Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Wences.
Hi Eric, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Dove Springs, Austin, but the Marine Corps took me away from home for more than ten years. When I finally moved back, I was excited to be home but I was surprised by how hard it was to find clear, reliable resources for veterans. I kept running into the same confusion I’d seen others struggle with, so I started helping friends and fellow vets one-on-one. Before long, it was clear the need was bigger than I expected. That’s what led me to start Guidon Austin to make sure veterans and their families have real support, local guidance, and someone who actually walks the process with them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Coming back to Austin, I quickly realized how hard it was to find clear, reliable veteran resources. Building Guidon Austin from scratch meant juggling work, family, and money while figuring out the nonprofit side as I went. There were plenty of late nights, a lot of trial and error, and moments where it felt overwhelming. But every time a veteran got the help they needed, it reminded me why I started and kept me moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Guidon Austin, we help veterans and their families make sense of VA benefits, disability claims, education benefits, and local resources. We’re known for keeping things simple, being hands-on, and actually sticking with people through the process. What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve builtnveterans know we’re local, veteran-led, and genuinely in their corner, not just pointing them somewhere and moving on.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Resilience. I’m a first-generation American on my dad’s side and joined the Marine Corps Infantry, deploying three times two non-combat and one combat. After getting out, I went back to school, earned two degrees, and kept pushing forward while dealing with PTSD and other challenges. I’m now working on my Master’s in Public Administration focused on the nonprofit sector, which ultimately led me to create my own nonprofit, Guidon Austin.
Pricing:
- Free for all veterans that qualify.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.guidonaustin.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidon_austin?igsh=OXhoMHNtamdhb2cy
Image Credits
These pictures are of me and my fellow Guidon Austin directors doing projects.
