About

The Genesis of Warrior Oak

Warrior Oak Woodturning was born from a confluence of service, sacrifice, and artistry. Founded by Ernesto Aquino, a former Marine with a heart for service and a hand for craftsmanship, WoW is more than a woodturning studio—it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience. Ernesto’s journey, marked by his service and subsequent recovery, laid the foundation for a unique enterprise that melds military history with artistic expression.

Our Mission and Legacy

At the core of Warrior Oak Woodturning is a mission that transcends the creation of handmade wood art.

Our mission is to heal using the therapeutic power of woodturning to aid veterans in their transition to civilian life.

It’s all about legacy – preserving and honoring the history embedded in the military materials we use. Our creations are not just objects of beauty; they are stories of courage, transformation, and hope.

A Message From Ernesto

The Triumph of Artistry and Healing

Amidst the chaos of war, when wounds and scars were etched into my very being, I discovered an unexpected source of solace and strength. It was the kindhearted embrace of a group of compassionate citizens, who selflessly dedicated themselves to providing comfort and support to the valiant servicemembers returning home, wounded and in need of healing. In 2012, as I embarked on the arduous journey back to my civilian life after my fifth combat deployment, I found myself at the crossroads of transformation.

It was there, at the convergence of art and therapy, that woodturning revealed its profound ability to breathe new life into my wounded spirit. Every turn of the lathe, every painstakingly crafted piece became an embodiment of my resilience and determination. With each item, carefully shaped by the hands of a wounded warrior, I not only found solace but also a pathway to recovery.

Warrior Oak Woodturning emerged as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who have endured the unimaginable. Our workshop will be a sanctuary where warriors like myself harness the power of artistry to heal, to find purpose, and reclaim our identities. From the raw, unyielding timber, we breathe life into exquisite works of craftsmanship. Each piece is a testament to our unwavering spirit, an emblem of the strength and beauty that can arise from the depths of adversity.

In the hands of a resilient warrior, woodturning becomes a transcendent experience—a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. With every turn of the wood on lathe, we shape not only the wood but also our own destinies. Through our creations, we channel the pain, the struggles, and the triumphs, infusing each piece with the untamed essence of our spirit.

Warrior Oak Woodturning stands as a testament to the power of art to heal and inspire. Every item that emerges from our workshop is a symbol of the resilience, dedication, and untapped potential within each warrior. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, beauty can emerge, and the human spirit can rise, unbroken.

Join us on this extraordinary journey of artistry and healing. With each acquisition from Ernesto’s handcrafted items, you become part of a profound story of triumph over adversity. Together, let us honor the courage and resilience of our wounded, ill, and injured warriors, as they shape wood and, in turn, shape their own futures.

Recent Masterpieces

Delve into our gallery of recent works. Each piece, from pens crafted from historic battleship teak to bowls shaped from the heart of curly maple, narrates a journey of resilience and artistry

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