PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) — Sunday marked National Beer Day, and while there's no shortage of options in West Michigan, one brewery offers something special for veterans year-round.
With beer names like Oatbama — an oatmeal stout — and a hefeweizen called Thomas Hefferson, it doesn't take long for new customers to pick up on the patriotic theme at Presidential Brewing Company on Portage Road in Portage.
The USA-rooted energy led the owners, Kayleigh and Jake Lohse, to an idea that gives veterans recognition and a free beer.
For $4.75, anyone can purchase a special brown tag, write a message to the brave men and women who've served this country, and hang it on the veteran wall. Veterans can then pick a tag off the wall and exchange it for a free beer.
"We found that people really want to say thank you. They want to have a way to express their gratitude, but sometimes it's hard to find ways to do that," Kayleigh Lohse said.
Staff Sgt. Chad Waller is still active duty with the U.S. Air Force. He's usually working on massive military transport aircraft, but enjoyed a free brew on Sunday.
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