FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Viewers of last night’s historic and first-ever Vice Presidential debate between two enlisted veterans — former Marine JD Vance and retired soldier Tim Walz — perhaps noticed that it was sponsored by two enlisted icons: Rip It energy drinks and ZYN nicotine pouches. 

At a loud and raucous press conference at Rip It headquarters, spokesperson Matt Perkins, creator of the popular military TikTok account Sgt Zero Fux, celebrated his company’s promotional campaign for the VP debates in New York City on October 1. 

Flanked by two JLTV tactical vehicles emblazoned with Rip It and ZYN logos and joined onstage by members of Five Finger Death Punch, Perkins told an audience mostly of enlisted military members and veterans how proud the two companies were to host the first-ever Vice Presidential debate between two former enlisted troops. 

“In 2024, you can’t walk into a barracks, motor pool, or military classroom without seeing enlisted troops self-medicating with Rip It energy drinks and ZYN pouches,” said Perkins. “So, who better to sponsor this historic debate than these two powerhouses of enlisted life?”