Brewery New Lager Launch Supports Afghanistan, Iraq Veterans Memorial

BRANFORD, CT — Stony Creek Brewery announced the release of its Area of Operations (AO) Lager. The new beer was developed in collaboration with the Afghanistan Iraq Veterans War Memorial Fund, a non-profit organization established to create a memorial to honor veterans who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.

For every purchase made, Stony Creek Brewery will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Afghanistan Iraq Veterans War Memorial Fund.

"We are honored to partner with the Afghanistan Iraq Veterans War Memorial Fund to help further their amazing cause," said Ed Crowley Jr., President of Stony Creek Brewery. “AO Lager is a tribute to the brave men and women who served selflessly in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Everybody who purchases this lager will be honoring these veterans.”

Due to federal statutes, a federal monument would not be considered until the year 2031. This would be Connecticut’s first memorial honoring these veterans, and the monument would be constructed at the War Memorial site at Roger’s Park in Danbury.

David Vieira, an Army veteran who deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, formed the War Memorial Fund in May 2022 along with other veterans, to pursue the effort of building the memorial.

“Thousands of miles from home, in a hot, hostile environment, the simple thought of drinking a cold beer with friends would lift our spirits,” Vieira said. “We are thankful to Stony Creek Brewery for supporting our mission to build a memorial to honor the sacrifices so many have made over the 20 years of war.”

The Memorial Fund and Stony Creek Brewery created a lager that it said will "appeal to all beer lovers." AO Lager is a traditional Dortmunder Lager, 5.2 percent abv, brewed in the classic German style with an American twist. The smooth mouthful and noble aroma create an appealing lager with spicy-herbal notes.

To learn more and to donate, please visit ctafghaniraqmemorial.org.

About the Afghanistan Iraq Veterans War Memorial Fund

The Afghanistan Iraq Veterans War Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization established for the sole purpose of creating a memorial to honor veterans who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

About Stony Creek Brewery

Stony Creek Brewery is a leading regional craft brewery in Branford. Its 30,000 square feet make it one of Connecticut's largest brewing facilities and taprooms. The brewery produces 20 different beers and has distribution throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York State, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The brewery is located on the Branford River waterfront, with regular live entertainment and picturesque sunset views.