Saluting Their Service

As the nation observes Veterans Day, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are taking the opportunity to recognize the contributions of veteran employees who continue to make a difference in their communities. Across the state, these businesses are paying tribute to the men and women who have served in the military, honoring their dedication both on the battlefield and in the workforce.

The significance of November 11 dates back to 1918, when an armistice was signed to end World War I. The day is now set aside to honor all veterans, acknowledging their service and sacrifices. For the distributors that employ veterans, today is a chance to reflect on how military service shapes not only individuals but also the companies and communities they contribute to.

Among the distributors participating in this statewide recognition are three prominent companies: Alliance Beverage Distributing, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, and Fabiano Brothers. These family-owned businesses employ veterans across Michigan and are proud to highlight their contributions to both the beverage industry and their local communities.

Alliance Beverage Distributing, based in Grand Rapids, is one of the companies recognizing veterans this Veterans Day. With over 450 employees serving more than 5,000 customers across western Michigan, the company is deeply committed to honoring the service of its veteran team members. Tim Sullivan, vice president of logistics at Alliance, noted the invaluable qualities that veterans bring to the workforce.

“Our veterans have given so much to this country, and they bring invaluable perspectives, a strong work ethic and leadership that strengthen our businesses and communities,” said Tim Sullivan, vice president of logistics at Alliance Beverage Distributing in Grand Rapids. “We’re dedicated to honoring their contributions, both in their military service and in the workforce.”

Veterans working at Alliance Beverage include:

• Eric Ritenburgh – U.S. Army (2010–2013), stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas, with a 12-month deployment to Iraq (2010). (See photo at the top of this article.)

Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, Michigan’s largest wine and spirits distributor, is another company taking time today to acknowledge its veteran employees. Serving all 83 counties across the state, the distributor prides itself on a family-oriented culture and exceptional service. Co-CEO Lewis Cooper III emphasized the dedication veterans continue to show in their work at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.

“Great Lakes Wine & Spirits proudly recognizes our veterans who have served across all branches of the armed forces and now bring that same dedication to our sales, delivery and warehouse teams,” said Cooper. “Their service to our nation demonstrated the talent and commitment that make them invaluable members of our company and communities.”

Veterans working at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits include:

• Triston Albert – Driver (8 months)
• Abbas Alsanker – Driver (7 years)
• Ed Bronzie – Sales Representative (1 year, 8 months)
• Nick Cambio – Supervisor, U.S. Army (2002–2006), various roles including Fueler, Platoon Sergeant, Supply Sergeant, Armorer, Supply Specialist, Convoy Security, Driver, 9mm Trainer/Qualification NCO

  

• Heaven Clausen – Merchandiser (3 months)
• Warren Commire – Merchandiser (11 months)
• Dale Cooley – Supervisor (9 months)
• Bryan Deater – Operations Supervisor, U.S. Army (2006–2016), Sergeant, with deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan
• Brian Drzewicki – Driver (2 years, 9 months)
• Frank Escamilla – Sales Representative, U.S. Army Specialist (1966–1968), Vietnam veteran

  

• Carl Garant – Sales Representative, U.S. Air Force (3 years as Security Specialist at Fairchild Air Force Base)

  

• Mark Goryl – Sales Representative, U.S. Army Specialist 4 (1983–1986), Ft. Leonard (MO) and Ft. Riley (KS)

  

• Aaron Hilliker – Driver (2 years, 3 months)
• Mike Jones – District Manager (14 years, 7 months)
• Matt Mead – Sales Representative (20 years, 1 month)
• Martha Owens – Part-time Merchandiser (5 months)
• Keith Peebles – Driver (7 years, 3 months)
• Travis Schade – Transportation Supervisor, U.S. Army (1992–1994), Light Infantry Mortarman, 101st Airborne, stationed at Ft. Campbell (KY)

  

• Mike Sypien – Manager (1 year)
• Aaron Tront – Sales Representative (5 years, 7 months)
• Jason Vacheta – Driver (19 years, 7 months)
• Raymond Vining – Driver (7 years, 8 months)
• Dawson Washington – Driver (2 years, 9 months)
• Todd Wood – Driver (9 years, 6 months)

Fabiano Brothers, a family-owned business since 1885, has long honored the contributions of veterans. The company, headquartered in Bay City, is a key player in the state’s beer distribution industry, providing dependable service to its customers. Jim Fabiano II, President of Fabiano Brothers Michigan Division expressed the company’s commitment to supporting veterans, noting the courage and dedication they exemplify.

“We acknowledge and respect all our veterans’ valor and service, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Jim Fabiano II. “Veterans exemplify the courage, dedication and sacrifice required to protect the freedoms we cherish as Americans, and our team at Fabiano Brothers is committed to supporting them in any way that we can.”

Veterans working at Fabiano Brothers include:

• Nick Anthony – Delivery Driver, U.S. Army E-4 Communication Specialist, 82nd Airborne (1989–1993), Desert Storm
• Curt Fritz – Warehouse Manager, U.S. Army (23 years, including service in Germany and Georgia)

  

  Kristian Gostomski – Sales Representative, U.S. Marine Corps (2016–2020), Field Artillery Cannoneer, deployments in San Diego, Ft. Sill, Camp Lejeune, Syria, Japan

  

• Andre Jackson, delivery driver at Fabiano Brothers, served as a Hospital Corpsman from 1991 to 1995 in San Diego, California.
• David Olshove – Delivery Driver, U.S. Army Sergeant (4.5 years), deployment to Iraq, service at Ft. Hood
• Matthew Smallwood – Delivery Driver, U.S. Army, Bradley Gunner/Commander (2003–2013), deployments to Germany, Iraq, Ft. Stewart, Ft. Knox

  

• Charles Space – Delivery Driver, U.S. Navy Damage Control Airman (1987–1989), USS Kittyhawk CV63, Fire Department/Initial Response Team
• Johnny Wall – Sales Representative, U.S. Army Ammunition Specialist, Tank E4 (1996–1999), civilian service in Iraq (2006–2008)
• Hiram Yap – Warehouse Replenisher, U.S. Army Mechanic (1980–1990), deployments in Germany, Italy, and the U.S.

From serving in combat zones to managing teams and logistics in civilian life, Michigan’s veterans exemplify the dedication and resilience that are at the heart of both the military and the workforce. Today, as we raise a glass to honor their service, it’s clear that the bonds forged in the military continue to strengthen Michigan’s businesses and communities long after veterans have returned home.