Evan Williams Bourbon, the flagship brand from Heaven Hills Distillery, today announced the veterans selected as the 2020 American-Made Heroes.
In this annual campaign — which regularly places highly in our Advertising and Promotions Awards — each veteran recognized will receive a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice, through the recently launched American-Made Hero Foundation, as well as their picture and story on the side of the label.
This special edition of Evan Williams Black Bourbon celebrates the stories of military veterans, chosen for their acts of service at home and abroad. The 2020 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes were chosen from over 6,500 nominations and are featured on more than 360,000 bottles available nationwide.
The 2020 American Hero edition label features red and white stripes framing a blue background featuring star imagery and “American Hero Edition” in bold red font on the face. Displayed on the side of each bottle is one of the brand’s taglines, “American Owned, American Made, American Proud.”
Each Evan Williams American-Made Hero is featured on the side of the label with their picture, name, military title and distinguished story.
“We are proud to kick off the sixth year of the Evan Williams American-Made Hero program by lifting up these extraordinary veteran stories and support veteran-related causes through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund,” says Julie Cole, Evan Williams bourbon brand manager. “We are honored to celebrate veterans who uphold the American spirit.”
Evan Williams has expanded its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. Due to the national impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund focused its inaugural efforts with the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, which awards donations to nonprofit organizations that serve the veteran communities negatively impacted by the coronavirus.
Media and advertising support for the 2020 program include national digital and social media campaigns, a website, off-premise display pieces, and point of sale featuring the veteran stories and the new American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund.
The 2020 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes are:
- Robin Harder, Mico, TX, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (Ret.): As a Cryptologic Linguist, Robin’s 20-year career took her everywhere from Germany to Afghanistan. She is the founder of the Women Veterans of San Antonio: a non-profit group that serves, honors, and empowers women Veterans in her community. Robin has chosen to donate to ReGroup Foundation.
- John “JC” White, Martinsville, VA, U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms (Ret.): J.C. first served in the U.S. Navy during Operation Desert Storm and re-enlisted after 9/11. He went on to complete five more tours of duty. Over the years, he has volunteered as a Special Olympics coach, provided services to the homeless, and mentored at-risk youth. J.C. has chosen PAWS for Purple Hearts as his charity.
- Jonathan Hiltz, Marion, IL, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal: Jonathan served as a Nuclear Biological & Chemical Defense Specialist in Iraq. Today, he serves other veterans as a Peer Support Specialist. He established two non-profits, the Arise Veteran Foundation and Love Goes, to help alleviate poverty and support the homeless. Jonathan has chosen Love Goes as his charity.
- Mary Tobin, Atlanta, GA, U.S. Army Captain (Ret.): Mary began her 10-year military career at West Point, deployed twice to Iraq, and was awarded the Combat Action Badge. As regional Executive Director of The Mission Continues, she helps veterans take charge of community service and revitalization projects across the U.S.
- Eduardo “Eddie” Ramirez, Fairfield, CA, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant (Ret.): Always driven to serve, Eddie capped off his decorated, 22-year military career by going to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs. His experience led him to establish OneVet OneVoice: a veteran advocacy group focused on healthcare, education, housing, and employment. Eddie has chosen OneVet OneVoice as his charity.
The American Hero Edition bottle is available nationally for a suggested retail price of $24.99 for the 1.75-L and $12.99 for the 750-ml. It is bottled at 86 proof.
