Bigger Than Beer: Katy’s No Label Brewing, VFW Post 9182, and H-E-B Earn Global Award for Veterans Support
What began as a heartfelt community initiative in Katy has now earned global recognition. No Label Brewing Co., in partnership with VFW Post 9182 and H-E-B, has been named a 2025 Global Winner in the “Bigger Than Beverage” category at the Craft Beer Marketing Awards (CBMAs). The award celebrates their collaborative campaign Honoring All Who Served — a multi-event effort that delivered tangible support to local veterans and their families while rallying the Katy community in gratitude.
“This one’s for our heroes,” No Label Brewing declared in a June 18 post, following the win. “Together with VFW Post 9182 and H-E-B, we brewed more than just a beer. We brewed up support, gratitude, and real impact for the veterans who’ve given so much for all of us.”
More Than a Marketing Campaign
The Honoring All Who Served campaign centered around two cornerstone events in November 2024:
-
Veterans Day Celebration — Hosted at No Label’s award-winning Katy taproom and organized with support from H-E-B, this family-friendly event featured live music, food trucks, inflatable games, and community giveaways. It provided a space for veterans and their loved ones to gather, reflect, and connect.
-
The Warrior Run 5K — A charity run held on the brewery’s grounds, where 100% of proceeds were donated to Katy’s VFW Post 9182. The funds directly support emergency assistance, healthcare advocacy, and ongoing veteran programs throughout the Greater Houston area.
According to Commander Ruben Arriaga of VFW Post 9182, “This campaign gave us a voice and a platform. It brought our mission to life, and the results went far beyond fundraising — it built lasting trust and support.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Recognized at Home Before the World Took Notice
Long before the global accolades, the campaign received praise where it mattered most — at home. In April 2025, No Label Brewing’s own Tom Paynter was honored with a Commander’s Award at VFW Post 9182’s Annual Awards Night, held at Cinco Ranch Golf Club. The recognition highlighted outstanding contributions to Katy’s veterans, students, and families.
“Last night, something really special happened,” No Label shared at the time. “This award isn’t just about one person. It’s about what this place has grown into because of all of you.”
Other honorees that evening included Mayor Dusty Thiele, Morgan Karsh of Katy Bingo, and Sheryl Cummings of the VFW Auxiliary. The night also saw over $7,000 in scholarships awarded to Katy ISD students through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests.
VFW Post 9182 is a vital part of Katy’s civic fabric. As a 501(c)(19) nonprofit affiliated with the national Veterans of Foreign Wars network, the post provides emergency support, scholarship opportunities, healthcare advocacy, and veteran outreach throughout the Katy area. Their longstanding presence and leadership have anchored initiatives like the Warrior Run 5K and annual community awards.
“Being recognized by the VFW here in Katy and then on the global stage within months — that’s incredibly humbling,” said Tom Paynter, Co-Owner and Marketing Director at No Label Brewing. “This community made us who we are, and we’ll never stop giving back.”
No Label Brewing Co.'s Tom Paynter (left), Commander Ruben Arriaga of VFW Post 9182 (center), A Brewery Built on Service and Community
Founded in 2010, No Label Brewing Co. is a family-owned craft brewery known not just for its beers, but for its deeply rooted commitment to community. Located in historic Katy, the brewery has become a gathering place where families, veterans, and neighbors regularly connect. That commitment has now been honored with multiple CBMA wins in 2025 — five in total — including Platinum for Best Taproom Experience and Best Rebrand, as well as Global recognition for The Month of Murkey, a collaborative marketing initiative with 12 Texas breweries.
The “Honoring All Who Served” campaign is one piece of No Label’s ongoing mission to give back. Year-round, the brewery offers:
- A free second beer for veterans every Wednesday
- Monthly bingo nights that raise funds for VFW Post 9182
- Regular fundraising events and awareness campaigns
- Collaborations with civic groups like Katy ISD Education Foundation
“Katy, we did this together,” No Label shared after the CBMA wins. “And we’re just getting started.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
A Toast to Purpose
On July 4th, No Label Brewing once again raised a glass to service.
“This year, we were beyond humbled to receive a Commander’s Award from VFW Post 9182,” they posted. “Proof that when good people come together for the right reasons, the world notices.”
From live music and local beer to meaningful partnerships and global recognition, Honoring All Who Served is a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose.
As No Label put it: “Bigger Than Beverage? That’s what we strive for every single day.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
