There is a tradition at The Swiss Restaurant and Pub in Tacoma. Smiling down from the walls of the restaurant are photos of deployed service men and women, each holding a hand drawn sign reading, "I'd rather be at The Swiss."

But one picture holds a special place. The image of Army Specialist Pat Tillman, former Arizona Cardinal's safety, and Ranger at Joint Base Lewis-McChord holding the sign "I'd rather be at The Swiss", watches over the bar from its place high above the taps. The picture was taken during Tillman's final deployment to Afghanistan. This is the last known photograph of him. A few weeks later he was killed in action.

Looking for a way to honor the life and service of this hero and former patron, Jack McQuade, co-owner of The Swiss, came up with the idea of "Warrior Wednesdays".  Every Wednesday, from 4 p.m. until closing, two dollars from every sale of the Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum specialty drink known as "The Anchor" is donated to the Pat Tillman Foundation, and one dollar is donated from the sale of any other Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum beverage.

The Pat Tillman Foundation, started by Pat's widow, Marie Tillman, exists to honor the legacy of Pat Tillman through awarding academic scholarships to military veterans and their spouses who, in the words of the organization's website, "show extraordinary academic and leadership potential, a true sense of vocation, and a deep commitment to create positive change through their work in the fields of medicine, law, business, education and the arts." (www.pattillmanfoundation.org) Since it's beginning in 2004, the foundation has awarded more than eight million dollars in scholarships to more than 400 veterans and their spouses.

The Swiss Restaurant and Pub, which is located at 1904 S. Jefferson St., has been a Tacoma landmark since 1993. Offering upscale bar food, sharable plates, a kids' menu, 30 rotating craft beers on tap, and one of the best happy hours in the city, The Swiss is a great place to meet friends after work for drinks and eats and live music, or to have dinner with the family. Children and adults under 21 are welcome until 8:30 p.m.  There is even a roomy event space available for corporate and private events, including weddings.

And if you need more reasons to check out Warrior Wednesdays, how about a 10 percent discount with military I.D. and half price bottles of wine?

From it's beginning, The Swiss has been dedicated to giving back to the community and, especially, to supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces. They are proud to support the Pat Tillman Foundation.  

To learn more about Warrior Wednesdays or to reserve space for your next event, contact The Swiss Restaurant and Pub at 253.572.2821.