ATLANTA — At the International Woodworking Fair important work was being done, but not all of it was directly wood products related. For instance, a major manufacturer, SCM North America, showed its support for a not-for-profit organization that cares for the country's critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Semper Fi & America’s Fund has assisted more than 33,000 veterans and their families, and SCM, which has U.S. offices in  Duluth, Georgia, has been a supporter of the fund for many years. At the International Woodworking Fair, SCM introduced a portable CNC router called the SCM Maker, and held a contest in which attendees could win the machine. For each entry, SCM contributed $100 to the Fund. 

Fabrizio Anzalone, the new CEO of SCM North America, presented a $26,800 check to retired U.S. Army serviceman Kyle Cox who accepted the check on behalf of Semper Fi Fund. "I'm very pleased to present the check to Semper Fi," said Anzalone. "We are supporting the veterans because of all that they did to protect us, and all the good things that Semper Fi & America's Fund does for the veterans. I think it is important for us to give back something."

Cox is the owner and operator of Cox Custom Woodworks in Cabot, Arkansas. "I'm involved with the (Fund's) apprenticeship program," said Cox. "I've been involved with them since 2021. They've helped me with mentorship, financial support, and overall guidance on growing my business. They've helped me grow from a small shop into a shop that I'm able to support my family and stay busy with work. I'm very, very grateful to them for that."