Buying Local Podcast · March 13, 2026 · 28 min
Jacque Ecuyer Shares How Operation Give Back Honors Local Veterans | Buying Local #68
In episode 68 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson interviews Jacque Ecuyer, founder of the 4s4Life Foundation, about Operation Give Back—a free, all-day military appreciation event at Slickfin Brewing Company featuring live music, food trucks, raffles, and community camaraderie for veterans and their families. Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the event directs 100% of proceeds to local veteran organizations, fostering appreciation, shared stories, and real support in the Glens Falls/Upper Hudson Valley area. You can find Jacque on Facebook and Instagram (@manupnotshutup), at 4s4life.com , and on the event site at operationgiveback.us . 0:00 Welcome to Buying Local with Mike Nelson 0:40 Introducing Jacque Ecuyer & 4s4Life 1:44 Why purpose keeps us sharp and young 2:30 What is Operation Give Back? 2:56 Fifth anniversary & exponential growth 3:44 Founding partners: Slickfin Brewing & Vested Veteran Grill 4:47 Event vibe: 1,500 people, rain or shine, huge patio 5:41 Raffles, silent auction & sponsor shirts 6:42 How it started over craft beer at the bar 8:51 Community support across Washington, Warren & Saratoga counties 10:29 Zero overhead: venue, bands & food all donated 12:04 Logistics, delegation & dream team 13:58 Choosing local beneficiaries 15:31 Shoutout to Adirondack Vets House 17:42 Future growth & April bowling kickoff “No Pins Left Behind.” 19:32 Shared values with Five Towers Media 21:24 New date: May 16th (between Mother’s Day & Memorial Day) 22:38 Full schedule, free entry, first $1,000 food covered by Adirondack Peer to Peer 23:46 How to get involved, donate, or sponsor 24:58 Moment of silence & emotional guitar Star-Spangled Banner 26:14 Closing thanks & where to find the event