Veteran Scholarship Recipient Ryan Groves

Ryan Groves, CW3 U.S. Army Ret.

We’re happy to introduce Craft Supplies USA Veteran Scholarship Recipient, Ryan Groves, CW3 U.S. Army Ret.

Ryan is a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and accomplished public servant with over 25 years of leadership experience across military, federal service, and community sectors. He began his military career in 1997 with the Army National Guard before transitioning to active duty, serving in multiple overseas deployments including Kosovo, Iraq, Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. Rising through the ranks to Sergeant First Class and later becoming a Warrant Officer, Mr. Groves held various command and targeting positions, published tactical resources, and was recognized with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Alongside his appointment as Superintendent at Vicksburg National Military Park, Ryan currently serves his community as a career coach with Hire Heroes USA, as a team lead for the Warrior Bonfire Program, and as an Assistant ScoutMaster for Troop 88 in Clinton, Mississippi.

Ryan's interest in woodworking originated in his youth, observing his grandfather's craft, predominantly executed with hand tools. In recent years, Ryan has found immense satisfaction and enjoyment in woodturning on a lathe. Learning primarily through instruction from his local woodturning club and fellow local woodturners, Ryan has acquired a foundational understanding of the discipline. As a scholarship recipient, he looks forward to taking a 101 course at the Dale L. Nish School of Woodturning in the Spring of 2026 where he can enjoy a week of personalized instruction and further develop his knowledge, skills, and techniques.