#HappyPeople is a series dedicated to the humans who make Happy + Hale special. Today we honor the service members on our team who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Please meet Corporate Executive Chef, Justin Venezia (Army) and Restaurant Team Member, Lane Foell (Air Force). We caught up with Justin and Lane at our North Hills location.
What motivated you to join the military?
Justin: I joined right after high school. I was not going to college at the time and needed to "straighten up."
Lane: I was seeking an alternative to college and wanted to gain worldly experience.
What was your primary job after training?
J: 94 bravo Food Service Specialist
L: I was a Staff Weather Officer, or a SWO. We are trained to forecast weather amidst battlefield conditions.
Where did you serve during your time?
J: Fort Jackson SC, Fort Lee VA and Giebelstadt Army Airfield, Germany
L: I did my training in San Antonio, Texas and Biloxi, Mississippi. I was stationed in Tucson, AZ, Fayetteville, NC, and Erbil, Iraq.
Where there any special people you met during your service?
J: I have several friends that I still keep in contact with over the past 20 years. I talk to my good friend Scott Allen at least 2 or 3 times a month and we have not seen each other since 1996.
L: I met my best friends- brothers and sisters and mentors that I can depend on for a lifetime.
Lane Foell, Air Force
What has been your proudest moment in the military?
Justin: I was an expert marksman with several weapons including the air M60 shooting out of a moving Blackhawk
Lane: My proudest moment was being awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for volunteering to stay behind and man my weather station while maintaining my forecasting duties during a hurricane.
How did your military experience affect your life today?
J: The military training and way of life has had a tremendous impact on my thinking to this day. Punctually, loyalty and dedication to every task has shaped my life for over 20 years.
L: The military has taught me lifelong skills, both practical and mental. The skills taught to me yesterday pave the way for an easier and more successful tomorrow.
What is your favorite memory from the time you served?
J: Due to being stationed overseas for the majority of my enlistment I have a great deal of amazing memories and experiences. The best thing that happened to me during my military service was meeting my wife Natascha. We have been married over 20 years and have a great life with our son Rocco.
L: It's hard to choose just one favorite memory. What I cherished the most was the inevitable bond you formed with random strangers that were going through all the tough times along with you.
