Woodcraft helps Veterans with anxiety and PTSD

Veterans in treatment for anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) gathered at the newly launched woodshop for their second woodturning lesson 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 Coatesville VA who wanted to provide an engaging activity for hospitalized Veterans suffering from anxiety or PTSD came up with a woodturning program operated through Recreation Therapy where all the needed tools and instructions were provided at no cost.

Two new lathes donated

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. They included the necessary 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.

Pictured above, woodturning instructor Mike Kuterback holds  a block of wood while Marine Corps Veteran Larry Daniels, holds his pen project in place.     

Woodcraft: “It’s a great experience.”

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. Last time I worked with wood was in high school. I enjoy it, it’s a great experience,” Daniels said.

Also enjoying the experience and making a pen is 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. Recreation Therapy will continue to advertise the free program and hopes it will catch on.

How to volunteer

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. Contact your local VA CDCE office where your time, talent, and contribution as a VA volunteer will let Veterans know that their service to America has not been forgotten.