CAR OWNER

LAWRENCE WOOD

CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO

SHELBY - 2010 SHELBY

GT500

Meeting

MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!

It all started early in my military career when I owned a 1983 Ford Mustang LX Convertible. It only went up from there. I’ve owned Mustangs throughout my life and have had good experiences with them. I fall for all these pretty ponies. I’ve owned a 1992 Ford Mustang GT, 1995 Ford Mustang GT, 1998 Ford Mustang GT, a 1969 Ford Mustang Coupe (351W), and my final one that I currently own is a 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. I’ve always wanted a Shelby and this was my retirement gift to myself.

If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!

Meeting other Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts is a blast, especially when I get to meet other Veterans like myself. Even my twin brother has owned a Mustang. Whether it is going to a car show, meeting up, or just talking cars, it is always fun. In 2014 I was able to run the Mustang 50th Anniversary Half Marathon where I was able to also visit Shelby Headquarters. I was like a kid in a candy store!

I have a family history in the military. My grandfather served in WWII and my dad, three uncles, and my younger sister also served. My dad was named after a General. Every day of the 29 years I served it was an honor. I was always one who liked to help others. Most of my jobs in the military were related to helping others like being a firefighter, rescue swimmer, medical, emergency management, and recruiting. After my retirement, transition was challenging but I continued to work with Veterans with various Veteran organizations and in a Veteran Treatment Court for almost five years to assist working with Veterans and mentoring

Other

them when in need. I worked hard to help those in need, especially the Veterans. I am also involved with the local Disabled Veterans Sled Hockey Program. I have also assisted the Veteran families to honor those that have served.

I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.

The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!

My current Shelby, which is also named Shelby, is a 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Coupe with Carroll Shelby’s authentic autograph before he passed away in 2012.

Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!