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Woodcraft Hosting Fifth Annual Veterans Day Turn for TROOPS

"With the help of our customers and local communities, we were able to create more than 34,000 pens during our 2004-2007 turn-a-thon events," said Jeff Forbes, president of Woodcraft Supply LLC. "Our soldiers truly appreciate these efforts. We recently received a letter from a soldier stationed inIraq stating, '... your pens went all over northernIraq ... every convoy that came into supply went out with pens ... absolutely a wonderful gift, a reminder of home and an incentive to write home!"

Forbes added, "We hope to beat last year's number so that even more soldiers can receive pens as a constant reminder that people back home remember and appreciate their efforts."

Pen turning is one of the fastest and easiest woodworking skills to learn and enjoy. It requires few supplies, a small amount of workspace and produces relatively fast results. A first pen project takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but after creating a few pens this time can drop down to just 15 minutes each. "Using basic lathe skills," Forbes said, "anyone can produce a good quality pen for our troops quickly."

Peter Parker, Woodcraft's administrator for the Turn for TROOPS program said, "We've received amazing participation from both woodworkers and non- woodworkers and I would encourage the public to join in this effort. Not only does this remind our servicemen and women that we care deeply about them, but it is also a great activity for parents to share with their children."

Most of the 80+ Woodcraft stores and Woodworkers Clubs nationwide are expected to participate in the Veterans Day Weekend turn-a-thon. Berea Hardwoods, the pen kit supplier, has agreed to donate 1,000 pen kits to help jumpstart the event.

For additional information or to find a Woodcraft store near you, visit www.Woodcraft.com.

SOURCE Woodcraft