In this on-location episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, we head to Barnstormer Distillery in Rockford, IL for a rich mix of stories, spirits, and service.

🔥 We kick off with fire service updates and shoutouts to local leaders including Michelle Pankow and Kyle Hill.

🥃 Then, we dig into the AJ Lynch Foundation’s veteran-focused mission—and their special barrels of whiskey aging with purpose.

🛩️ Tim and Adi, the minds behind Barnstormer, share their incredible journey from aviation to distillation—including tales of barnstorming pilots, bootleggers, and turning the hangar into a haven for handcrafted bourbon.

🇺🇸 In a heartfelt moment, we sit down with 97-year-old WWII vet Don Weinstein who recounts his time at Camp Grant guarding German POWs.

👨‍🚒 Plus, we taste-test Barnstormer’s 90-proof whiskey, talk about our Bourbon, and reflect on what it means to live out your second act with purpose.

📍 Filmed June 6, 2025, at Barnstormer Distillery in Rockford, IL

🔗 Support the AJ Lynch Foundation: https://ajlynchfoundation.org

Sponsors:

Castle Contracting:⁠⁠⁠ https://castleexteriors.net⁠⁠⁠

Strike The Box: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.striketheboxpipeandcigar.com/

Hashtags:

#OriginalFirefighterPodcast #BarnstormerDistillery #FirefighterLife #WhiskeyWithPurpose #VeteranSupport #WWIIStories #RockfordIL #LeatherheadBourbon #BourbonCulture #FirstResponders #DistilleryLife #VeteranOwned #AmericanHeroes #CraftWhiskey #SecondActStories