The First Responder Whiskey Society has released this memorial whiskey bottle for the fallen members of Exercise Purple Star.  100% of the net proceeds will go back to support The Semper Fi & America's Fund.

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Pre-orders for this bottle will occur until August 29, 2024. After that time period, the orders will be made, and they will ship around September 12, 2024. This gives the distillery time to create bottles for the first batch of orders. Any orders after the pre-order time will take approximately 3 weeks for customers to receive their bottles. We appreciate your patience, as the bottles are all handmade!

*21+ OR OLDER ADULT SIGNATURE REQUIRED* - A 21+ or Older Adult Signature is required at the time of delivery. If you do not have someone there to sign for the bottle at delivery or coordinate with UPS to pick it up at one of their locations, it will be returned to the distillery, and you will be assessed an additional $25 shipping fee if you request to have it sent back out to you.

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Fourteen Marine, Army and Navy warriors were killed on May 10, 1996 in the mid-air collision of a CH-46E ” (BuNo. 165436) and an AH-1W (BuNo. 161022) from Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (HMM-266). They were operating off the USS Saipan (LHA-2) over North Carolina, doing a mock landing on shore during nighttime maneuvers.

The unit was participating in Operation Purple Star, a war game exercise involving 38,200 U.S. Forces and 15, 600 UK military troops. The incident occurred at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 2 Marines survived, the pilot and co-pilot of the Sea Knight (CH-46E). The aircraft came down in a muddy wooded area, tragically resulting in fatalities.

Maj. Michael D. Kuszewski, Westminster, Mass.
Capt. Scott T. Rice, Springfield, Mo.
1st Lt. Joseph R. Fandrey, Norfolk, Mass.
1st Lt. Arthur J. Schneider, Livingston, N.J.
Cpl. Brandon J. Tucker, Gaston, N.C.
Cpl. Brian L. Collins, Louisville, Ky.
Cpl. Britt T. Stacey, Roanoke, Va.
Cpl. Erik D. Kirkland, Lewisburg, Pa.
Lance Cpl. John P. Condello, Rochester, N.Y.
Lance Cpl. Jackie D. Chidester, Newark, Ohio
Lance Cpl. Jose L. Elizarraras, Orange, Calif.;
Lance Cpl. Jorge E. Malagon; Melrose Park, Ill.
Hospitalman Brent W. Garmon, New Bern, N.C. (US Navy)
Staff Sgt. Sean W. Carroll, Newburgh, N.Y. (US Army)

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This commemorative bottle of whiskey has been created by Liberty Call Distilling in San Diego California. The company is marine owned and a friend to all first responders. The bottle boasts superior quality work compared to other engravings because it is sandblasted, not just etched.

The whiskey is first aged in new 53 gallon medium charred American oak barrels for 2 years then rested in-barrel with Chilean Amburana Oak staves.  They’ve created a uniquely sweet, yet spicy bourbon whiskey. With hints of gingerbread and fresh vanilla on the nose, there is a pronounced sweetness on the palate while showing touches of oak, spice cake, nutmeg, and light brown sugar. 

The bottles can be shipped across the United States except for the restricted states of Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Utah, and Virginia.

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 First Responder Whiskey Society

Join The First Responder Whiskey Society!

The First Responder Whiskey Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3)(EIN #87-3987483) charity with one mission: to support first responders and their families in times of need. The charity has a membership of 12,600+ police, fire, military, medical, and family members from primarily the United States and other parts of the world. The values that guide our organization are camaraderie, loyalty, mental and physical wellness, and responsible consumption. Our motto of "Service Through Spirits" is something we take seriously. We prioritize charity and our members above all else and always strive to do things ethically because it is the right thing to do.