Editor’s note: The following article originally appeared in the September 1918 Duffel Blog. The author die weeks later of the 1918 influenza pandemic.

ALBANY, N.Y. — Army Sergeant James Thomas has always been a step ahead of his peers, and now after returning home from the “Great War,” he has his sights set on a new venture never before tried in the veteran community - starting a coffee bean company.

That's right, Doughboys! After serving as an infantryman in the 106th Infantry Regiment, this Yankee Doodle is starting the "Trench Warfare Coffee Company" following six month in France and two doses of Hun mustard gas!

"Right after we broke through Hindenburg Line and took it to Krauts, I thought: Could really use cup of joe. STOP" Thomas said in a telegram interview. "Came up with this crazy idea. STOP. Start veteran-owned coffee biz! STOP"