VALUE EVERY VOICE
TURNING A HOBBY AND GRATITUDE INTO UNIQUE GIFTS FOR VETERANS IN NEED
Army veteran Guy Lance used downtime during the pandemic and a wood-turning hobby to create deeply personal mementos for other military veterans . His work has even been featured on his local ABC TV news affiliate , as well as the “ Kelly Clarkson Show .” The Texas-based lead dealer solutions consultant with Cox Automotive shares what inspires him , as well as his views on how pride in one ’ s work can have a far-reaching impact on others .
USING CREATIVE ENERGY FOR GOOD
I ’ ve always been an artist in some form or other . I ’ m a singer and classically trained concert pianist , and have always found ways to channel those energies . When I first came to Cox six years ago , I had more free time than I did working in a car dealership . I played golf but didn ’ t love how much it took me away from family . So , I took up woodworking . I stumbled upon a guy who was making walking sticks for veterans . He was kind enough to show me what he was doing , and I ran with it . I started making canes using Christmas trees , and added my own style to the designs . Once COVID hit , I had the free time to put the project into hyperdrive . I ’ m thrilled to have given out over 180 canes during the pandemic .
A WAY TO SHOW VETERANS THEY MATTER
I come from a family of veterans . My father was a veteran , and my grandfather was a B-29 bombardier in World War II . I am so proud to have served and want other veterans to know just how much they matter . I received five full music scholarships , but I turned those down to enter the service . It taught me so much about sacrifice , teamwork and the value of giving everything to your work . I learned that the pride of doing a good job , even if it ’ s never seen by anyone , is a reward in and of itself .
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The Combat Vets Association , among others , has helped Guy gather , deliver and trim Christmas trees after the holidays to use for making canes .
WINTER 2021