PARKERSBURG, W. Va. – For the 15th year in a row, volunteer woodturners gathered at Woodcraft stores nationwide over Veterans Day weekend to make pens during the Turn for Troops National Turn-a-Thon. Woodcraft said this year’s event produced 17,097 wood pens which will be sent to active duty or recovering military personnel across the globe.
That total is the second highest in the event’s 15-year history, with the record year being 2009 with 17,228 pens. Since the first event in 2004, 175,224 pens have been crafted for the troops.
“On behalf of Woodcraft, thank you to the many store owners, employees and volunteers for their wonderful contributions of time and talent, which have collectively allowed us to support more than 175,000 service men and women over the last 15 years,” said Woodcraft President Jack Bigger. “Most importantly, our brothers and sisters in uniform who serve for all of us will benefit by knowing someone else cares about the sacrifices they make.”
Gamma Phi Beta sorority member Gianna McCrystal turns one of more than 100 pens made by San Diego State University students this year.
Each year, dedicated volunteers and first-timers can come in and make pens during the Turn for Troops event. Youth, college students, veterans and senior citizens have all given their time to turn pens, with an opportunity to include a personalized note with each pen made.
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