Welding shop offers veterans space to create art and share experiences

For the past two years, Shanen Aranmor has offered discounts to Veterans and first responders at her ” Weld Like a Girl ” shop on Third Avenue.

” Once a year is a great way to celebrate what the men and women in our military have done. But we have to make sure that we provide resources and support throughout the whole year. ”

Before every Veterans Day, Aranmor offers a free class for veterans hoping to spark an interest and give them a sense of empowerment.

” You make something with your own hands. And you’ll know when you talk to other people who’ve welded from here, it’s a crazy cool feeling when you have a torch in your hands and you’re either cutting or welding solid steel. And you make something and you go home with, that same day, ” said Aranmor .

Marine Corp. Veteran, Lashelle Smith said the welding shop offers a safe space for Veterans to get to know one another and share their stories and experiences.

” Being able to be a part of that community, being able to pretty much serve again through talking to other veterans and being able work on something that’s relaxing and exciting at the same time is therapeutic in itself. ”

Another veteran, Chris Grasser said the shop also provide veterans with a possible career option after active duty.

” Most veterans don’t know that as long as you take classes and get the certificates and the certifications to be able to become a welder. There’s a lot of money involved. If you get the right schooling and everything like that, then, by all means, take a job in welding if you can. ”

For more information about Weld Like a Girl, you can go to their social media page on Facebook .