Evan Williams Bourbon has announced the 2025 class of veterans selected for its annual American-Made Heroes program.

These individuals are recognized for their commitment to making a difference and exhibiting leadership in their communities and across the country.

First launched in 2015, the American-Made Heroes program has honored more than 60 veteran heroes through the American Hero Edition bottles, and donated $675,000 to nonprofits supporting veteran communities nationwide.

This year, Evan Williams will honor six veterans and the nonprofit organizations they represent on limited-edition bottles of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch.

Each of the six selected veterans is affiliated with organizations that were recipients of the 2024 Veteran Community Action Grants awarded by the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. First established in 2020, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund builds on the brand’s support of veteran communities through the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes program.

“Each year, we are humbled by the incredible veterans who continue to lead and inspire their communities,” says 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.”

The 2025 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes are:

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.

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