BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WAVE) – While driving home from work, former U.S. Marine Corps veteran Rick Franco had the idea to honor his fallen comrades.

“When you hear voices in your head, it’s usually a good idea not to listen to them,” Franco said. “But every once in a while you can listen to one.”

Rick Franco is one of the four co-founders of Four Branches Bourbon. Each co-founder served in a different branch of the military.

The men share a brotherhood through service and a bond through bourbon. Both brought them to Nelson County.

“When we first started, of course, you know me, Rick and Mike said, ‘Hey, we’re going to have to do a lot of homework, right?’ » » Co-founder of Four Branches Bourbon and US Marine Corps. » said veteran Harold Underdown. “So where are we going?” We’re going to Kentucky.

They work with Bardstown Bourbon Company, whose CEO also served in the military for over 25 years.

A portion of their sales is donated to organizations that care for veterans and their families, including the Third Option Foundation and Folds of Honor.

Franco says the brand’s impact is much greater because it helps combat the stigma surrounding substance abuse and military mental health.

“We have a veteran working for us in East Tennessee,” Franco said. “He said ‘Rick, you and Four Branches gave me a reason to get off the couch and move again.’ It is the greatest honor.

Although they offer a product worthy of recognition, it is the message behind the mission that matters most to these men.

“What we do is more than just bourbon,” Franco said. “Bourbon is phenomenal if you choose to drink it, but that’s the message.”

“We offered honorable service, drink honorably,” Underdown said. “And more importantly, we’re saying we don’t want you to drink to forget anymore.” We want to sip to remember.

Sales is just one way they continue to serve the company.

Both Frano and Underdown will be in Louisville Thursday evening as guests at the Kentucky Museum exhibit. Tribute to Veterans Bourbon Tasting.

In addition to contributing to nonprofit organizations, the company also hosts giveaways and partners for auctions that have raised more than $400,000.

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