In recognition of Veterans Day 2021 on Nov. 11th, 2021, let's toast to all those around the world who have served both past and present. We thank you and appreciate your service. 

Those like BeerAdvocate Founder Todd Alström, who during the end of the Cold War and Gulf War in the late 1980s and early 1990s served in the United States Air Force within the Security Forces as a GLCM Ranger under the 501st Tactical Missile Wing at RAF Greenham Common in Newbury, England. 

When he wasn't guarding BGM-109G Gryphons (ground launched cruise missiles equipped with W84 thermonuclear warheads) or establishing launch sites at undisclosed locations to protect the west from ballistic nuclear strikes from the Soviet Union (aka "camping"), Alström was discovering beer and unknowingly building the foundation for BeerAdvocate.

"If I didn't enlist, there'd be no BeerAdvocate today," says Alström. "Back then, it seemed like every block had a pub. Sometimes more. [It's at these] "beer schools" where I'd learn about British beer and pub culture. Visiting thousands of times ingrained a deep respect for beer that not only remains today, but inspired me to homebrew, write my first beer review, create a community platform for beer geeks, travel the world, host over seventy beer festivals, go to brewing school, publish a monthly print beer magazine for over a decade, and meet some amazing people along the way."

To show support, BeerAdvocate will be donating five Extreme Beer Boxes to veterans in the community. You can find all the information on this giveaway here.

Additionally, be sure to check-in any one (1) of your favorite beers this Veterans Day on November 11, 2021, to unlock this year's "Veterans Day (2021)" badge.

Lastly, if you're looking for another way you can advocate for the community consider drinking a beer from one of these 28 Veteran-Owned Breweries To Support This Veteran's Day.

Above all raise your glass as we toast and give thanks to all who have bravely served around the world, past and present. Here's to you!

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