Tom Lane is our most recent recipient of the ROV Hero’s award, issued to him at the 2023 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held on June 10th. Tom received this honor due to his commitment with the ROCK On Veterans (ROV) team.
Tom started with ROCK in May of 2021. His initial introduction with ROCK was through the ROV program, attending the visitor’s hour on Tuesday evenings and attending the veteran’s check-in at 3:00pm. As a Vietnam vet, leaving in 1972, Tom admits that his involvement with the ROV program and working with horses have had a transformative influence on his life.
As with many of our volunteers, he was introduced to ROCK by word of mouth. He was attending a funeral in Lubbock and struck up a conversation with a fellow veteran. She happened to live close to Tom and told him about her volunteer time with ROCK. He is currently a horse handler for our regular classes, a side walker, helps on the Sunday evening feeding team, and serves as a Group Lead during summer camp. When coming to ROCK, he experiences an intense spiritual feeling when he enters the facility and arena. He continues to receive self-healing as he works with the horses and the participants.
There are many aspects of ROCK that are his favorite things. He loves meeting and working with his fellow volunteers and staff. Daily he is touched by the participants he sees in the dirt. Outside of ROCK he loves spending time with his sweet bride of 50 years, spending time with family, reading, learning, and taking road trips while listening to classic rock and roll music!
