Tuesday, Jul. 07, 2009

Soldiers learn new craft

A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to a local group that is doing some great work for our soldiers. The Bi-City Woodturners formed in 2003 as an organization dedicated to the art of woodturning. The group is a member of the American Association of Woodturners. Dawson McLemore is the local group’s president.

A friend of mine is a woodturner and first invited me to a meeting where they were teaching soldiers how to turn wood. I have to admit I was baffled when I first received this invitation and wondered exactly what woodturning was. After having seen their work I admit I am impressed.

These men and women are skilled craftsmen who can make everything from a ballpoint pen to a cowboy hat out of a chunk of wood.

The service the Bi-City Woodturners are doing for soldiers of the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Benning. The soldiers of the Warrior Transition Battalion are undergoing some sort of medical rehabilitation after service overseas or in the United States. Several such battalions are on installations in the United States.

About 300 soldiers generally are in the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Benning. The Bi-City Woodturners have offered to provide these soldiers with a chance to get away from the post, learn a craft and begin the reintegration process with the local community. When I visited, Karen Nichols, occupational therapist from the battalion staff, brought 10 soldiers to a Woodturners meeting for a class in making a ballpoint pen and a free cookout lunch.

A couple of the soldiers had been to a previous meeting and graduated to trying to make a bowl. Since the fall, more than 50 soldiers have attended Bi-City Woodturner orientations similar to this one.

I also met two former soldiers who had recently left the Army due to their injuries, stayed in the local area, and joined the local club. Nina Saeli and Tim Jackson visited the Bi-City Woodturners several months ago and discovered a craft they could do while also participating in an activity that was fun. That’s the real beauty of the local woodturners reaching out to soldiers in the Warrior Transition Battalion. They are providing an outlet for these young men and women who have been injured in the service of our country. Helping these soldiers find something enjoyable to do while recovering from their injuries is a noble act.

Our community is fortunate to have citizens who care about those who serve in our Army.

The Bi-City Woodturners have been helping soldiers for several months. When they first started they made 31 canes for soldiers who might need them. Now their membership is growing with soldiers who were first introduced to woodturning through one of these meetings becoming permanent members.

The Warrior Transition Battalion also is looking for other groups who might have an activity they could share. Call Karen Nichols at 706-544-3320 if you can help.

John M. House is a retired Army colonel who lives in Midland, Ga. His e-mail is housearmylife@aol.com.