Serving your country isn't an easy job. It takes guts, dedication, resilience, sacrifice. Not many people are built for that kind of life, but there's always demand. On good days, the sense of pride and solidarity reminds you why you do it. On hard days, you realize how much the little things are what get you through: a chat with a supportive buddy; getting to see your family; an encouraging word from a commanding officer; even the promise of a reward at the end of the day can be enough to push through. I remember being loaded down with gear, patrolling for hours in the hot desert sun, far from home and working hard to do right by my country and my comrades. The pressures of the job building, my surroundings nerve-wracking. Some days, an ice-cold beer was my oasis. Other days, I truly needed a lifeline. I can't imagine what would have happened if the resources I needed weren't there. That's why I created AWOL Brewery. When a soldier is rewarded with a beer call at the end of the day, I never want them to feel disappointed like I did with what was served up. When they can finally muster up the strength to ask for help (and I know how hard that can be to do) I want to make sure resources are available to them because I know how crucial they can be. When it's time to move on to civilian life and they aren't sure where to turn, I want them to know they have options, that another life awaits... and it's full of possibility. When it comes down to choosing what's in your glass, whether you're trying to unwind or celebrating, I want people to know that AWOL is more than just a beer.