Boca company sends coffee to American troops in Iraq

by Corey Sigggins

American troops stationed in Iraq have been keeping warm during cold nights with the help of a Boca Raton gourmet coffee company.

Since July, officials at Boca Java have been sending numerous cups of coffee to overseas soldiers as part of its ongoing “Operation Million Cup” program created to recognize men and women in the military.

According to Bruce Frcek, president of Boca Java, more than 363,000 cups have been sent so far to the soldiers. The company’s eventual goal is to reach one million cups by January 1.

“We’re extremely proud of the sacrifice our troops make every day,” Frcek said. “Doing this lets us give back in a small way and show our support for the hard work given by those in the armed forces.”

Originally founded three years ago in Jacksonville before relocating to South Florida, Boca Java specializes in selling bags of roasted coffee beans and tea to customers through its website www.bocajava.com.

The idea for sending coffee to overseas soldiers first occurred to Frcek in October 2003, approximately six months after the war first began in Iraq.

Figuring that coffee was something that could be useful as winter approached in Iraq, Frcek decided to go ahead and ship a number of bags to the area. The response from the soldiers was greater than he anticipated.

“A particular group of soldiers mailed a letter to me saying they were very appreciative of the coffee and that the gesture meant a lot to them,” Frcek said. “They even included a photo, signed by every member of the group, of an American flag flying over the spot of land in Iraq where they were camped.”

Encouraged by this answer, Frcek began sending more coffee to the troops once a month when he could for the next year-and-a-half.

The continuing show of gratitude from soldiers resulted in Frcek starting the “Operation Million Cup” program, which has been assisted by Boca Java’s customers.

“For every bag of coffee a customer donates, we match that donation by sending an equivalent bag of coffee overseas,” Frcek said. “In addition, customers can log on our website and write a personalized message to the troops that we include with the coffee shipments.”

One soldier who has been grateful for Boca Java’s efforts with “Operation Million Cup” is Staff Sgt. Andrew Keene, who is part of a 150-member infantry unit stationed in Iraq since May.

“Coffee has become a commodity of great morale support,” Keene wrote in a November e-mail to Frcek. “When we received your donation of 4,800 cups, we were astounded and greatly thankful. Also, with the holiday season upon us, it will be of great help.”

Frcek admits that the company has been slow in reaching its goal of one million cups-mostly the result of dealing with the effects of Hurricane Wilma and preparing to move its headquarters to Deerfield Beach.

“We are trying to deliver a big push for the last week, though. I think we can do it,” Frcek said. “Believe me, it’s worth it for what these guys are doing over there.”