The Stories Behind the Faces
Behind every face is a story. Unique, each and every one. Beautiful stories. Inspiring stories. Some beyond our wildest dreams. And every day, a new story begins. We salute every fearless, self-assured, undeterred, hopeful face all across America. See our 100th Anniversary commercial below and check out some of their stories.
Charlie Kohler – The Vet
Charlie Kohler and his brother, Eddie, went to the St. Louis courthouse steps two days after the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor – determined to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Charlie was on track to become a professional baseball player, but that day he chose to fight for America in World War II instead. During the invasion of Iwo Jima, Charlie was badly wounded and lost many of his fellow Marines, including his brother.
Upon his return to the US, it took him a while to adjust to civilian life after bearing witness to the atrocities of war. At 98, Charlie now lives with his son, and proudly flies a 48-star flag each year on the anniversary of the invasion of Iwo Jima (Feb. 19), Memorial Day, his brother Eddie’s birthday (June 1), the 4th of July and Veterans Day. The flag he flies is the exact flag that draped his brother Eddie's coffin when he was buried at sea. Charlie is a life-long user of Barbasol.
Ben Baltz – The Runner
It’s been 5 years since Ben Baltz, an athlete who lost his leg to cancer at age 6, went viral. The photo of him and his father running during a triathlon in the rain made the rounds on major news networks and social media alike in 2014. He wasn’t expecting to go viral, but thought it was very cool. “I am amazed how it resurfaces from time to time!” he said.
Ben is now 17, still running, and was named a 2018 Paralympics Track & Field High School All-American. Following his other passion for computer programming, Ben has been accepted to the University of Florida – the same place where his leg was amputated 11 years ago due to bone cancer. He starts this fall and will major in Computer Science. He hopes to be selected for the Parapan Games in Lima, Peru in August 2019.
Stephen Jirasek – The Firefighter
Stephen Jirasek’s oldest brother became a fireman when Stephen was 8 years old. He became interested in one day becoming a fireman just like him. When his other brother became a fireman too, he knew his destiny was solidified. His brothers set an example for him to work hard to help others in need.
Life is hectic at the firehouse, though there is a lot of comradery among the firefighters. Being available at all times and spending days on end away from family can be rough – and Stephen has learned to always be on his toes. He takes pride in being there for people on potentially the worst day of their lives, doing what’s needed without hesitation, and following in his brothers’ heroic footsteps.
Drew Curren – The Restaurateur
Restaurateur and chef Drew Curren didn’t set out to be in the food industry. While studying Animal Science and Production at Texas A&M, he was cooking for himself constantly and began to fall in love with food. After a trip to Italy, he committed to becoming the best cook he could be. He went to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY – graduated as valedictorian and moved to NYC for his true training to become a chef and restaurant owner.
Drew loves cooking Italian food – he makes spaghetti for his family on the first cold day of every year. He also enjoys fishing and cooking the food he caught himself. He likes his food simple – 5 ingredients or less, seasoned perfectly. He has a passion for using his skills and spotlight to focus on pushing the boundaries of food for the betterment of people and the planet. Drew runs several restaurants in the Austin, TX area.
Tres Oui – The Band
The band Tres Oui is comprised of Seth Whaland (bass), Steven Garcia (lead guitar), Nathaniel Cardaci (vocals & guitar) and Doran Rawlinson (drums). In 2016, Steven and Nathaniel were playing in separate bands, but began to jam together as an outlet for other creative ideas. As their songs started coming together, Seth and Doran were recruited to fill out the music and become an official band. Nate suggested the name Tres Oui based on hearing the French soccer fans chanting it during the 2014 World Cup.
They describe their sound as krautrock and powerpop, with influences from bands like The Smiths and The Cure. The band is planning to record their second album soon and can be found performing on the local music scene in Austin, TX.
Charlie Sifford – The Golfer
Charlie Sifford was the first African American to play on the Professional Golf Association tour. He was known as the “Jackie Robinson” of golf and paved the way for future black golfers like Tiger Woods. Charlie won the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969, a time when African Americans were on the frontlines for civil rights. Charlie passed away in February 2015, but his legacy lives on to this day.
Charlie Kohler – The Vet
Charlie Kohler and his brother, Eddie, went to the St. Louis courthouse steps two days after the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor – determined to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Charlie was on track to become a professional baseball player, but that day he chose to fight for America in World War II instead. During the invasion of Iwo Jima, Charlie was badly wounded and lost many of his fellow Marines, including his brother.
Upon his return to the US, it took him a while to adjust to civilian life after bearing witness to the atrocities of war. At 98, Charlie now lives with his son, and proudly flies a 48-star flag each year on the anniversary of the invasion of Iwo Jima (Feb. 19), Memorial Day, his brother Eddie’s birthday (June 1), the 4th of July and Veterans Day. The flag he flies is the exact flag that draped his brother Eddie's coffin when he was buried at sea. Charlie is a life-long user of Barbasol.
Ben Baltz – The Runner
It’s been 5 years since Ben Baltz, an athlete who lost his leg to cancer at age 6, went viral. The photo of him and his father running during a triathlon in the rain made the rounds on major news networks and social media alike in 2014. He wasn’t expecting to go viral, but thought it was very cool. “I am amazed how it resurfaces from time to time!” he said.
Ben is now 17, still running, and was named a 2018 Paralympics Track & Field High School All-American. Following his other passion for computer programming, Ben has been accepted to the University of Florida – the same place where his leg was amputated 11 years ago due to bone cancer. He starts this fall and will major in Computer Science. He hopes to be selected for the Parapan Games in Lima, Peru in August 2019.
Stephen Jirasek – The Firefighter
Stephen Jirasek’s oldest brother became a fireman when Stephen was 8 years old. He became interested in one day becoming a fireman just like him. When his other brother became a fireman too, he knew his destiny was solidified. His brothers set an example for him to work hard to help others in need.
Life is hectic at the firehouse, though there is a lot of comradery among the firefighters. Being available at all times and spending days on end away from family can be rough – and Stephen has learned to always be on his toes. He takes pride in being there for people on potentially the worst day of their lives, doing what’s needed without hesitation, and following in his brothers’ heroic footsteps.
Drew Curren – The Restaurateur
Restaurateur and chef Drew Curren didn’t set out to be in the food industry. While studying Animal Science and Production at Texas A&M, he was cooking for himself constantly and began to fall in love with food. After a trip to Italy, he committed to becoming the best cook he could be. He went to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY – graduated as valedictorian and moved to NYC for his true training to become a chef and restaurant owner.
Drew loves cooking Italian food – he makes spaghetti for his family on the first cold day of every year. He also enjoys fishing and cooking the food he caught himself. He likes his food simple – 5 ingredients or less, seasoned perfectly. He has a passion for using his skills and spotlight to focus on pushing the boundaries of food for the betterment of people and the planet. Drew runs several restaurants in the Austin, TX area.
Tres Oui – The Band
The band Tres Oui is comprised of Seth Whaland (bass), Steven Garcia (lead guitar), Nathaniel Cardaci (vocals & guitar) and Doran Rawlinson (drums). In 2016, Steven and Nathaniel were playing in separate bands, but began to jam together as an outlet for other creative ideas. As their songs started coming together, Seth and Doran were recruited to fill out the music and become an official band. Nate suggested the name Tres Oui based on hearing the French soccer fans chanting it during the 2014 World Cup.
They describe their sound as krautrock and powerpop, with influences from bands like The Smiths and The Cure. The band is planning to record their second album soon and can be found performing on the local music scene in Austin, TX.
Charlie Sifford – The Golfer
Charlie Sifford was the first African American to play on the Professional Golf Association tour. He was known as the “Jackie Robinson” of golf and paved the way for future black golfers like Tiger Woods. Charlie won the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969, a time when African Americans were on the frontlines for civil rights. Charlie passed away in February 2015, but his legacy lives on to this day.