Introducing the 2021 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Program
Each year, Evan Williams celebrates being American made and owned with the release of limited-edition American Hero bottles. This year, the program features an updated bottle with new glass, curved blue label adorned with red and white stripes and stars, and blue capsule featuring the brand name on the bottle neck.
Recognizing Veterans
As in past years, the label recognizes six inspiring veterans who continue to answer the call to serve. Evan Williams is honored to be able to support their charities through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, and feature each of them on our Evan Williams American Hero Edition bottles this summer. Invitations to be featured as an American-Made Hero are extended to veterans the brand meets through the annual grant application process. The 2021 class of veterans is listed below along with the nonprofit they’re supporting through the program. We’ll be sharing more about these veterans on echo soon.
Roman Baca, New York, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps: Roman enlisted before 9/11 and went from performing classical ballet to serving with the 25th Marines. His dance training and military training come together at Exit12: a dance company that shares veterans’ stories of survival through powerful performance art. To learn more about Exit12 Dance Company, visit https://exit12danceco.org/.
Rita Aragon, Oklahoma City, Major General, U.S. Air Force (Ret.): As a young single mother, Rita made the decision to enlist in 1979. She retired after a decorated 28-year career, becoming the first female commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Today she continues to serve as Board President of Honoring America’s Warriors. To learn more about Honoring America’s Warriors, visit https://honoringamericaswarriors.org/.
Antione Hines, Chesapeake, Va., Petty Officer, U.S. Navy (Ret.): Antione served as a Submarine Nuclear Electrician for 10 years and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism. He is the Founder and CEO of Veteran’s HomeFront: a nonprofit organization supporting homeless, at-risk and disconnected veterans since 2016. To learn more about Veteran’s Homefront, visit https://www.veteranshomefront.vet/.
Michael Delancy, Pinellas Park, Fla., Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps: While serving with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines in Iraq, Mike came under enemy fire and was awarded the Purple Heart. In 2015 he founded the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch – a wheelchair-accessible sports park designed to inspire veterans to go out and be active. To learn more about the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch, visit https://woundedwarriorsabilitiesranch.org/.
Monique Brown, Tacoma, Wash., Staff Sergeant, U.S. Arm, Army Reserves, and National Guard (Ret.): Monique’s decorated military career included service in the Army National Guard, the Army Reserves, and 13 years of active duty. She retired after 26 years and founded FOB Hope – a nonprofit organization supporting homeless and vulnerable veterans in Washington State. To learn more about FOB Hope, visit https://www.fobhope.org/.
The Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund
Last year, Evan Williams established the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories, raising public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community, and supporting nonprofit organizations that help veterans and their families through a specialized grant program. Through the foundation, Evan Williams Bourbon was able to award over $70,000 to more than 30 nonprofit organizations that support veterans as a part of the American-Made Hero program.
In addition to the traditional special label, Evan Williams is excited to accept applications again in 2021 for the Veteran Community Action Grant through the American-Made Heroes Foundation. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for a one-time grant between $4,000 and $6,000. The application will be open through June 18 and an internal review committee will review applications to choose recipients. Thank you again to everyone who applied to be part of the grant review committee. The brand will donate up to $75,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that support the veteran community.
Grant applications are open to a variety of projects that help veterans including, but not limited to, initiatives in education, employment, the arts, recreation, housing, health, and human needs. Each project makes a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and improves the enjoyment and quality of life for veterans. The brand looks for programs and projects that embody Evan Williams’ values: hard-working, humbly confident, reliable, and imbued with American spirit.
To date, Evan Williams has recognized 42 veteran heroes on its American Hero Edition bottles and donated more than $375,000 to nonprofits including FOB Hope, Backpacks for Life, Combined Arms, and Hero’s Bridge.
Media Support
The Evan Williams American Hero Program will be supported this year with a new brand commercial, ‘Tried & True,’ that emphasizes the brand’s support and admiration of our military veterans and their service to both country and community. The commercial will be featured through digital and social media. Additionally, the brand has launched an updated website which highlights the new class of American-Made Heroes featured on the bottle and the American-Made Heroes Foundation.
https://vimeo.com/555352956/7a48be7d75
At retail, the 2021 program is supported with a number of point-of-sale items including a wooden barrel stave American flag display, pole topper featuring the six 2021 veterans, case tuckers and case cards featuring each veteran, and case cards and case talkers overviewing the 2021 program.
