As a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over 28 years of honorable service, Tommie J. Banks has always led with heart, discipline, and a deep commitment to community. Today, as the founder of Veterans Own Brand and a full-time flight attendant, she channels those values into building a premium beverage and lifestyle company rooted in connection, storytelling, and social impact.

 

Veterans Own Brand was born from Tommie’s belief that meaningful conversation can spark healing, opportunity, and belonging. Throughout her life—whether in uniform, traveling the world, or gathered around a table—she witnessed how shared experiences and intentional spaces bring people together. The brand exists to create those moments, offering products that invite connection while giving back. With every purchase, a portion of proceeds supports veteran-focused causes, reinforcing a commitment to community beyond the product itself.

 

Tommie’s creative vision has been shaped by years of global travel, exposure to diverse cultures, and a lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship and design. Her background in structured leadership, combined with an eye for aesthetics and experience, informs every detail of the brand—from how it looks and feels to how it shows up in the world. A student of premium experiences and thoughtful hospitality, she believes quality is not just tasted, but felt.

 

Whether 30,000 feet in the air or in a room filled with conversation and laughter, Tommie is most at home where stories are shared. She believes everyone has something worth building and something worth telling—and Veterans Own Brand exists to honor service, inspire ownership, and create spaces.