Last Fall a small group discovered that during the commissioning of the USS Iowa (797) a special beer was produced to commemorate that event. The logical question arose, so why not do the same for the USS Idaho (799).
Interest solidified around a small ad hoc committee which assigned itself the following responsibilities.
Jenni Garran TEC Distributing – Cash Donation
Leon Wolfram Idaho Brewing – Beer Brewing
Lisa and Gregg Smith – Cash Donations and Donation of Raw Materials
This Core Four was filled out into a subcommittee with the addition of:
Ross Carroll Hawkbill Base USSVI (Sub Vets of East Idaho)
Russell Johnson USS Idaho Commissioning Committee
The goal was to produce an ALL IDAHO SUBMARINE BEER – Brewed by an Idaho Submarine Vet, with Idaho Ingredients, and Packaged by Idaho Submarine Veterans.
We hope you enjoy the Beer and please take a few minutes to find out about the groups who generously supported this effort.
Mountain Malt We are a family-owned farm that specializes in Premium 2-Row Malt Barley. Because we farm and malt ourselves, we are able to provide craft brewers with superior base malt at unbeatable prices. Be part of the Farm-to-Glass movement by sourcing your malt directly from the farmer, instead of large conglomerate corporations.
Liberty Malt in Idaho Falls has partnered with Idaho Farmhouse Ales, an Ultra Nano Brewery located in Shelley, Idaho. Formed in the spring of 2020 they concentrate on farmhouse styles in the Belgian and French tradition using only grains grown in the Idaho Falls area. Together they are planning an estate brewery where all ingredients for beer are grown on the farm.
Mill 95 is an independent, progressive service provider to craft brewers and hop growers. The Mill was inspired by southwest Idaho’s vibrant hop cultivation and culture along Idaho’s Route 95. Founder Jamie Scott acted from conviction that local capability to evaluate, care for and process hops would be valued by brewers and growers alike. Mill 95 offers premium hops from Idaho, the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Supported by expertise, scale and agility directed toward quality, service and community.
TEC Distributing of Idaho is a leading beer and wine wholesaler, providing distribution services to bars, restaurants and retail establishments in Southern and Eastern Idaho. We offer an extensive selection of products ranging from domestic, imports, craft beers, malt beverages and seltzers to fine wines. Our commitment to providing excellent service is unwavering and we are proud supporters of the communities where we work and live.
Gregg and Lisa Smith Foundation is a charitable 501.(c).3 which supports three annual college scholarships and provides support for various local and regional charities and non-profit organizations.
The North American Brewers Association TM (NABA) is a non-profit 501.(c).3 that will celebrate its 29 th annual event in 2024. We are 100% operated by volunteers. All proceeds from the Mountain Brewers Beer Fest, International Beer Awards Competition, Zoo Brew, Santa Crawl and other events are directed to charity as per the association’s charter. Together, these events have raised $2,149,387.11 for local and regional charities, and to fund five annual educational scholarships. These annual scholarships now total $9,000.00. Scholarships include the Master Brewers Association of the Americas, Idaho State University, the College of Eastern Idaho, Oregon State University and Weber State in Utah.
Our events also provide indirect benefit to our community. The Mountain Brewers Beer Fest fills hundreds of hotel rooms and benefits restaurants and retailers. Using a Chamber of Commerce formula, we estimate more than a yearly two-million-dollar impact on our community.
United States Submarine Veterans Inc. Hawkbill Base – Eastern Idaho’s local chapter
We are a 501.(C).(19) charitable organization whose focus is to:
– Preserve and honor: the memory, values and legacy of Submariners who served before us.
– Provide support to Submarine Veterans and currently serving Submarine Force personnel.
– Provide a volunteer commitment to Community Outreach programs.
Our Activities:
– Camp Magical Moments – Fund raising and support Cancer camp for children 7-13– Idaho Science Center – Arco ID, Render docent service at the museum which is home to the Sail of the decommissioned USS Hawkbill (SSN-666) fast attack submarine.
– Local Soup Kitchen – meal preparation and service.
– Support the Pre-Commissioning of the new USS Idaho (SSN 799) fast attack submarine by assisting in public awareness, Dolphin Scholarship fundraisers, and events of the Crew/Commissioning Committee. Membership is open to anyone qualified “Submarines” United States Navy or Submarine Support or as a sponsored Associate. Meetings are generally held on the third Saturday of the month starting at noon at the Blackfoot Elks Lodge, 123 N. Ash Street, Blackfoot, Idaho. An application for membership is available at https://hawkbillussvi.org/membership-application/ follow us on Facebook at Sub Vets of East Idaho.
