Turn Pens for our Troops

Turning writing pens is a staple of the woodturning industry. Several companies specialize in manufacturing and selling “kits” that include all the mechanical “guts” of writing pens, be they ball point, roller ball, felt tip or fountain.  The woodturner simply has to provide the wood for the body of the pen. Making pens is a super quick and easy way to get the satisfaction of a completed project, and some of the fancier results can sell for over $100!

In 2004, Woodcraft Supply began a project called Turn for Troops. They collect pens from turning clubs and individuals from all over the nation and beyond, and some of their retail outlets even host “turn-a-thons” where turners gather for camaraderie as they produce quantities of pens. The pens are submitted to Woodcraft, who distributes more than 15,000 pens (and accompanying notes thanking them for their service) annually to active-duty U.S. military troops, rehabilitating service members and veterans’ groups around the world. And for each pen submitted, Woodcraft reciprocates by sending makers a new kit.

In 2021, Ray Berry, a longtime member of New Mexico Woodturners and a veteran, informed the club he had been submitting pens to Woodcraft for years, and asked the club to start turning pens for this worthy project. That year, the club was able to send 100 pens to Woodcraft. Sadly, Ray passed away, but in the following years, the club sent 231 (2022), 220 (2023) and 240 (2024). With pens currently being turned by club members, the total pens submitted by New Mexico Woodturners to Woodcraft will be over 900 by the end of 2025. Members of the New Mexico Woodturners have volunteered their time, their wood and in some cases even pens made with purchased kits.

Questions about the New Mexico Woodturners’ Turn for Troops project can be directed to Larry Linford at ldlinford@yahoo.com.