CRNA and Army Colonel Launch Coffee Brand Supporting Nurses, Veterans and Animals
- Lights Out Coffee donates to veterans, no-kill shelters, and nurse advocacy, making it a mission-driven brand nurses can feel good supporting.
- Founded by a CRNA and Army Reserve Colonel, the company blends healthcare insight with military discipline to create coffee tailored to busy professionals.
- The brand is quickly gaining traction in the nurse community thanks to its authentic story, charitable focus, and high-quality roasts.
What do you get when a CRNA, an Army Reserve Colonel, and a lifelong servant leader builds a coffee brand from scratch? A mission-driven company nurses cannot stop talking about.
Lights Out Coffee Company was created by David M. Ward, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and Army Reserve Colonel who turned his passion for service, healthcare, and entrepreneurship into something bigger than caffeine. The brand blends his military background, his experience putting patients under anesthesia, and his commitment to giving back. It has quickly become a favorite among nurses, veterans, and animal lovers who want a morning brew that actually makes a difference.
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Coffee That Cares: A Triple-Charity Model
Ward built Lights Out Coffee with purpose in mind. Ten percent of profits support three causes that reflect his own life and values: veterans' organizations, no-kill animal shelters, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Political Action Committee. In a new company’s first months, this kind of commitment stands out.
The brand is already gaining attention. In the first six weeks, Lights Out Coffee reached 100 sales, which is a solid launch for a new small business. Nurses and other healthcare professionals are responding to the mission, especially those who prefer to support companies that share their values.
Ward’s early outreach reflects his dedication to the nursing community. Lights Out Coffee donated coffee to a nurse anesthesia meeting in Colorado, which helped create early visibility for the brand. Small gestures like this help build trust, something nurses look for in the companies they support.
Why Nurses Should Pay Attention
Coffee is essential for many nurses. Long shifts, overnight work, and high-stress situations make caffeine more than a convenience. Ward likely understands this firsthand as a practicing CRNA. He designed Lights Out Coffee to meet the needs of healthcare workers who rely on a reliable caffeine boost to stay alert.
The company is not just selling coffee. It is building community. Many nurses value brands that support advocacy, service, and animal welfare, and Ward’s triple-charity focus speaks to all three. With every bag of coffee, customers know they are helping veterans, supporting no-kill shelters, and strengthening the voice of nurse anesthetists.
Ward’s first target audience is the 65,000 CRNAs across the United States. From there, he plans to expand into the broader healthcare and military communities.
Brewing Connections Beyond the Coffee Cup
Ward is using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to create a space where nurses, veterans, and coffee lovers can connect. He shares stories that tie coffee moments to real experiences in service-driven professions. It is the type of content nurses like to scroll through while enjoying a cup of coffee before work or winding down after a shift.
He also has plans for an upcoming charity motorcycle run in Spring 2026. The event will bring together nurses, veterans, and supporters to raise funds for his charity partners. These activities can help build a sense of community and remind participants why support and service matter.
@david.m..ward #drinklightsout #coffeetiktok #coffee #caffeinication #caffeineaddiction ♬ original sound - Lights Out Coffee Company
A Business That Reflects Nursing Values
Ward’s path from military service to healthcare to entrepreneurship shows what is possible when nurses bring their skills and values into new industries. Lights Out Coffee Company reflects the resilience, loyalty, and heart that nurses and service members share.
For nurses looking for great coffee that also supports important causes, this brand is an easy choice. You get high-quality coffee, you support a colleague’s small business, and you contribute to charitable work that has real impact.
If you want to learn more or try the coffee yourself, visit drinklightsout.com. Your next favorite brew might also become your next favorite way to give back.
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