Meet Chris Cruise: The veteran who turns bourbon barrels into American pride

Chris Cruise and his wife sat down to talk, and an idea began forming. They both wanted to represent their home state of Kentucky, but they also wanted this new project to honor military service, as Chri's father is also a veteran. There’s not many things that scream “Kentucky” more than bourbon, they decided, and not many greater symbols of military service than the flag. The first custom flag he made from a repurposed bourbon barrel hung in their home. The next two were Christmas gifts for both of their fathers. The flags were so well received, he made more for some friends and family. Word spread, and requests began pouring in One thing led to another, and today Chris and Amber work together to make Cruise Custom Flags run. Family pitches in, with Amber’s mom cutting the felt for the flags, her dad making the smaller flags, and Amber managing the shipping, logistics, and running their household while Chris works his full-time job and them handcrafts flags after work.