Luis Martinez Jr. loves a good bourbon. He also loves helping his fellow veterans.
Martinez served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years and wanted to do something to unite his love for both.
Earlier this year, at the urging of friends, he founded the non-profit organization Whiskey Valor Foundation.
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The Whiskey Valor Foundation, headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia, about 80 miles south of Washington, D.C., is a “nonprofit organization that uses the bourbon community to raise awareness and funds to support veterans and their families.” Martinez told FOX News Digital.
While working with other nonprofits such as the Pat Tillman Foundation and the Travis Mannion Foundation, Martinez decided there was a need for an organization like his.
Luis Martinez Jr. spoke to Fox News Digital in detail about the Whiskey Valor Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans groups. (Fox News Digital)
“I find myself attending these events, we're doing great work for the community, and after it's over, I'm going to go have a bourbon or a beer.” Martinez said.
“And I'm a big bourbon whiskey fan. So I said, 'What if there was an organization that was centered around using bourbon and using that as a catalyst to support and promote veterans? 'I thought so.
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At the time, it seemed like “a crazy idea that would never work,” Martinez recalled.
“I suggested it to some friends, and maybe I have some crazy friends, but they were into the idea and encouraged me to move forward,” he said. said. “And a few months later, here we are, growing slowly but steadily.”
“After a few months, we are growing slowly but steadily.”
The organization is made up of Martinez, who works for the U.S. Department of Defense, and eight other volunteers, two active military and six veterans.
“Raise a glass for a good cause” is the Whiskey Baller Foundation’s slogan on its social media handles, which Martinez said has grown to “just over 400” followers on Instagram and 200-plus on LinkedIn. It is said that it has started.
The Whiskey Valor Foundation was established in 2024. (iStock; Whiskey Valor Foundation)
The Whiskey Valor Foundation “uses barrel picking to raise awareness and funds for individual organizations,” Martinez said.
Martinez said the first barrel selection is scheduled for January in partnership with Texas A&M University's VET+MAP (Veteran Talent Assessment + Matching Assistance Program).
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“We will continue to work with them to emphasize their message and their efforts,” said Martinez, a Texas A&M graduate.
He said: “We hope others will get involved and donate money for their cause. And we will be working with other organizations again.” .
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The Whiskey Valor Foundation's roadmap also includes several other initiatives.
“Unfortunately, there is a negative stigma against veterans and alcohol consumption, and we want to work to eliminate that,” Martinez said.
This includes educating veterans about responsible drinking and “providing mental health resources and safe drinking initiatives,” Martinez said.
The Whiskey Valor Foundation is not just limited to veterans. Open to all active duty U.S. military, reservists and their families. (St. Petersburg)
“One of our plans going forward is to partner with rideshare companies to give veterans and their families free rides when they go out drinking,” he added.
The Whiskey Valor Foundation is not just limited to veterans. Open to all active duty U.S. military, reservists and their families.
“If you have served, we want to build community with you and help you grow as an individual,” Martinez said. “And again, we’re just using bourbon as a catalyst to raise money for that.”
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Martinez's latest drink of choice is Blue Bolt 249, a limited release bourbon chosen by Maldonado's Whiskey Business, a non-production distillery.
Martinez said the owner, Army veteran Ivan Maldonado Jr., donated the bottles to the Whiskey Valor Foundation to help other veterans.
Blue Bolt 249 is a limited release bourbon bottle selected by Maldonado's Whiskey Business. (Luis Martinez Jr.)
Anyone interested in getting involved can help in a variety of ways.
“We want to do good in the community, but we need money to do that,” Martinez said, noting that donations can also be made online.
Similarly, “You can donate a bottle of bourbon or whiskey, and you decide how you want to use it,” Martinez said.
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“If you want us to raffle off an auction to raise money, or just want a veteran to try a hard-to-find bourbon they've never had before, we can do it.” Similarly . “
The organization's first in-person event will be held on Thanksgiving.
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“I plan to open my home to local veterans and active military members who don't have a place to go for Thanksgiving,” Martinez said. “And we're going to invite them into our house so they have somewhere to be and not be alone and they can eat home-cooked food.”
“We want to be able to reach out and help veterans and their families wherever they are.”
The Whiskey Valor Foundation currently serves the greater Washington, D.C., area, but Martinez hopes to expand its reach.
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“Ultimately, the goal is to become a national organization and maybe eventually a national or international organization,” Martinez said.
“Wherever our veterans and their families are, we want to reach out to them and help them. If they happen to like bourbon, even better.”
