Christopher Bean Gourmet Coffee Receives Award for Helping Keep Helicopter Pilots UP in Afghanistan

Christopher Bean Coffee Company of Daytona Beach Florida received two awards as they joined more than 150 Florida-Georgia National Guardsmen from Detachment 1, Company F, 131st Aviation Regiment during an awards ceremony at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah Ga. earlier this month. The heavy lift Chinook helicopter unit soldiers returned in April after a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan. The unit flew humanitarian, resupply and air assault missions.
The ceremony was part of the Freedom Salute program, started by the National Guard in 2003, to recognize its members for their service and sacrifice. U.S. Congressman Rep. Jack Kingston, R-GA, presented the awards, which included an American flag in a wooden case and a certificate of appreciation. Spouses of the soldiers active in their family readiness group were also recognized, as were the American Legion and Christopher Bean Coffee Company of Daytona Beach, Florida.
Mark Geallis, marketing director of Christopher Bean Coffee in Daytona, Fla., accepted the awards on behalf of his company for donating approximately 400 pounds of coffee to the deployed soldiers.
Christopher Bean received a large bronze “Minuteman” statue and a certificate of appreciation for regularly sending the solders coffee to help keep them up during the overnight missions and to let them have a little taste of home. Geallis said “Last year while getting donations from members of First Baptist Church we were learned from Andreina Ingham sister of pilot and Embry riddle graduate, Capt. Mark Eaton that the solders of the 131st needed many items to help with the terrible conditions in Afghanistan. We learned that Coffee was in sort supply and one soldier even told us that strong coffee was their life blood at times when they went days without sleep. We were privileged to be able to do something to help these men and women that were sacrificing so much and defending the freedoms that allow a small company like ours to be safe and to thrive in this great country even in times of such turmoil.”
About Christopher Bean Coffee Company
Boasting a ground-to-order freshness guarantee, Christopher Bean Coffee Company offers over 70 delicious gourmet coffees including 20 varieties of flavored coffee using a unique combination of beans from the world’s best coffee growing regions. Headquartered in Daytona Beach Florida with 12 employees, Christopher Bean Coffee Company is the fastest growing gourmet coffee roaster in the Southeast. The company was founded in 1996 by owner Christopher W. Brown. In 1998, the company began hand roasting gourmet coffee blends for hotels, offices and restaurants. In 2002, Publix authorized Christopher Bean Coffee as a warehouse item in all divisions (850 stores). In 1994 Christopher Bean was introduced in 300 Kroger stores in 3 divisions. Other retail partners include Marshall Fields department stores and select Volusia County Wal-Mart Super Centers. Last year the company expanded mail order capabilities to include the convenience of online shopping To order Christopher Bean Coffee or request information on the company or marketing partnerships, contact sales@christopherbean.com or call toll-free 888-295-2326 or to order simply visit your local Publix store or the website at www.christopherbean.com .