🫡 Operation BATTLEBORN: Mission Briefing

Perez-Carrillo Battleborn—a Limited Edition cigar—is cleared for deployment to retailers, synchronized with the Veterans Day timeline. This operation is a direct tribute to U.S. Armed Forces veterans and serves to generate critical funding for supporting organizations.

🎖️ The Genesis of the Mission

The creation of the Battleborn was directly inspired by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lionel H. McKoy, USN (Ret.), a twenty-year service veteran and a valued asset to the Casa Carrillo Family Command. McKoy’s distinguished service included tours aboard the USS Midway, USS Forrestal, and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm. Upon honorable discharge, he reported for duty at Casa Carrillo in 2017, where he currently serves as Shipping Manager.

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III gave the following testimony: “Lionel is part of our unit. He served this nation for two decades, carrying a burden most will never know, and then joined our ranks. My initial debriefing with him on his service was unforgettable. When he spoke of his time, an undeniable tear—a mark of true sacrifice—ran down his face. In that instant, I recognized a genuine hero. Battleborn was conceived at that very moment.”

🛡️ Cigar Specification and Composition

The Perez-Carrillo Battleborn is designated as the Warriors vitola—a robust 6 x 56 Toro Gordo.

Casa Carrillo intelligence reports classify the Battleborn as a rich, full-bodied smoke, built for strength and resilience.

📦 Logistics and Deployment Details

Deployment is strictly limited to 2,500 individually numbered boxes, each containing 20 cigars. Every box will include a tactical Battleborn-logoed dog tag as a mark of honor.

• Cost Per Unit (Cigar): $22.00

• Cost Per Case (Box of 20): $440.00

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. offered his assessment: “I’ve developed blends for 55 years, but this formula is distinct. Battleborn is more than tobacco—it is respect rolled into every leaf. It is our commitment to saying thank you.”

McKoy’s statement affirmed the mission: “Serving on carriers like the Eisenhower, Midway, and Forrestal during Desert Storm and the Gulf War forged my character. To witness a cigar created to honor that journey—and to know it will provide aid to fellow veterans—is an overwhelming honor.”

🤝 Mission Outreach: Carrillo Cares

Casa Carrillo will execute a series of Battleborn events with key retailers nationwide, with proceeds designated for charities supporting veterans and first responders. The initial operational success was achieved on September 20th at Finck’s Lone Star Cigar Bash in San Antonio, Texas, where a launch event generated a $6,000 donation from box sales to the Fisher House Foundation.

Lissette Perez-Carrillo confirmed the command's commitment: “Through Carrillo Cares, our standing order is to give back... leveraging our craft to both honor veterans like Lionel and support organizations that improve their quality of life.” The initiative has secured over $200,000 in donations to date.