In this on-location episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, we head to Barnstormer Distillery in Rockford, IL for a rich mix of stories, spirits, and service.
š„ We kick off with fire service updates and shoutouts to local leaders including Michelle Pankow and Kyle Hill.
š„ Then, we dig into the AJ Lynch Foundationās veteran-focused missionāand their special barrels of whiskey aging with purpose.
š©ļø Tim and Adi, the minds behind Barnstormer, share their incredible journey from aviation to distillationāincluding tales of barnstorming pilots, bootleggers, and turning the hangar into a haven for handcrafted bourbon.
šŗšø In a heartfelt moment, we sit down with 97-year-old WWII vet Don Weinstein who recounts his time at Camp Grant guarding German POWs.
šØāš Plus, we taste-test Barnstormerās 90-proof whiskey, talk about our Bourbon, and reflect on what it means to live out your second act with purpose.
š Filmed June 6, 2025, at Barnstormer Distillery in Rockford, IL
š Support the AJ Lynch Foundation: https://ajlynchfoundation.org
Sponsors:
Castle Contracting:ā ā ā https://castleexteriors.netā ā ā
Strike The Box: ā ā ā https://www.striketheboxpipeandcigar.com/
Hashtags:
#OriginalFirefighterPodcast #BarnstormerDistillery #FirefighterLife #WhiskeyWithPurpose #VeteranSupport #WWIIStories #RockfordIL #LeatherheadBourbon #BourbonCulture #FirstResponders #DistilleryLife #VeteranOwned #AmericanHeroes #CraftWhiskey #SecondActStories