Supporting the military extends beyond offering a simple “thank you for your service.” For the dedicated men and women in uniform, receiving meaningful, tangible tokens of appreciation can have a profound impact. This is precisely why standing behind Cigars for Warriors is so essential. The organization sends premium cigars to deployed troops, offering a welcome moment of calm in environments where stress and uncertainty are the norm.
Mental health challenges faced by veterans and active-duty service members are well-documented, with conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression affecting many who serve. Professional medical care remains essential; however, having tools to decompress and alleviate everyday stress can be equally critical. A premium cigar, as humble as it may seem, can provide that vital pause to the harsh realities of serving in combat, long deployments, or floats. Premium cigars foster camaraderie, encourage conversation, and evoke familiar comforts reminiscent of time spent back home — helping service members stay connected to the life they temporarily left behind.
Coffee and cigars are the two most requested items from troops in combat zones, reflecting a need for both an energy boost and a means of relaxation. Established in 2012, Cigars for Warriors focuses on distributing premium cigars to all branches of the military serving in conflict areas or long-term deployments, including, in the past, locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The organization recognizes that these thoughtful packages are more than simple care items. Each cigar can conjure memories of friendly gatherings around a barbecue, family celebrations, or evenings spent unwinding with friends — a gentle reminder of home amid a challenging environment.
In many testimonials, service members describe using cigars to commemorate safe mission completions or to take a shared break from the realities of deployment. Such moments demonstrate that far from being mere luxuries, cigars are small but profound morale boosters. They foster mental well-being by providing a rare moment of normalcy in an otherwise high-stress situation.
A recent event hosted by the Congressional Cigar Caucus, in corroboration with Operation: Cigars for Warriors and the Premium Cigar Association, brought together the leadership of each organization to discuss how impactful these cigars are for service members and how Congress, CFW, and PCA can make more of an impact together. Attendees heard firsthand accounts of the effects of these care packages.
The round table also underscored the importance of openly discussing veterans’ mental health. Small gestures, such as a thoughtfully packed cigar shipment, offered a sense of connection and helped combat feelings of isolation. These sentiments served as a potent reminder that items like premium cigars can become symbols of solidarity, showing troops that their sacrifices are recognized by the people they defend.
Anyone seeking to support military service members tangibly is encouraged to contribute to Cigars for Warriors. Monetary and premium cigar contributions are always needed to help spread the word about Operation: Cigars for Warriors can be just as valuable. Each package that reaches a combat zone or remote deployment location delivers a brief respite from the pressures of duty and a clear message of gratitude and respect.
Continuing this mission of appreciation unites communities with a shared purpose: to uplift those who serve. Every cigar shipped through Cigars for Warriors is more than just a smoke — a reminder of home, a tangible gesture of support, and a boost for mental well-being. By acting — whether by donating, volunteering, or raising awareness — individuals can help ensure that these brave men and women know their sacrifices are noticed, honored, and appreciated.
For more information on Cigars for Warriors, visit https://cigarsforwarriors.org.