VETERANS MOVING FORWARD
At the Coffee Bunker, we honor the service of our veterans and celebrate successes as they return to civilian life. These stories remind us of the importance of community, resilience and new beginnings.
Scott Deason
Scott Deason served in the U.S. Army from 1993–2001 as a combat photographer. After his military service, he spent 16 years working as a CNC machinist.
Like many veterans, Scott faced difficult moments that eventually led him to The Coffee Bunker.
"This place has been such a blessing to me. I saw the Bunker from a bus stop across the street and knew I had to visit. In less than a month, I received help finding housing with other veterans, meals, assistance with my resume, and a referral to a corporate partner. Today, I was offered a job!"
Scott's story represents resilience, hope, and a powerful new beginning.
James
In 2017, James visited the Coffee Bunker while facing challenges during his transition from military to civilian life. With support from the Bunker team, he connected with housing partners who helped him secure temporary housing and employment.
Two years ago, James returned to explore education opportunities and enrolled in Tulsa Tech's HVAC program.
Today, James owns his own home and works full‑time as a certified technician at the downtown VA hospital.
James' journey is a powerful example of determination, community support, and investing in your future.
Charlie
Every veteran’s journey is unique, and Charlie’s story is a powerful example of resilience and connection.
Charlie first came to The Coffee Bunker in 2016 during a difficult time in his life. He was experiencing homelessness and living in his truck behind the Bunker with his dog. Despite the challenges, he knew he could walk through the doors and find a warm cup of coffee, a meal, and a sense of community.
With support from the Bunker staff, Charlie was connected to housing resources and secured a part-time job, helping him begin to rebuild his life.
Today, Charlie is doing well and continues to stop by the Bunker from time to time, this time to visit friends and stay connected to the community that supported him along the way.
Emmett Shannon
Tulsa born, McLain High School grad, Emmett Shannon, joined the Army Reserves right out of high school. Three years later, wanting to align meeting family responsibilities and the selection of a career, Emmett chose active duty Army and eventually retired from the Army. During his career he deployed four times to Iraq, once as a Reservist […]
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Greg Martin
Greg Martin was born in Vinita, OK, but the family soon moved to Tulsa, and Greg eventually graduated from Edison High School. Greg recounts the day a Marine recruiter visited the school. Everything about the recruiter appealed to Greg; his appearance, apparel, demeanor, and especially the confidence and command he exuded when speaking. At 17 years of […]
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John Hairston
John Hairston, almost 91 years of age, is a long-time friend of the Coffee Bunker. Born in 1932, in Danville, VA, John was the oldest of eight siblings. His mother and father worked two jobs each to keep the family financially stable, so a large part of the care taking for the children was assumed by him. […]
Read More Julia Buckner
I am very grateful for the Coffee Bunker and its service to military veterans. I moved to Oklahoma in January 2016 and learned about the Coffee Bunker through Volunteers of America and the Veterans Hospital. I moved to Oklahoma with my two year old to attend Rhema Bible Training Center. This whole experience has been […]
Read More Sgt. Justin Blackard
I am Sgt. Justin Blackard and I am currently in the Oklahoma National Guard. I am an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and in my 8th year of service. I moved to the Broken Arrow area in May 2015. I passed by the Coffee Bunker about six times before I finally decided to go in and […]
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