November 30th, 2020 was an evening to remember. Veterans In Media and Entertainment members were invited to the first “Virtual Coffee with Vets," hosted by ViacomCBS Veterans Network. Traditionally, “Coffee with Vets” would be held in-person in local coffee shops, across the nation. This year, however, as with all events due to the pandemic, Coffee with Vets went virtual. Veteran-Owned business, Trident Coffee, sponsored the coffee.
The conversation (over coffee) was moderated by Guest Host and Executive Producer, Mike Maas of KCBS who comes from an impressive family legacy of military service, including grandfather Albert Maas who rode with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. Among others, was Special Guest Speaker Joel Carpenter, a US Army Veteran and Producer, Writer, & Technical Advisor for Film & Television. And, special remarks by Rich M. Jones, EVP, General Tax Counsel and Chief Veteran Officer, ViacomCBS.
The ViacomCBS Veterans Network mission has always been to spread awareness and champion veteran initiatives internally and externally, and upholding the goal to reach as many veterans and military families as possible. With so many entertainment performers affected by COVID-19, it made sense to hold a joint-event with Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME).
The goal of the event was to bring the veteran and military community in creative industries together over a cup of coffee to become inspired in their media and entertainment careers.
Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME) is a nonprofit networking organization that unites current and former members of the military working in the film and television industry. As a non-profit, it is veteran-run by volunteers. VME is a professional association of US military veterans and service members working in, or aspiring to work in, media and entertainment. Members represent all facets of the industry, including creatives, studios, networks, agencies, production companies, trades, and unions/guilds. With over 4,300 members across the nation, their footprint spans film, television, commercials, digital media, theater, music, and gaming. VME is headquartered in Los Angeles with chapters in New York City and Washington, DC
“It is at the forefront of what ViacomCBS Veterans Network stands for, and that includes supporting the VME community and highlighting Veteran-Owned businesses such as Trident Coffee, a California-based cafe.” Said Tiffany Pilgrim, Veteran and Military Relations Coordinator.
As the virtual event came to a close, there were bonus gifts to be won. VME participants were given the chance to be entered into a random “Gift-Giving” shown on screen in a “Wheel of Fortune” style. Tiffany Pilgrim was the moderator and spun the wheel.
Three VME members were randomly selected to be gifted and shipped coffee — thanks to the generosity of our friends at Trident Coffee. Participants not selected were given a 20% off discount code to be put towards their first coffee.
Thank you to Trident Coffee our sponsor, and Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME) our invited guests, for participating and sharing a cup of coffee with us. We are truly grateful and look forward to holding more Coffee with Vets events in the new year!
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