Raising the American Spirit
Brad and Jessica Halling’s distillery honors veterans
By Jacob BrooksHey there, North Carolina. Guess who’s home in the Old North State? That’s right. I’m back, already out there making new friends. As such, Carolina Country readers, I’m pleased to introduce two bona fide American heroes: Brad and Jessica Halling.
With a combined 49 years in the U.S. Army, countless missions completed, and an immeasurable amount of lives touched, Brad and Jessica have taken skills honed in the Special Forces and Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), respectively, to the distilling industry and recently formed Brad Halling American Whiskey Kompany, or “BHAWK.” (The intentional spelling with a “K” is a tribute to honor the men with whom Brad served during the battle of Mogadishu on Oct. 3, 1993, which was depicted in the book and film “Black Hawk Down.”)
Their story is one of resilience, purpose, service and valor. I had a chance to spend time with Jessica and Brad and hear a snippet of their remarkable story.
Jessica and I instantly bonded over our being from working class families and the need to forge opportunities.
“I joined the Army at age 17, both to serve this great nation and to make a way for myself,” Jessica says. “The Army often offers opportunities not available to folks who don’t have the money for college. I enlisted in 1991. And I put myself through law school and college on the Montgomery G.I. Bill.”
“You know, one of the things I hear most from people who visit us: ‘Thank you for bringing this to our community.“
Jessica spent six years in the reserves and transitioned to active duty in 1998 as Judge Advocate General, a role in which she would serve until 2020.
“I had the honor and privilege in the second half of my career advising Special Operations Commanders, principally overseas operations, in support of the global War on Terror.”
In 2008, Brad and Jessica’s paths crossed.
“I was a Major in the 82nd. He was retired but working on training soldiers at Fort Bragg [now Fort Liberty] for special operations. Brad told me he was injured in the battle of Mogadishu. A generation around me were inspired by this compelling story of bravery. When I heard his story, I was inspired.”
She would go on to marry the ol’ handsome devil himself on Veterans Day in 2011.
Once Jessica fully retired from the military in 2020, she and Brad set their sights on merging their love for their country with their love for good drink. A 97% military and veteran-owned Kompany, BHAWK opened its doors in Southern Pines in March 2024. The building, designed in partnership with friend Tag Galyean, stands as a living memorial to their story and the stories of all who serve.
Brad and Jessica are the epitome of a power couple and community pillars. Jessica and I share a classic moment of I’m-not-tearing up; You’re-tearing up! when discussing the role of gathering places like BHAWK in Moore County.
“You know, one of the things I hear most from people who visit us: ‘Thank you for bringing this to our community,” she recounts.
Happy Veterans Day to all those who wore — and those who continue to wear — the uniform of our country; to Brad, Jessica and all the folks over at BHAWK, thank you for your service, and thank you for bringing BHAWK to North Carolina. Cheers.
Lastly, a special recognition to these American heroes: Mike Durant, Ray Frank, Mike Goffena, Gary Gordon, Dan Jollota, Matt Rierson, Randy Shughart and Jim Yacone.
About the Author
Jacob Brooks doesn’t own a bar or restaurant, but if he did, he’d be sure to stock: (with NC ABC listing codes) Sergeant’s Valor Bourbon (66904), Sergeant’s Valor Rye (66905), and Madam Col. Pistachio Bourbon Cream (66916).-
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