Soldiers’ Angels is excited to announce a brand-new partnership with another essential part of the beer industry: hop growers. This year, Soldiers’ Angels has been chosen as the nonprofit partner for Yakima Chief Hops’ 8th Annual Veterans Blend. Being nominated by a couple of Hops for Heroes breweries who raved about our impact makes this partnership especially meaningful. Every pound of this year’s Veterans Blend will help Soldiers’ Angels continue supporting Service Members, Veterans, and their families.

“I am honored to be working with Soldiers’ Angels as this year’s donation recipient. They have roots in the craft beer industry with their Hops for Heroes and Homefront IPA initiatives,” says Jonathan Sikes, YCH Regional Sales Manager Southeast, and Marine Veteran.  “They got on our radar a couple of years ago when they were nominated by a few brewers who spoke highly of the Hops for Heroes program, so I was delighted to see them get the most votes this year! And I was blown away once I started researching their organization and discovered all the different avenues of aid they are providing to support our Veterans.”

What Exactly Are Hops?

Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of the hop plant, and they play a vital role in brewing beer. They provide the flavor, aroma, and balance that define a beer’s character. Without hops, an IPA wouldn’t be citrusy, a pale ale wouldn’t have that crisp bite, and a lager would taste flat and overly sweet.

Hop growers are the people who plant, cultivate, and harvest these flowers. They are responsible for selecting the right varieties and ensuring quality from the field to the brewery. Their work provides the foundation for brewers to create the wide range of beer styles enjoyed around the world. Partnering with Yakima Chief Hops means we’re joining forces with the very beginning of the beer-making process.

About Yakima Chief Hops

Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) is a 100% grower-owned global hop supplier with a mission to connect the world’s finest brewers with family hop farms. Operating for more than 30 years, YCH has become a leader in innovation, quality, and customer service. They serve as a resource for brewers by providing industry-leading research and products while also championing sustainability and meaningful social causes. Their commitment extends beyond beer, working to support the communities around them—including the Veteran community through programs like the Veterans Blend.

A Flavorful Blend with a Big Impact

The 2025 Veterans Blend launched June 23 and features four hop varieties grown in the Pacific Northwest: Krush, Idaho 7, Citra, and HBC 1134. The result is a blend bursting with stone fruit and tropical flavors, rounded out with herbal, woody, and floral undertones. Brewers can pre-order the blend through August 25. For every pound sold, Yakima Chief Hops will donate one dollar directly to Soldiers’ Angels.

Why We Were Chosen

Soldiers’ Angels was nominated by breweries already brewing with the Veterans Blend through the Hops for Heroes program. These breweries spoke highly of our mission and the support we provide to Service Members, Veterans, and Military families. Based on their recommendations, Yakima Chief Hops’ Veteran-led team selected Soldiers’ Angels as this year’s nonprofit partner. We are honored to be recognized by those who know firsthand the impact of our work.

How You Can Join the Movement

Brewers can pre-order the Veterans Blend before August 25 and even invite local Veterans to participate in the brewing process. Beer enthusiasts can support the initiative by looking out for special releases made with the Veterans Blend and raising a glass in support of those who served.

Together with Yakima Chief Hops, breweries, and beer lovers across the nation, we’re turning hops into hope—one pint at a time.

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About the Author

Ashley Ray has been a member of the Soldiers’ Angels communications team since 2013. She supports blog writing and social media and loves telling stories of Angel volunteers, Service Members, and Veterans.

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