TR stories: The unofficial whiskey of Bravo Company
Since launching this blog, the Templeton Rye stories have been coming to us fast and furious. We love to hear about how folks first discovered TR, and how it has played a part in their family’s history. Keep ‘em coming!
We were touched by the following story that Dave Morse sent us. He also felt inspired enough to write and record a song called “Ain’t No Time To Drink The Cheap Stuff,” which we’ve posted below for our readers to listen to.
From Dave Morse:
I discovered the wonder of Templeton Rye in February of 2007. I am an Iowa Army National Guard Warrant Officer and was tasked with the sad honor to be the Casualty Assistance Officer for the family of young Travis Vaughn. Vaughn, who was serving in Afghanistan with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, (Night Stalkers of “Blackhawk Down” fame), died when his MH-47 helicopter lost power in the mountains.
Several of the Night Stalkers came to Iowa as an Honor Guard for Travis’ funeral. His father, Brad, and stepmother, Kandie, invited all of us to their home in Reinbeck for a little get-together. As a former Night Stalker myself, I knew they would be bringing their traditional bottle of Wild Turkey to drown their sorrows and toast our fallen comrade.
Not wishing to go empty handed, I stopped at the Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits store in Cedar Falls on the way. I was looking for something with an Iowa connection and the salesman, Alan, led me straight to the Templeton Rye. I presented the bottle to Brad Vaughn and we commenced to toasting and remembering Travis. We loved the TR and it put Wild Turkey to shame. Brad and Kandie have that empty bottle on display in their buffet along with other memorabilia about Travis.
As my unit (B Co, 248th AMC based in Boone) prepares for our third deployment since 9/11 — this time to Iraq — several of us have pledged to gather upon our return and share Templeton Rye together. I guess you could say that Templeton Rye is the unofficial “Official Whiskey of Bravo Company.”
We really appreciate Dave’s enthusiasm for TR and his service to our country. Got a TR story of your own to share? Please leave a comment below, or click here to tell us all about it.
