Liquor Depot employees Maria Favaron, Cecelia Countryman, Evan Isgar (with “Hooch,” the store mascot) join Sgt. Maj. Vince Makela as he introduces his Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey. (Photo by Joel J. Plue)

Local Event Introduces Sgt. Maj. Vince Makela, ‘12 Strong’ Inspiration

By JOEL J. PLUE
ONEONTA

This past weekend, the spirit of patriotism was alive and well at Oneonta’s Liquor Depot as retired Army Sergeant Major Vince Makela—one of the first responders from the U.S. military to land in Afghanistan after 9/11—was on hand to introduce his new whiskey.

Makela’s enthusiasm, skill, and knowledge of the military have inspired a Hollywood movie and have served as an inspiration to many young men and women interested in joining the armed forces.

Deployed overseas following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Sgt. Maj. Makela and his men were among the American military’s first boots on the ground in Afghanistan after 9/11 and the inspiration behind Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey.

Crowds gathered on Saturday, June 24 with great enthusiasm to meet Makela and to sample his award winning All-American whiskey. Reminders flowed of the brave soldiers who rode horseback to track down the Taliban in a special mission for the United States military. This action was later detailed in the blockbuster film “12 Strong,” starring Chris Hemsworth, and in numerous books and documentaries.

Evan Isgar, an employee of Liquor Depot, said, “We are incredibly excited to have Sgt. Maj. Vince Makela in the store today. We have never had an event like this. It’s an honor to support his product and achievements.”

The event began at 12:30 p.m. with much enthusiasm, as attendees snapped photos, enjoyed samples of the Horse Soldier Bourbon whiskey varieties, and had their own bottles signed by Makela. Professing his personal favorite to be the Horse Soldier Barrel Proof [Reserve], he described the non-chill filtering and his satisfaction in draining a glass of it in the summertime with one big chunk of ice.

Makela also offered words of wisdom to those who may seek a career in the armed forces.
“The military will give you the training, skills and knowledge to go forward in any direction you choose. You can take your career with the military as far as you want,” he said.

Remembrances of September 11 were renewed as the crowd discussed where they were when they learned of the attack and the tremendous impact it had made upon their lives.

A retired New York City police officer present said of the event, “I recently moved here from the city. September 11th holds a special and tragic place for me—I had many close friends pass away that day. The feeling of closeness and patriotism we shared as a country in the aftermath was inspiring, but unfortunately now a lot of that has been lost over time. Coming into the store today and regaining at least some of that patriotism we were all a part of back then was such an experience.”

The Liquor Depot event provided a reminder of the patriotism and bravery that exists within our country. To learn more about the mission of the 12-member Operational Detachment Alpha 595 Special Forces team—known as “The Horse Soldiers”—visit https://horsesoldierbourbon.com/.