Our History
The Woodworking for Warriors program began in 2018 as a joint effort of Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute and the Adrian Rotary Club and currently has over 300 registered members, each of whom served our country proudly. It was operated as part of Sam Beauford, which is a charitable organization.
Our Beginnings
In late May 2018, the seeds of camaraderie and craftsmanship were sown as Woodworking for Warriors took its first steps into existence. The journey began with a warm welcome at a meet-and-greet hosted by the Adrian Rotary Club and the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. With a generous grant of $35,000 from the Rotary Club, Sam Beauford agreed to provide its shop space and other facilities to any interested veterans one day each week. This arrangement offered participating veterans a place to learn woodworking for its therapeutic benefits and skill development, and to connect with other veterans, sharing experiences and assisting with challenges unique to our nation’s veterans.
Initial Focus
The initial focus was on safety and skill development. Participants engaged in comprehensive safety meetings, learning the ins and outs of utilizing the various machines in the workshop. Once the safety protocols were ingrained, the warriors were given the freedom to embark on their woodworking adventures. Whether it was carving, stool making, knife crafting, or ukulele building, the shop resonated with the harmonious sounds of creativity and the buzz of machinery. Lunchtime found groups of veterans sharing food and stories.
Not Just Woodworking
The program's impact, however, went beyond the workshop. Woodworking for Warriors extended its reach beyond the shop's confines. Veterans enjoyed activities like fishing on Lake Michigan, pheasant hunting, and the highlight of the annual calendar - Deer Camp at Camp Liberty. This sanctuary, nestled on 137 acres, provided a retreat for veterans to engage in the timeless tradition of deer hunting. The lodge served as a gathering place, fostering a sense of brotherhood that transcended the workshop.
Deer Camp at Camp Liberty emerged as a pinnacle event, where friendships deepened, stories were shared, and milestones were celebrated. It was on this sacred ground that many veterans experienced the thrill of their first deer, creating lasting memories that echoed the essence of Woodworking for Warriors.
Current Status
The sense of camaraderie among the warriors is palpable. The workshop is not just a space for solitary endeavors; it was a hub of collective projects and shared experiences. Group builds, cookouts, and shared meals further solidified the bond between the veterans. It is a safe place for veterans to gather with their brothers and sisters and share a sense of community. The workshop became more than just a place to work on projects; it transformed into a community where veterans found understanding, support, and friendship.
But as the program grew the financial burden on Sam Beauford became too much and the shop time available to the veterans was impacting its bottom line. While strong ties still remain with Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, we no longer have use of their shop. we recently created Woodworking for Warriors as a separate charitable entity and our leadership team is working hard to identify and secure replacement workspace.
