Evan Williams Bourbon has rolled out its 2025 American-Made Heroes program, shining a spotlight on six remarkable U.S. military veterans who’ve gone above and beyond, both in service and in their communities. These heroes are being celebrated on special-edition bottles of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch, with their stories etched into every bottle’s hang tag. Since kicking off in 2015, this program has honored over 60 veterans and raised $675,000 for nonprofits that support the veteran community, making it a cornerstone of the brand’s commitment to those who’ve served.
Image credit: Evan Williams
The 2025 class of American-Made Heroes includes veterans from across the country, each tied to a nonprofit that received 2024 Veteran Community Action Grants from the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. These limited-edition bottles don’t just honor the veterans’ sacrifices—they also help fund organizations making a real difference for veterans nationwide. The Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch, a nod to the year Evan Williams founded Kentucky’s first distillery, is an extra-aged bourbon bottled at 90 proof. Priced at $23.99 for a 750ml bottle and $37.99 for a 1.75L, this year’s batch was handpicked by the heroes themselves, straight from the barrels. Meanwhile, the Kentucky Straight Bourbon, priced at $24.99 for a 1.75L bottle, proudly showcases one of the six nonprofits tied to these veterans.
Image credit: Evan Williams
What makes Evan Williams stand out is its deep-rooted American identity. As an American-made and American-owned brand, it’s all about celebrating the grit, leadership, and sacrifice of veterans. Carrie Shain, the senior brand manager at Evan Williams Bourbon, summed it up: “We’re humbled every year by these incredible veterans who keep leading and inspiring. These bottles bring their stories to bourbon fans across the country, reminding us all of the courage and strength that define America.”
Let’s meet the 2025 American-Made Heroes and the incredible work they’re doing:
Ralph Galati from Wallingford, Pennsylvania, served as a Captain and ASTRA Officer in the U.S. Air Force. A former prisoner of war in Vietnam, Ralph didn’t stop serving when he came home. He worked at the Pentagon and later joined the board of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, a group dedicated to honoring local veterans and keeping their sacrifices in the spotlight.
Chuck Ziegenfuss, a Major in the U.S. Army from Decatur, Texas, faced life-changing injuries during his service in Iraq. His service dog, Major, became his lifeline during recovery, inspiring him to start Hero Labradors. This nonprofit breeds puppies for service dog programs, providing them to veterans at no cost to help with physical and emotional healing.
Son Nguyen, a Petty Officer Second Class in the U.S. Navy from Corona, California, had his military career cut short by injuries. But that didn’t stop him from serving. He founded VETCares Inc., which offers therapy, financial support, and education to help veterans transition to civilian life, giving them the tools to rebuild and thrive.
April Brown, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army from Lexington, Kentucky, spent nearly 30 years advocating for veterans’ rights. Now, she volunteers with multiple nonprofits, including The Kentucky National Guard Memorial, a place that honors the sacrifices of local service members and keeps their legacy alive.
Alvin King, a First Sergeant in the U.S. Army from Blythewood, South Carolina, faced a tough road adjusting to civilian life after 20 years of deployments. To help others in similar situations, he launched the Range Fore Hope Foundation, which uses golf to promote veterans’ health and well-being, offering a unique way to connect and heal.
Erica Walker, a Sergeant/E5 in the U.S. Army from Alex, Oklahoma, broke barriers as one of the first women in a combat-related role before becoming an HR specialist supporting 289 soldiers. Today, as the Executive Director of The Warriors for Freedom Foundation, she provides mental health programs to help veterans navigate life after service.
These veterans aren’t just names on a bottle—they’re living examples of resilience and service. Each bottle of Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch and Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a tribute to their stories, with proceeds going to the nonprofits they champion. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, launched in 2020, takes this mission further by awarding grants to veteran-focused organizations, ensuring the support keeps flowing.
Evan Williams, the flagship bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, has been a leader in American whiskey for years. Founded in 1783 on the banks of the Ohio River, the brand stays true to its roots, crafting bourbon the old-school way. Beyond the bottles, Evan Williams celebrates American spirit through initiatives like Bourbon Nation, a partnership with Learfield that brings the brand to college game days at schools like the University of Florida, Ohio State, and Alabama. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Kentucky, a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, also invites fans to dive into the history of this iconic spirit.
For bourbon lovers, veterans, and anyone who values service, these bottles are more than just a drink—they’re a way to honor heroes and support their causes. To learn more about the 2025 American-Made Heroes and the foundation fund, check out american-madeheroes.com. Grab a bottle, raise a glass, and toast to the veterans who keep the American spirit alive.
