Veterans in treatment for anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder recently gathered at a newly launched woodshop for their second woodturning lesson at Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Coatesville, Pennsylvania thanks to the generous donation of equipment and volunteers from the local community who share their passion for woodcraft.
Donor organizations, volunteers and staff at the facility who wanted to provide an engaging activity for hospitalized veterans suffering from anxiety or PTSD developed the woodturning program where all the needed tools and instructions were provided at no cost, according to a VA release.
Meeting the needs of a complete equipment set-up were donors Justamere Foundation and the charitable organization David’s Drive 831, who donated two new lathes valued at $12,000. Also included were the required hand tools and safety equipment.
The Center for Development and Civic Engagement recruited volunteer instructors, coordinated the space, scheduled safety evaluations and developed a standard operating procedure.
Mike Kuterback and Thomas Scurto-Davis serve as volunteer instructors and share their woodcraft talents by providing the veterans with basic knowledge and instruction. Training covers equipment use, proper handling of tools, and the knowledge of how to turn a block of wood into a pen or a bowl. Regardless of their skill level, veterans leave each session with a completed project.
A wooden pen was Marine Corps veteran Larry Daniels’ project, a creation he wanted to give to his mother.
“The most difficult part of this project is learning to have the right touch, but the instructor does a great job explaining the techniques,” said Daniels. “Last time I worked with wood was in high school. I enjoy it, it’s a great experience.”
Also enjoying the experience and making a pen was Navy veteran Rick Watson, who has some wood working experience, though he had never worked with a lathe.
“I find it interesting to get to know how this lathe works, knowing where and how to cut,” he said.
Both veterans found the woodturning program a valuable experience and recommended it for their peers staying at Coatesville VA.
The woodcraft training and other recreational activities are only possible with the support of volunteers who give a few hours each week to touch the lives of hospitalized Veterans.
What can you do to serve those who served our country? You can volunteer as an individual, in a group or as a family. To learn more about becoming a VA volunteer, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connetingvets.com.
