FAST FACTS
- Hauser supports both the U.S. military and first responders through his Free Reign Coffee Company
- Hauser started Free Reign in 2020
- Hauser was inspired to give back to veterans after his first visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Cole Hauser makes a great effort to give back to those who have served our country.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Hauser said he has always had respect for those who served in the U.S. military, as his grandfather was a Marine who served in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He plans to spend Veterans Day helping those who served in the military.
“I mean, it’s a day to remember, and a day to recognize some of the brave people of this country throughout our history. So we will continue to do that,” he told Fox News Digital.
“We have some great things in store. I think I’m in New York right now, which I’m excited about at Tunnel of Towers (Foundation). Obviously, I’m on the board of special operations for the Warrior Foundation, so we’re going to do good things there. And then we’re just going to continue spreading the good word.
‘YELLOWSTONE’ STAR COLE HAUSER SAYS KEVIN COSTNER TEACHED HIM TO BE ‘A GENTLEMAN ON SET’: ‘IT’S INSPIRING’
Cole Hauser plans to spend Veterans Day with various foundations to help those who have served in the military. (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
A journey to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where Hauser met returning veterans who had lost limbs or faced other hardships, led the actor to wonder how he could help them understand that “life isn’t over yet” and “help them see the light” .
WATCH: Cole Hauser will give back to those who served in the military on Veterans Day
“I met a guy who I think was 26 years old, and it was my first visit to Walter Reed,” he said. “And I walked into the room and for some reason, as fucked up as he was, he had a sense of humor. And so I kept going back for the next four days and I became very close to him. And we made jokes. In fact, I got him from Walter Reed. He was a double amputee.”
He continued, “And about three months after I got him out, Walter Reed, and tried to help with not only his education, but a place to stay, he ended up taking his own life. I think that has definitely changed. my feeling(s). I can’t let this happen on my watch anymore. There must be people like me doing or doing these things to raise awareness.
WATCH: ‘Yellowstone’ Star Cole Hauser’s Visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center Changed His Life
Hauser helps veterans and first responders in many ways, including through his coffee company Free Reign. One of the company’s initiatives, called “Buy a Bag, Give a Cup,” where for every bag of coffee Free Reign donates a cup of coffee or its equivalent to all veterans, active duty military, first responders, nurses and teachers purchased coffee .
Cole Hauser was inspired to give back to veterans after his first visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. (Getty Images)
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The “Yellowstone” actor explained that it was important to him that his first company feel “very patriotic and American,” noting that everyone else “involved in (his) team all feels the same way.”
“I think what I was interested in and still am very interested in and means as much as the beans care for veterans and first responders, teachers, people across the country. For every bag you buy, we provide a cup . So this is kind of our ethos,” he explained “This is why I started it. I haven’t been doing this for coffee for 20 years, but I’ve been to Walter Reed. I’ve been to Fisher House. I’ve been to Afghanistan. You know, I’ve been to bases all over the country, so that interests me too.”
WATCH: Cole Hauser explains why he wanted his coffee company to have a “patriotic feel.”
“I mean, it’s a day to remember, and a day to recognize some of the brave people of this country in our history. So we’ll continue to do that.”
One of the people Hauser is working with on Free Reign is an actor Mark Wahlbergwho Hauser admits has “done a lot on his own to help not only veterans, but also first responders.” The famous actor is an investor and brand ambassador for the coffee brand.
WATCH: Cole Hauser shares what it’s like to have Mark Wahlberg work at his company
“It’s just been a blessing to have him come in and be a part of it and help bring even more awareness,” Hauser said. “So I’m very proud of what he’s done in his life and career. But to have him be part of the Free Reign team is pretty special.”
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Cole Hauser, left, is proud that Mark Wahlberg is involved with his Free Reign coffee brand. (Getty Images)
Hauser returns in the bottom of the fifth and final season of ‘Yellowstone’ premieres on Sunday, November 10.
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Lori Bashian is an entertainment production assistant for Fox News Digital.
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