Veterans for Renewable Fuels Visit Old Glory Distilling Co.

March 03, 2025

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by Justin Schultz (Renewable Fuels Association) After the National Ethanol Conference last week, Veterans for Renewable Fuels had the incredible opportunity to visit Old Glory Distilling Co. in Clarksville, Tennessee. It was more than just a tour, it was a gathering of veterans who share a passion for service, storytelling, and supporting industries that strengthen our nation.

A Bond Beyond Service

The bond among veterans never fades, no matter how many years have passed since our time in uniform. Veterans for Renewable Fuels was created to provide a community, career opportunities, and a shared mission for veterans, active military members, and their families in the renewable fuels industry.

When service members transition out of the military, they seek more than just a paycheck—they want purpose-driven work where they can continue making an impact. Many veterans are drawn to careers that allow them to be part of a tight-knit team, contribute to a common mission, and apply the leadership skills they developed in the military. The renewable fuels industry offers exactly that, providing opportunities for veterans to work with integrity, solve problems, and help strengthen America’s energy future. Thousands of veterans have already found fulfilling careers in ethanol and renewable fuels, where their dedication and expertise are highly valued.

As the renewable fuels industry continues to grow, so does the need for skilled, disciplined, and mission-driven individuals. VRF is actively seeking veterans, active military members, and their immediate family members to join our ranks. Veterans bring leadership, work ethic, and problem-solving skills that make a lasting impact on this industry, ensuring its strength and sustainability.

A special project of the Renewable Fuels Association, VRF is dedicated to connecting veterans with careers in renewable fuel industries where their skills and values align with work that truly matters. If you’re a veteran—or know one who might be interested—learn more and sign up today! Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with our growing network!

Sharing "Keep Moving"

For me, this gathering was especially meaningful as I had the chance to share my personal war story, that I refer to as "Keep Moving." It’s a story that has shaped me, a reminder of resilience, perseverance, and the determination to push forward no matter what the obstacles.

During my deployment, I found myself in one of the most challenging and defining moments of my life. In the village of Tatanak, I sustained an ankle injury during a very kinetic exchange. The pain, uncertainty, and chaos of that moment could have been overwhelming, but it was in the aftermath of that experience that I learned a lesson I would carry with me for the rest of my life.

Shortly after, I received an unexpected visit from Ghulab Shah, an Afghan Sub-Governor. He was a man who had seen his share of hardship, yet he carried himself with an unwavering sense of purpose and wisdom. He shared a simple but powerful parable with me:

“Two hands, two feet, and the right mind—you have everything you need to do good in this world.”

At first, it seemed like such a straightforward statement. But the more I reflected on his words, the more I realized their profound truth. It wasn’t about physical capability alone, it was about mindset, resilience, and the choices we make in the face of adversity. No matter what life throws at us, we are equipped with everything we need to move forward and make a difference.

This has become my life’s mantra. And like many powerful lessons, I’ve found parallels between this mindset and the ethanol industry. Just as we, as individuals, have the tools to make a difference, so does this industry. The renewable fuels sector faces challenges—market fluctuations, policy shifts, and public misconceptions—but the people within it are resilient. With the right resources, innovation, and committed individuals, we can adapt, push forward, and create a stronger, more sustainable future.

That’s why we Keep Moving. Whether on the battlefield, in personal struggles, or in our mission to advance renewable fuels, we don’t stop when things get tough, instead we adjust-fire, we adapt, or we “BREACH THE DAMN WALL!”

The Story of Old Glory Distilling Co.

One of the highlights of our visit was hearing from Matt Cunningham, the founder and owner of Old Glory Distilling Co. His journey is a testament to adventure, dedication, and community spirit.

Originally planning a career in wealth management, Matt's thirst for adventure led him to become a full-time firefighter in Clarksville. Serving his community ignited a passion that extended beyond his firefighting duties. During his off days, Matt began experimenting with distillation on his back porch, driven by a fascination with the craft movement and a desire to create something special for his hometown.

At just 22 years old, Matt took a leap of faith, utilizing his finance degree and the discipline from his firefighting career to establish Old Glory Distilling Co. His vision was clear: to craft quality spirits that Clarksville could proudly call its own. This commitment to authenticity is evident in every bottle, reflecting the hardworking and patriotic character of the community.

During our visit, Matt shared a remarkable story highlighting the distillery's dedication to service. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, facing a nationwide shortage of hand sanitizer, Matt collaborated with Mick Henderson at Commonwealth Agri-Energy. Mick was able to supply alcohol and so that Matt’s team could produce sanitizer for first responders, hospitals, and communities in need. This selfless initiative garnered national attention, including a feature on Fox & Friends.

Matt's journey from firefighter to founder exemplifies the spirit of resilience and community support. His story resonated deeply with our group, reinforcing the values we hold dear.

Unveiling the Veterans for Renewable Fuels Challenge Coin

One of the most exciting moments of the event was unveiling our new challenge coin, proudly stamped with our slogan: “Fueling Freedom – Honoring Service.” The front of the coin features a powerful eagle with a shield emblazoned with "VRF." The shield represents the protection of the progress we have made in advancing the ethanol industry and our commitment to safeguarding its future. In its talons, the eagle holds a cornstalk bundle, symbolizing our deep roots in renewable fuels and the strength of our agricultural foundations. Surrounding the eagle are six stars, paying tribute to the six branches of the military and their enduring legacy of service.

On the back, the coin displays the phrases "Fueling Freedom" and "Honoring Service," which together form our de facto slogan. The color scheme ties into both our industry and our military heritage, with a navy background on the front and olive green on the back. The eagle’s head faces toward its right shoulder, a traditional symbol of peace and progress, while its wings extend slightly beyond the coin’s edge, giving it a bold, distinctive shape that commands attention. At three inches from wingtip to bottom edge, the coin is designed to stand out, ensuring its presence is both memorable and meaningful. More than just a token, it represents the values, dedication, and strength of our VRF members, honoring those who continue to serve, lead, and push forward.

Special Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to Matt Cunningham and Old Glory Distilling Co. for hosting us, sharing his inspiring story, and demonstrating what it means to build something with purpose. His dedication to his craft, community, and country made this visit truly special.

Special appreciation also goes to Robert White at the Renewable Fuels Association and Mick Henderson of Commonwealth Agri-Energy for organizing such an incredible event. After our original gathering at the Nashville Gun Club was canceled due to weather, they ensured this event happened, and their efforts made all the difference.

A huge thank you to Commonwealth Agri-Energy and KAAPA Ethanol Holdings, LLC for their generous sponsorship, helping to make this event possible. Their support reflects their commitment to both veterans and the renewable fuels industry, ensuring that we can continue to grow, connect, and advocate for a more sustainable future.

We couldn’t have asked for a better venue or a better group of people to share this experience with.

As veterans, we carry our mission-driven mindset into everything we do—whether it’s supporting renewable fuels, strengthening our communities, or simply coming together to share in the bond that service creates.

This visit was a reminder of the power of that bond and the importance of continuing our mission beyond our time in uniform. READ MORE