Skype Smoke Salute With Gold Cost Cigar Co.
A group of Soldiers in Afghanistan got a Christmas Eve surprise on Thursday morning. The owners of Gold Coast Cigar Company in East Northport, hosted over thirty patrons, to ignite Robusto Cigars in unison with America’s heroes via Skype Video Chat.
The idea to raise funds to buy and ship robusto cigars was a collective vision put together by the shop owners and a number of loyal gold coast customers, many of which are veterans who served our country during the Vietnam war. Every month, Gold Coast Cigar Company ships custom Robusto Cigars over to troops serving on the front lines in Afghanistan. But the group took their monthly mission of gratitude one step further for Christmas. They set up a special Skype call, to say thank you via video chat, while smoking Robusto Cigars at home and abroad united.
“These guys endure the worst imaginable scenarios on a daily basis. What keeps them going… is the simpler things. The few minutes they get together kicking back, laughing at jokes, over a couple of cigars is reminiscent of home and keeps them going strong. That’s why we send Robustos over. They burn fast, which is important, on account of the small amount of down time one gets in Afghanistan. It’s the least we can do… We hope this is just the beginning of a tradition, that becomes more of a monthly ritual.” – Lee S. of Gold Coast Cigar Co.
This was a much needed boost of morale in the wake of the suicide bomber attack that claimed the lives of Coram resident and New York Guardsmen, Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa, and Tech Sgt. Joseph Lemm, who was a former NYPD Detective. These men were members of the 105th Base Defense Squadron, a unique unit, charged with the mission of protecting the very same men who were skyping with Gold Coast Cigar Company.
The Video Chat lasted a little over 45 minutes. Frank G, the proud father of one of the Soldiers on the call, familiarized the troops with the guys who made it all happen; Lee S., Gold Coast shop owner, Alan, the creator of the Robusto Fund Box and Skype/IT man behind the scenes, Billy Smith. Everyone in the lounge area got acquainted with the Soldiers, while sharing special Christmas wishes. Those who previously served, introduced themselves by division and rank. The Soldiers on the call showed an incredible amount of mutual respect, saluting to each Veteran as they were formally introduced.
How to Get Involved
Stop by Gold Coast Cigar Co in East Northport and purchase Robusto Cigars for the Troops or drop off a monetary donation. Every month, members of the military currently serving abroad will receive boxes of Cigars and an invitation to Skype with us back home. Stop by and Support our Troops Today at Gold Coast Cigar Co. located at 246 Larkfield Rd, East Northport.
Phone: (631) 754-6639 Website: goldcoastcigarco.com
Disclaimer: For the Safety of our Troops overseas, Smithtown Today will never use the full names of Active Duty Military Personnel or the use of their coordinates/locations.