October 27, 2024: John Kulhavi / PuroClean / Heritage Distilling Co

Our first guest this week is Brigadier General John G. Kulhavi, US Army (Ret.)

BG John G. Kulhavi is the subject of the book, “No Soldier Left Behind: The Life and Times of Brigadier General John G. Kulhavi, United States Army, Ret.” by Dr. Don Steele.

From the book’s Amazon description:

In this book, Gen. Kulhavi reveals much of his public and private life, sharing essential wisdom and knowledge through a series of intimate conversations with me, Dr. Don Steele. In addition, I conducted many interviews with others who have been a significant part of John’s life.

John Kulhavi and I were roommates at Central Michigan University (CMU). I earned my bachelor of science and master of arts degrees from CMU and my PhD from the Ohio State University. John earned two bachelor’s degrees, a teaching certificate, and a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) commission as second lieutenant. We were also Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity brothers.

John and I embarked on very divergent career paths after completing our undergraduate degrees at CMU. He entered the military after he earned his second lieutenant bars through the CMU Reserve Officers’ Training Program (ROTC). While serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, he flew over three-hundred combat missions. Throughout his military career, he earned two Distinguished Flying Cross Awards, a Purple Heart, a Legion of Merit award, twenty-two Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and sixteen other awards. John also earned his Master Aviator Wings. The capstone of his military career was earning the rank of brigadier general.

After John retired from the US Army, he served in the Army Reserve and became a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch. While at Merrill Lynch, he created the first financial advisory team in the brokerage industry. How this happened is very interesting.

We’ll also feature an interview with our newest sponsor, PuroClean!

Host Jim Fausone talks with PuroClean franchisee Jessie Wines about services offered and their culture. Since its founding in 2001, PuroClean has become one of the leading property damage remediation franchise organizations in North America. Learn more about PuroClean here. 

Dale also talks with co-founders of the Heritage Distilling Co, Sara and Drew Kellerman

The Kellermans are co-founders of the Heritage Distilling Co, the largest independently owned craft distillery in the Pacific Northwest and the most-awarded craft distillery in North America from the American Distilling Institute. Heritage is a longtime supporter of military and Veteran related nonprofits and features two series that honor our Veterans: The Special Operations Salute and Service to America Salute brands. Learn more about the Salute Series here.

From the Salute Series website:

Heritage Distilling Company’s ties to the military run deep and we are unapologetically proud of and grateful to those who serve our nation.

Part of our HDC Family are two military veterans who also happen to be co-founders of Heritage Distilling Co. It was at Drew and Sara Kellerman’s backyard firepit over 12 years ago where the idea to open a distillery was first voiced by co-founders Justin and Jennifer Stiefel (HDC’s CEO and President, respectively). Fast forward these many years later, Heritage Distilling Co. has been the most awarded craft distillery in North America by the American Distilling Institute for 10 years running.

Drew and Sara met at the University of Colorado, Boulder and graduated in 1991 during the first Gulf War as second lieutenants through the Army ROTC program.

Drew accepted a Regular Army commission as an Infantry officer. After attending Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School and Ranger School, he was assigned to 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light). From 1992 to 1995, he served honorably as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer, all with the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds”.

Sara has over a decade of military leadership experience as a commissioned officer, UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot, Flight Instructor & Unit Commander. She was responsible for the training, morale, fitness, and overall combat readiness of pilots and support personnel in Bravo Company, 4th of the 25th Aviation Regiment, “Knighthawks” at Wheeler Army Airfield on Oahu. She also served as an EH-60 Platoon Leader, Assistant S-3 Training, and Company Executive Officer for Bravo Company 304th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Huachuca, AZ. Sara is a graduate of several U.S. Army schools and professional development courses to include the Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course, Aviation Officer Basic Course, Rotary Wing Aviator Course and Airborne School.

31 years of marriage and two kids later, Drew now serves HDC as the Vice President of Production. Sara is the Vice President of SALUTE Series. There is no project closer to their military servant’s heart than that of the “Special Operations Salute” series. It is with sincere humility and privilege that we honor these service members who deserve so much, from each one of us. We hope you’ll join us in this mission to support these soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so greatly for our nation and who continue to fight for our beloved freedoms, wherever duty calls.

Please Give Us Your Feedback

Below is an area where you can rate this program on a 5-star rating system. You can also leave more detail in a comment section below the "Related Posts" section.

Sharing this post with your friends through social media is a way of sending "kudos" to the Veterans Radio team and their guests.

All feedback is appreciated as you, the audience, help us determine the programs we present.

Every Veteran has a story to tell.