The 2025 class of American-Made Heroes honors six U.S. military veterans whose service and community leadership will be featured on special edition Evan William Bourbon bottles nationwide.
Since launching the program in 2015, Evan Williams has recognized over 60 veterans and contributed $675,000 to nonprofit organizations that support veteran communities. The six veterans selected this year will appear on the American Hero Edition bottles of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch.
Special Edition Bottles Celebrate Service and Sacrifice
The Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch American Hero Edition, named in honor of the brand’s founding year, is bottled at 90 proof. This year’s edition was selected straight from the barrel by the 2025 class of American-Made Heroes. Each bottle includes a hang tag that shares the stories of all six honorees. The suggested retail price is $23.99 for the 750ml bottle and $37.99 for the 1.75-liter.
Additionally, Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon 1.75-liter bottles will spotlight one of the six nonprofit organizations represented by the honorees. These organizations were also recipients of the 2024 Veteran Community Action Grants from the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The suggested retail price of the 1.75 L bottle of Evan Williams is $24.99.
Veteran Community Support Through the American-Made Heroes Program
Launched in 2020, the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund builds on the brand’s commitment to supporting veterans. All six honorees in 2025 are associated with organizations that received the Foundation’s grants in 2024. “Each year, we are humbled by the incredible veterans who continue to lead and inspire their communities,” said Carrie Shain, senior brand manager at Evan Williams Bourbon. “This year’s American-Made Hero Editions bring their stories into the hands of Bourbon lovers nationwide, serving as a reminder of the bravery and resilience that define the American spirit.”
Meet the 2025 American-Made Heroes
- Ralph Galati – Wallingford, PA – Captain, ASTRA Officer, U.S. Air Force
After being held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, Ralph came home and continued to serve his country, working at the Pentagon. Later, he became a board member for the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, which stands to honor and celebrate local veterans. - Chuck Ziegenfuss – Decatur, TX – Major, U.S. Army
Fifteen years after joining the military, Chuck sustained life-threatening injuries in Iraq. His service dog, Major, helped him heal. This led him to found Hero Labradors, which provides purpose-bred puppies to service dog training programs at no cost to veterans. - Son Nguyen – Corona, CA – Petty Officer Second Class, U.S. Navy
Son fulfilled his dream of serving his country when he enlisted as a Navy Radioman. When injuries cut his military career short, he found a new way to serve. He started VETCares Inc., which helps veterans adjust to civilian life via therapy, financial aid, and education. - April Brown – Lexington, KY – Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army
After serving her country for nearly 30 years, advocating for her fellow veterans’ rights, April turned to serving her community. She volunteers for several veteran-focused nonprofits, including The Kentucky National Guard Memorial, a space to honor the sacrifices of local veterans. - Alvin King – Blythewood, SC – First Sergeant, U.S. Army
After numerous deployments over his 20 years of service, Alvin’s readjustment to civilian life was challenging. Wanting to help veterans in similar situations, he founded the Range Fore Hope Foundation, which promotes golf as a resource for improving their health and well-being. - Erica Walker – Alex, OK – Sergeant/E5, U.S. Army
Erica began her career as one of the first women in a combat-related military occupational specialty, and ended it as a HR specialist caring for 289 soldiers. She became the Executive Director of The Warriors for Freedom Foundation, providing mental health support programs to veterans.
To learn more about the honorees and the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, visit american-madeheroes.com.
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