Charitable Partners
One dollar of every bottle sold goes to select veterans’ charities.Work Vessels for Veterans
WVFW has a great, to-the-point motto: Serving those who served for US. They are an all-volunteer movement that assists returning veterans with the necessary start-up tools to begin their civilian career or educational pursuits. Their initial fishing boat gift to an Iraq War veteran launched the first of many returning vets’ careers. WVFW is expanding its outreach to industries beyond fishing to help our returning military.
Like Salute American, WVFV is based on a “pay-it-forward” dynamic. They support veteran entrepreneurs who want to estab¬lish a business. Once that business starts to thrive, the/re able to hire more veterans. This ripple effect is not only great for our econ¬omy, it has a positive effect on the morale of our veteran service¬men and women. The result is ongoing economic success, stronger families and stronger communities.
Shaun Rankin
One Vet Inspired Our $25,000 Donation to WVFV. Many Will Benefit.
Navy Veteran Shaun Rankin’s story may seem like a fictitious action movie. In short, it is a painful reality. One that Shaun, his wife, Work Vessels for Veterans and Salute American Vodka can attest. However, thanks to individuals and organizations offering help, Shaun’s story is also one of hope. Best of all, it is a story where you can help shape U.S. Veterans’ futures.
Like many Navy recruits, Shaun wanted to see the world and make a career out of serving his country. Things didn’t go according to plan. Shaun was injured overseas and medically discharged with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken bones, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Shaun’s injuries eventually healed but he had to live with the many problems stemming from TBI and PTSD.
Shaun held a series of jobs in the printing profession. Due to his TBI- and PTSD-related issues, Shaun was unable to perform his job responsibilities. He lost his job, his car, and eventually his home. Soon he was living in a homeless shelter. While there, Shaun became involved in the HVRP program for homeless veterans and was put on the list for HUDVASH, awaiting housing.
Just when things were starting to look up, Rankin was mugged in a nearby park. Admitted to the ER as a near drowning victim with multiple injuries and near death, Shaun had to be resuscitated. He was brought back to life twice.
After a lengthy hospital stay, Shaun was discharged back to the shelter. Because of the cold-water injury, his feet suffered bilateral peripheral neuropathy. Rankin will have to use a walker or a cane for the rest of his life.
Shaun confided in a fellow veteran that he wanted to work but feared his injuries would make him unemployable. This veteran introduced Rankin to Adam Burke of Veteran’s Farms in Jacksonville, Florida, one of the projects WVFV funds.
At the farm, Shaun has been able to work at his own pace and has gained enough knowledge and experience to work with his disabilities. Rankin is now ready to operate his own farm where he’ll help returning Iraq and Afghanistan vets take the steps necessary to overcome their disabilities and become successful in the farming business.
Work Vessels for Veterans has been instrumental in helping Shaun gain the knowledge and resources necessary for success. The $25,000 Salute American is donating to WVFV will go toward farm equipment, supplies and housing for more veterans to work on the Florida farm.
For every bottle Salute sells, we will donate one dollar to approved veterans’ charities like WVFV.
Please join our cause. Raise a glass and Salute American.
