The actor invested in Cole Hauser’s new coffee brand, which gives back to those who serve.
Mark Wahlberg and fellow actor Cole Hauser are on a mission to support active military and veterans, one sip of coffee at a time.
Mr. Wahlberg, 53, recently partnered with Mr. Hauser, 49, to become an investor and ambassador for the “Yellowstone” star’s new coffee brand, the Free Rein Coffee Company, which gives a portion of proceeds to those who serve, including first responders, nurses, and teachers.
During a recent interview with
Fox News, the actors discussed their mutual desire to give back to those who have kept America safe. Mr. Wahlberg, formerly known by his rapper stage name Marky Mark, called veterans and service members “the real heroes” of this country.
“Mark and I have been working to support active military and veterans for years,” Mr. Hauser explained. “It’s important to support our troops and those who serve our communities, uplifting them in any way we can.”
Mr. Hauser launched the coffee company last fall. “As a nation built on dreams and aspirations, we want to inspire the go-getters, the dreamers, and the believers to fuel their pursuits,” he
shared on Instagram on Oct. 11. “Just as the American Dream knows no boundaries, we aim to exceed expectations and create a legacy of our own—one that is deeply connected to our roots and the core values that shaped us.”
In line with the company’s mission, Free Rein supports a variety of organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Last fall, the actor
visited the former’s office in New York City to donate 700 bags of coffee to veterans and first responders. Free Rein also donates $1 for every order made.
“Special Operations Warrior Foundation is one that’s close to my heart. I serve on the board there and help raise money to support the children and the education of fallen soldiers,” Mr. Hauser told Fox News.
According to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation’s
website, the charity works to provide scholarships and other educational opportunities to “surviving children of fallen Special Operations Personnel and children of all Medal of Honor Recipients.” The organization also provides financial assistance to special operations personnel who are ill or have been badly wounded.
“Cole and I share an ongoing commitment to veterans and the belief that hard work is the destination, not just the path,” Mr. Wahlberg shared in a
press release. “I’m excited to help Free Rein advance its mission to Serve Those Who Serve.”
Supporting Veterans
Mr. Hauser credited Mr. Wahlberg’s “incredible platform” for helping to advance the Free Rein Coffee Company’s mission.
“Mark shares a similar patriotism and passion for supporting veterans,” he said in a statement. “We have both gone around not only our country, but the world to support them, and uplift them in any way we can.”
Speaking to Fox News, Mr. Hauser explained that he and “The Union” actor are also both avid supporters of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, an organization that provides mortgage-free homes to immediate family members of fallen service members who died in the line of duty.
“I am particularly proud of the work they are doing to eradicate veteran homelessness,” the actor explained.
In June, Mr. Hauser joined the organization for the groundbreaking ceremony of its latest housing project, the Bradenton Veterans Village, which is expected to be completed in 2025, per a
press release.
The development is located in Bradenton, Florida, about 45 miles south of Tampa, and is housed on 8.7 acres of land donated by Manatee County. In addition to an 84-unit apartment complex, the project will feature a community of 38 homes as well as lounges, a gym, a workforce development center, and a game room, among other amenities.
“Forever grateful to those who protect and serve. Free Rein was honored to be part of the @tunnel2towers groundbreaking in Bradenton, FL for the new Homeless Veterans Village,” Mr. Hauser’s company
wrote in a June 19 Instagram post. “Serving Bradenton’s first responders, veterans, and all who joined us was a true privilege.”
Celebrating First Responders
Earlier this year, Mr. Hauser’s efforts to assist the troops, veterans, and first responders were recognized by the Fort Worth Police Department, which made the actor an honorary police officer.
“Today I had the honor of being named an honorary member of the FWPD,” Mr. Hauser
wrote in an April 17 Instagram post. “I went with the Free Rein Coffee team to say thanks and drop off some American Dirt but they surprised me with this great crowd and touching ceremony.”
The police department shared on
X that Mr. Hauser was appointed an honorary officer “as a small token for his respect and support for the men & women in blue who serve our community and our military members and veterans.”
“We can’t wait to brew his new brand of coffee, @freereincoffeecompany,” the department continued, thanking the actor for his support of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and Tunnels to Towers.
