A U.S. Navy veteran, Coffey heads up the Naperville-based Bernard Coffey Veterans Foundation, which he organized to provide an array of support services, including resources for returning vets, assistance for those with post traumatic stress disorder and residential help for homeless veterans and military. He also hosts "The Veterans Show," a weekly radio program that airs from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Thursdays on WBIG (1280 AM) in Aurora.