Behind The Name: 4 Spirits Distillery
Dawson Officer, Founder of 4 Spirits Distillery, shared Behind The Name:
"So, why “4 Spirits Distillery?” Many people think it relates to four different kinds of liquors that will be produced at my distillery.
This definitely is in the long-term business plan, and we will ultimately work to develop and distribute a martini-grade Vodka, Rum, Whiskey and whatever other distilled spirits that may inspire us.
The true story, however, is so much more meaningful. I read a poll sometime in 2009 stating that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were rated as very low concerns to the American public at that time.
Jobs, the economy and several other topics dominated the polls and left the foreign wars at a disappointing 1% of public concern. I felt compelled to do something about this lack of regard for our patriotic duties and send a reminder to everyone that the wars are still far from over. Many soldiers are still overseas fighting for our country to this day.
After their tours are complete, they will come home to a whole new set of challenges while facing reintegration into their former civilian lives; a much different world than what was all-encompassing to them for so long at war.
Because of this, I have dedicated the distillery to all U.S war veterans and active service members so that we should never forget their service and their sacrifice to our country. More specifically and on a very personal level, I have dedicated the distillery to the casualties of four combat soldiers who I served with in the Oregon National Guard 2 Battalion, 162 Infantry Brigade. They are Lt. Erik McCrae, Sgt. Justin Linden, Sgt. Justin Eyerly and Sgt. David Roustum. These four men lost their lives in 2004 serving in Baghdad, Iraq. We were combat soldiers at that time and fought side by side with each other in Delta Co. 2-162 Infantry. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t see their faces and think about their loss, and the events before and after their service to this country. I will forever honor their courage and sacrifice."
Join STRONG FOR VETERANS on 18 October at the Oregon Historical Society for our Program on Creating Success. Veteran Entrepreneurs Dawson Officer, Former Army Ranger and Founder of 4 Spirits Distillery; Former Army Ranger and Combat Flip Flops Co-founder Matthew "Griff" Griffin & CSM Shane S. Lake, Oregon State CSM (2012 - 1 Oct 2016) will share their stories. They will be joined by Gold Star Dads Wendall Pelham II and Mr. Tom McKinley. Hear what they are doing to honor their sons.
Our programs are free and all are welcome.
Very Respectfully, Sara Carlson - Sister, Daughter, Friend
Management Consultant
8 年Wendall Pelham
Former Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) federal law enforcement professional, with over 24 years of experience, now working in the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) area of the financial services/banking sector.
8 年After coming off of active duty in the Army in the late 80's, I came back home to Oregon to go to college. I also joined the Oregon National Guard while I was going to school, serving with C Co., 162nd Infantry out in Gresham, OR, in the late 90's. I love the fact that the distillery is dedicated to these four fallen soldiers, keeping their enduring memories alive.