Each year, over 200,000 military personnel re-enter civilian life. Two years ago, Starbucks committed to hiring at least 10,000 veterans and military spouses by 2018.

With 5,500 hired to date, Starbucks has surpassed the half-way mark toward its goal. But hiring is only one part of the story.

Starbucks is on a mission to help bridge a disconnect between the military and civilians, while honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and military spouses.

The Veteran Artist Program (VAP), under the direction of BR McDonald, produced this video.

'I joined the Army in 2001, right after 9/11, and served as an Arabic Linguist and Special Operator in the Joint Special Operations Command,' said McDonald, who deployed seven times to Iraq, Afghanistan and Asia during his service. After completing his military service, McDonald founded VAP to foster, encourage and promote veterans in the arts.

Download video for media use

For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.

distributed by