweet dream. In reality I wanted to become a Polish Air Force pilot but, my application was rejected. I was one year late with my application.

After I graduated high school I joined the Polish Army Officer School to become an officer. After a month in Officer Candidate School the conditions were so horrible, that people were dropping out left and right, heading back to civilian world. I went to University and got my electrical engineering degree to run my own company and I married the love of my life.

I'd come to America couple times. Finally I'm here, 100% legally. I fell in love with coffee, especially iced coffee and the Chicagoland area and where we live now. With my love of America, the U.S. Military and of coffee I have joined Gun Barrel Coffee Incorporated – to show my support for the country that's been so good to me, so good in so little time.