Like top-of-the-line Mercedes Benzes, Ken Thoburn and Scott Wagner are first class.

Both know beer - Thoburn is the founder of Wingman Brewers; Wagner is a managing partner of the Narrows Brewing Company.

Both listen to what their patrons say.

Some are soldiers.

"A soldier from 1st Battalion, 214th General Support Aviation Regiment came into the taproom and said he was deploying," wrote Thoburn in an email.  

Learning the soldier was a home brewer, Thoburn offered to make a beer with him before he deployed.

"We got to talking and decided to create a beer for the whole unit and raise money for their Family Readiness Group," continued Thoburn.

After listening to other members of the regiment, one good idea turned into two good ideas and as a result, Wingman Brewers created two beers - Red X and Slingload Pilsner.

"Red X is a play on words for those pilots and crew members, who once they take a drink, cannot fly for the next twelve hours," Thoburn explained.

"The Slingload Pilsner comes from the Chinook guys who carry loads via slings on their aircraft."

Both beers will be released during the first week of August, which coincides with Tacoma Beer Week.

During that week, Wingman Brewers has pledged 10 percent of the two beers' sales to the regiment's Family Readiness Group.

"It's just our way of supporting people who are doing good work," concluded Thoburn.

Narrows Brewing Company's Scott Wagner clearly understands supporting those who, as he put it, "do the business of our Nation."

A Ranger assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and his wife visited the brewery the eve before one of his deployments.

Wagner and the Ranger struck up a conversation that in time led to Wagner being introduced to the Ranger Community and the Pointe Du Hoc Foundation (PDHF).

A 501(c) 3, the foundation honors the courage, fortitude, and selfless sacrifice of all 2nd Battalion Rangers and their families.

"We enjoy the freedom they provide us through their service," said Wagner.

"I can't sign up and serve with them, but I can support them."

Support will soon come in the form of LEAD THE WAY, IPA, (India Pale Ale) which will also be released during Tacoma Beer Week.

August 6, one dollar for each draft LEAD THE WAY sold at the brewery will be donated to the PDHF, and from then on 50 cents will be donated for every 22-ounce bottle sold at the brewery.

"This is more than just drinking beer," continued Wagner.

"There is an emotional connection here between what the Rangers and the foundation do and how we can support them."

For more information, visit www.wingmanbrewers.com and www.narrowsbrewing.com.