Pictured above, from left to right: Julie Birrenkott, Stevens Point Brewery’s Marketing Director; Jim Campbell, Never Forgotten Honor Flight’s Co-Founder and VP of Marketing; Colin Hanson, George’s son; and Joanie Hanson, George’s wife.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (January 13, 2020) – The Stevens Point Brewery raised $3,000 in support of the Wisconsin-based veterans nonprofit Never Forgotten Honor Flight with the help and support of a local veteran’s family.

Never Forgotten Honor Flight Donation

In homage to the late Stevens Point native George Hanson (November 22, 1946 – April 7, 2016), the brewery created a t-shirt that pays tribute to him and all veterans. George is pictured on the front of the shirt and the logo for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight is proudly displayed on the back. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is a non-profit organization that provides veterans with closure, gratitude, and respect, by flying them to Washington D.C. to visit their memorials.

Over the span of 3 months, 333 t-shirts were sold online and in the Stevens Point Brewery Gift Shop. $3,000 was raised in support of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, covering the flight for 6 veterans.

“George made a huge impact on the community,” said Melissa Wysocki, Social Media Manager for the Stevens Point Brewery. “This venture has been an amazing opportunity to work alongside George’s family. I have learned so many amazing stories about George from them, but also from members of the community that came in to buy the shirt. George continues to make an impact today. It’s with great pride that we were able to not only donate to a great cause, but to commemorate the donation in George’s memory.”

About George Hanson

George was an active community member, a dedicated Point Beer lover, and a Vietnam veteran. Below is the original photo of George that is displayed on the front of the shirt.

While serving in Vietnam in the early 1970’s, Hanson would regularly receive care packages from family back in central Wisconsin. Some shipments included cans of Point Special Lager. According to Julie Birrenkott, the Stevens Point Brewery Marketing Director, “We’re humbled by this photo. It was taken almost half a century ago from halfway around the world. It really puts the ‘home’ in hometown beer.”

About the Veteran T-Shirt

The Stevens Point Brewery will continue to sell the shirt and donate to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Sizes Small through XL cost $20, 2XL costs $22, and 3XL costs $23. The t-shirt is available online and at the Stevens Point Brewery Gift Shop. The Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday 9a.m. to 5p.m., and Saturday 10a.m. to 5p.m.