Beer honors fallen members of military

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (WPVI) -- A Montana-based beer company is paying tribute to fallen members of the military while raising money for charity.

And a Gloucester County Marine, who lost his life in combat, is among the honorees being featured on Dog Tag Beer.

Every can bears the name of an American service member killed in action.

It's now on sale at Westampton liquors and a number of other stores in South Jersey.

"Many customers coming in now asking for it. We've had a few calls today asking if we carry Dog Tag," said John Kuhlmeier of Westampton Liquors.

One of the fallen heroes featured on Dog Tag cans is Marine Capt. Ryan Iannelli of Clarksboro. A Kingsway High School graduate, the 27-year-old was killed in Afghanistan in 2011.

"It's a way to honor them, not to forget, especially if you know them," said Tony Williams of Mount Holly. "The guys in the VFW would go crazy for this."

"It's important to know about the people who have given their lives for our country, for our freedom, for us to crack a beer," said Feign Gilbert of Lumberton.

Dog Tag is brewed in Montana. The company is owned by a Marine combat veteran who wanted to honor friends killed in Afghanistan.

"These are great Americans with stories of courage and inspiration and most important, loved ones who miss them dearly," said Seth Jordan of Dog Tag Brewing.

There are lots of veterans and active-duty military here in Burlington County but you don't have to have worn the uniform to appreciate what dog tag beer is doing

"Oh yes absolutely. And I would read every can as I'm drinking just to see who the guy is on there," said Bob Wolf of Galloway.

A portion of sales go to charities chosen by fallen soldiers' families.

And since the brewer is former military, every can is printed with a not-so-serious message: "Enjoy your beer. That's an order."