Generous Pours
Celebrate 250 years of the American Spirit with Garrison Brothers. Join us in a toast to freedom and a tribute to all American heroes.

Raise Your Glass to America's Everyday Heroes

In 2026, our country celebrates 250 years of grit, courage, and the indomitable American spirit. At Garrison Brothers, we’re honoring that milestone the best way we know how—by raising a glass to the heroes who keep our communities strong each and every day.

From January 15th through March 31, 2026, we collected nominations for community heroes who embody service, sacrifice, and heart. Thanks to the incredible participation of our fans and community, we collected over 80 community hero nominations.

Thank You for Helping Us Honor America’s Everyday Heroes

Voting for this year’s Generous Pours heroes has officially closed. While voting has closed, their stories remain. Thanks to you, our community came together to recognize individuals who embody service, sacrifice, and the American spirit. Our team is conducting a final review of this year’s leading nominees to ensure each story reflects the spirit and integrity of the Generous Pours mission. Ten heroes will be selected as this year’s winners and will be notified via email on May 1, 2026.

Whey We're Doing This

Garrison Brothers has always believed that bourbon is best when it brings people together—and there’s no better time than America’s 250th birthday to honor those who embody the values that built this nation. But honoring heroes means more than storytelling. It also means supporting those who serve.

We encourage all fans, supporters, and friends of the distillery to donate directly to Boot Campaign, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and military families.

Community Hero Nomination Form

Click Here to View All Rules & Regulations

HEROES

14 VOTES
Firefighter Paramedic/ Veteran of USAF

Chris Wynslow

Chris is an amazing man who embodies changing the world everyday. Not only has he spent his entire life in service to the public and this country he continues to serve everyday. He’s
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4 VOTES
Elementary School Teacher / Army

Howie Bantle

I am nominating Howard (Howie) Bantle for his military service and his service to the local community. Howie served as an officer in the US Army from 2015 through 2022 and was a
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23 VOTES
USMC/ ATC

Wayne Barber

Served in the USMC as an air traffic controller. Father to 5 and husband of 23 years. Currently works for the department of transportation as an air traffic controller for the FAA. He’s
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94 VOTES
Air Force pilot captain

Brent Lyon

This is a man who gives to his family, friends and country. Serving As a young man Brent served his country in the Iraq war flying refueling planes to get our countries fighter
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4 VOTES
U.S. Navy/ U.S. Army

John Thompson

Served in military for ten years and continuing to serve his country by being law enforcement as a correctional officer for over ten years.
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3 VOTES
USCG Retired

John Webster

My husband has been my rock for 23 years. He has devotes himself to the Coast Guard and his family. He puts us first and works so hard to make sure we have
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127 VOTES
Construction/Army

Joe Cook

What is not to love about Joe? That is the phrase everyone says after meeting my cousin Joe Cook. His character embodies faith, love, strength, service to others and resilience. He is one
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1 VOTES
retired Dallas Police Sgt.

Al (Trey) Wagner

Trey spent almost 30 years serving with Dallas PD. There are many examples I could site, but one stands out more than all of the rest. On July 7, 2016 he was a
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1 VOTES
Master Chief/Navy

Ben Pierson

My father joined the United States Navy with the goal of providing a better life for his family while also embracing and developing his leadership abilities. Over the course of his career, he
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23 VOTES
Sargeant @ Hays County Sheriff's Office & U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Jeffrey Jordan

It is important to lead with the fact that 200-500 words are insufficient to adequately cover all Jeff does for the Community but I will do my best… Hays County Sheriff’s Office Sgt.
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2 VOTES
Military Training Instructor/U.S. Air Force

Kaitlyn Oquendo

My stepdaughter embodies service, sacrifice, and heart in everything she does. She graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate from Airman Leadership School, demonstrating exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to the Air Force
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2 VOTES
Chaplain/U.S. Air Force

Charles Cornelisse

My husband, Charles “Chuck” Cornelisse, has devoted his life to the military and to ministry. He first enlisted in the Navy right after the end of the Vietnam War and served as a
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441 VOTES
U.S. Navy Veteran

Bob Paulsson

I take great pleasure in nominating Bob Paulsson as a Garrison Brothers “Everyday Hero”. Bob is no ordinary hero however, he is a larger-than-life community presence representing Veterans, First Responders, and Educators alike.
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14 VOTES
Firefighter/Nurse/USMC

Matt Morales

The most hardworking, selfless person I know who never wants the credit. He loves and believes in God, family, friends (who he treats like family), and the freedoms afforded to us in this
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0 VOTES
Coach

Jason Malina

I am submitting this nomination to recognize an individual whose impact on our youth football program goes far beyond the expectations of a typical volunteer. While many contribute in meaningful ways, this person
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3 VOTES
Army

Steven Connell

Steven is a Purple Heart recipient whose service reflects the highest ideals of duty, sacrifice, and commitment to the United States. During his military career, he faithfully upheld his oath, serving honorably in
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708 VOTES
US Air Force

Ted Wagner

Garrison Brothers, thank you for honoring our heroes. This nomination is for a man, son, brother, husband, father and PaPa who protected our country from a cockpit. Major Theodore M. Wagner, retired United
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1 VOTES
State Trooper/ US Army Veteran

Matthew Hardy

Matt has served his community since he was 18years old. While serving in the US Army as a Sapper he also was an Emergency Medical Technician responding to 911 Calls in his off
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62 VOTES
U. S. Coast Guard

Carl Spence

After 19 years of active duty service as a Coast Guard Electronics Technician, Senior Chief Spence is preparing for his next chapter—and our local disc golf community is going to feel his absence
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0 VOTES
USMC

Mike Foster

Mike has sacrificed time, family, and his health to serve our country. Mike enjoys Garrison, Brothers bourbon whenever he can find it in Wisconsin. Regardless of the sacrifices he has made in the
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0 VOTES
United States Air Force and Department of Defense

Scott Fortier

42 years public service; 21 in the United States Air Force, 21 in the Department of Defense, working on some of the most important operations within our country, most notably Operation Neptune Spear,
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1 VOTES
Pasadena Fire/Paramedic

Mike Lucero

Since 1995, Mike Lucero has been involved with the profession of firefighting. First as an explorer then various positions as a pay call firefighter and service center SCBA certified repair specialist. Now Mike
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0 VOTES
Pennsylvania Army National Guard

Tyler Mellott

My husband is currently deployed to the southern U.S. border in support of Border Patrol operations. While he has been serving there, we welcomed our first child into the world — a baby
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0 VOTES
Firefighter/Captain

Chris Conrad

It is with great pride and sincere appreciation that we offer this recommendation for the recognition of Chris Conrad, a true pillar of our community. For more than 30 years, Chris has faithfully
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View All Heroes
Hero Nomination Form