About The Veterans Beer Club of San Diego
Like many good things, the Veterans Beer Club (VBC) started with a few friends and a conversation over a beer.
In 2016, three Marine Corps veterans realized that transitioning out of uniform was more complicated than expected. And they weren’t alone.
Their desire to support our military community sparked the Veterans Beer Club, a place for veterans to connect, share resources, and build relationships that make post-military life more manageable and meaningful. What started as a local club here in San Diego has since blossomed into an organization with chapters nationwide.
If you’ve been wanting to learn more about the San Diego VBC, you’re on the right page. Continue reading to learn about our mission, values, and history.
Welcome!
The VBC Mission
Our mission is to create networking opportunities for the military community by facilitating regular meetups at local breweries.
These events help connect current and former service members and their families with professional opportunities and a civilian community that shares similar experiences.
Be a Part of Our Community
Our Core Values
The Veterans Beer Club is about building connection, community, and camaraderie.
Connection
We connect veterans, service members, and their families with employers, mentors, and trusted resource providers who recognize the value of military service.
These relationships help open doors and create momentum for life after the military.
Community
We engage with our communities through charity, sports, and public service. We create partnerships with resource providers and strengthen our cities.
A strong community creates a foundation for veterans and their families to succeed after service.
Camaraderie
We provide veterans and their families with a network of like-minded individuals who understand their struggles and can provide the kind of support and camaraderie they know and value from their time in service.
Belonging to a trusted community empowers our community to excel in civilian life.
Why a Beer Club?
The Veterans Beer Club was born out of a simple conversation in a bar. That spirit of connection still drives us today.
We meet at local breweries to create relaxed spaces where veterans, families, and community supporters can gather, share experiences, and grow stronger together. There is no reason to come in a suit and tie. You probably don’t even need to bring your resume. We want to create a space where you can connect with our community.
Meeting at a brewery also gives us the added benefit of supporting local, often veteran-owned, businesses.
Though the atmosphere is casual, the mission is serious. We expect every attendee to honor the spirit of VBC by behaving respectfully and focusing on meaningful networking. Drinking at our events is never required, but genuine connection is. The people at our events have come to build a stronger veteran community. We invite you to join in.
Our History
The Veterans Beer Club was born at the University Club in downtown San Diego on April 14, 2016, by Phil Kendro, Brian Grana, and Kevin Cortes, three retired Marine Corps veterans.
The founders saw the need for an informal space for veterans to connect with each other and with employers. What began as a simple conversation between three friends quickly became a full-fledged gathering just a few months later when six VBC members met up at Second Chance Brewing Company in Rancho Bernardo.
Since then, VBC has grown into a national movement with active chapters across the United States. In 2024, the club officially became a 501(c)(3) organization. Phil, Brian, and Kevin remain closely involved with the San Diego chapter, but their primary focus is on expanding VBC’s reach nationwide. If you’d like to learn more about VBC National, please visit their website here.
Sean Mulrooney has taken the lead for the San Diego chapter. He works to continue their legacy and keep the heart of the founding chapter strong. As we grow, the story of VBC San Diego is still being written, and you’re invited to help shape what comes next.
