Advice with Robert Tolan

06/11/2026

This week the Army turns 251 years old.

I wrote about the seven values that shaped me as a soldier and how they show up every day in the wine industry.

The uniform came off, but the values did not. Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards | Army Birthday Week · June 10 | ~7 min read Every soldier learns them early.

06/11/2026

I recently had the incredible honor of being invited by the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation to get a first look at the design for the future Global War on Terrorism Memorial that will be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

And honestly... I was blown away.

I've visited memorials all across our country. I've stood at the Vietnam Wall. I've visited Arlington National Cemetery. I've walked through the World War II Memorial. But this memorial is unlike anything I've ever seen before.

This isn't just a monument.

It's a living memorial.

One of the most powerful features is something called "The Embrace." It's an arch built from reclaimed steel used during the Global War on Terrorism. It will be covered with living vegetation and aligned with Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, where many of our fallen brothers and sisters are laid to rest.

But my favorite part is the reflecting pools.

As visitors walk through the water, their footprints will briefly appear alongside the footprints of service members. For just a moment, it creates the feeling of walking beside a loved one once again.

As a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, that hit me hard.

I couldn't help but think about the friends we've lost, the families forever changed, and the millions of military heroes who answered our nation's call over the last two decades.

This memorial will ensure that their stories, sacrifices, and legacy are never forgotten.

And here's the exciting part...

Welcome Home Military Heroes is currently working on plans for a fundraiser to help support the construction of this memorial. We want California to leave its mark on the National Mall and help build a memorial worthy of the generation that served during the Global War on Terrorism.

I can't wait to share more with you.

Trust me... when this memorial is completed, it will be one of the most powerful places in our nation's capital.

06/06/2026

Riding for you John Archuleta!

06/04/2026

🍷 Featured Winery: Alma Rosa Winery

We are incredibly proud to feature Alma Rosa Winery at this year's Wine & Dine Pour Fest.

Located in the world renowned Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County, Alma Rosa is rooted in history and excellence. Founded by Richard Sanford, a true pioneer of the Sta. Rita Hills wine region, Alma Rosa has helped establish Santa Barbara County as one of the premier Pinot Noir producing regions in the world.

Alma Rosa is also the only winery from Santa Barbara County participating in this year's event and the only winery specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sta. Rita Hills.

This winery is especially meaningful to our Honor Flight family. Our Vice Chairman and Mission 26 Assistant Trip Leader, Robert Tolan, serves as an Estate Ambassador for Alma Rosa Winery. Robert and his wife Vanessa will be pouring wines throughout the evening and would love the opportunity to share these incredible wines and the story behind them with you.

In addition to pouring wine, Alma Rosa Winery has generously donated a private Vineyard Tour to our auction. This unique experience gives guests the opportunity to explore over 600 acres of beautiful ranch and vineyard property in the Sta. Rita Hills while tasting wines directly at the vineyard blocks where the grapes are grown. It is truly one of the most unique wine experiences on the Central Coast.

Most importantly, every glass poured and every ticket purchased helps support Honor Flight Central Coast and our mission of sending Veterans on their Tour of Honor to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor.

Join us on June 6 at Estrella Warbirds in Paso Robles for an unforgettable evening of wine, food, community, and purpose.

We hope to see you there.

06/04/2026

Miss you John Archuleta! Look forward to honoring you this weekend.

05/22/2026

Today, I'm grateful for the heroes of Vietnam.

More than 58,000 American military heroes lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

Many were young men who answered their nation's call and never had the chance to come home, start a family, or grow old.

For years, some returned to a country divided by the war. But on Memorial Day, politics do not matter. What matters is remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Their service was honorable. Their sacrifice was real. Their memory deserves our respect!

05/22/2026

Today, I’m grateful for the heroes of Korea.

Known as the “Forgotten War,” more than 36,000 American military heroes gave their lives defending freedom on the Korean Peninsula.

Many endured brutal winters, impossible conditions, and fierce combat in a conflict that often receives little attention.

Their sacrifice helped preserve freedom for millions and proved that America would stand with those fighting for liberty.

This Memorial Day, let us remember the military heroes of Korea and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

Photo was taken at the Korean War Memorial 2017 with a local Korean War Veteran.

05/20/2026

Today, I’m grateful for the heroes of World War II.

More than 16 million Americans served during the war, and over 405,000 never came home.

They left behind farms, factories, classrooms, and families to answer the call of duty. They fought across Europe, Africa, and the Pacific to defend freedom and defeat tyranny.

Every freedom we enjoy today was protected by a generation willing to sacrifice everything.

As Memorial Day approaches, we remember those World War II military heroes who gave their lives for our nation.

05/19/2026

Today, I’m grateful for the freedom to wake up every morning and chase my dreams.

To build a business. Support my community. Raise a family. Speak freely. Worship freely. Live freely.

Those freedoms were paid for by military heroes who were willing to sacrifice everything for people they would never meet.

We live the lives we do because they stood the line for us.

05/04/2026

I wanted to share that I’ll be pouring wine at this year’s Honor Flight Wine & Dine Pour Fest on June 6 at Estrella Warbirds in Paso Robles.

This event means a lot to me. Not just because I’ll be there pouring Alma Rosa wines, but because of what it supports. Every ticket helps send Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor.

If you’ve ever been around one of these trips, you know it’s hard to explain. You watch a Veteran walk up to a name on the wall and everything stops. You see years of memories, pain, pride, and brotherhood all come out at once. You see guys who haven’t talked about their service in decades finally open up. And you see that weight start to lift.

To be honest, these trips cost a lot of money. And the truth is, we need help to keep them going. This event is your chance to be part of that. You get a great night out, drink amazing wine, enjoy some great food, and spend time with local Veterans who have actually been on these trips and experienced it for themselves.

It’s going to be a great night at Estrella Warbirds, and it supports something that truly matters.

Hope to see you there.