Volunteer / Donations / Collaborations
Our team was honored to host the Mighty Hurricane NJROTC. I felt very privileged to get a glimpse of these future leaders. Everything you see in the picture was made in a day.
PAST PROJECTS
NAVY SEAL FOUNDATION
MILITARY FOUNDATION DONATIONS
SHIELDS
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Broadsword mount and Shields (left and middle image) presented to the families of fallen brothers. This Functional shield (right image) was crafted for a respected friend. He retired after serving over 30 years as a machinist. He had an amazing work ethic and ability to solve problems. His impact will be felt for years to come. Plenty of symbolism in this one. A Templar shield with a SEABEE, flintlock, trident, calipers and a wide range of warfare devices.
Medal of Honor Recipient
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Medal Of Honor build
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This shield was built a number of years ago. It is crafted from steel and solid brass. All of the components are fastened with copper and brass rivets. There is an unmistakable look to a hammered appearance. I was not willing to sell the piece. It was one of the finest shields we have ever made and had personal significance for me. For those of you who believe that most things happen for a reason, it became clear who deserved this shield. Medal of Honor recipient: SENIOR CHIEF SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR (SEAL) EDWARD C. BYERS JR. For years, Ed has been a great friend. He now is an American Hero and example for all of us! The broadsword mount was made much later. We think it compliments the piece. It is also a functioning sword. How is that for home defense?
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The Navy SEAL Foundation commissioned us for this build. We were very proud to work with them in recognizing an American Hero.
–The base wood is Afghan, symbolizing our strong NSW contribution during combat operations there. –The Naval Medal Of Honor emblem is engraved into the wood background. •The Trident stands off from the background by actual Naval Special Warfare gun barrels used during combat operations. •“Those Who Dared” verbiage is cut from ¼” Titanium. –Pistol gun casings provide a standoff from the background. •Center – Steel from the plank owner cages of a hostage Rescue unit. – 9/11 World Trade Center Steel is embedded into the top of the piece. –Teak from USS South Carolina Battle Ship is embedded into the top of the piece. |
Over the years, I have had the honor to craft over a thousand pieces for people. Everything from retirement chests, shadow boxes, paddles, building signs, gifts for the families of our fallen and so on. The scope has more than a few emotional ties. For me, this piece is one of the most special. I was originally inspired by a very good friend of mine. His niece, Jennifer Lynn Kane was lost on 9/11. He had one of the original Flags of Honor (see below) that was presented to the family. I asked Terry if I could encase the flag. The responsibility to properly honor all involved was not lost on me.
The Flag case is crafted from solid American Cherry wood. It was purposely made to be deep. The entire frame is close to 8” deep.
Each corner of the flag is held in place by hand crafted brass clamps. The intent was to allow the flag to “Float” about 3” from the back plate.
LED Lighting is installed behind the matting. During the evening hours the flag is lit for all to appreciate.
The matting is 1/8” stainless steel plate. Famous quotes were hand engraved along its surface. Some of which are below:
The laser engraved plate was added after last year’s NYC Navy SEAL Foundation gala. Inma (my spouse) and I had the great fortune of having dinner with some amazing Americans. During the event, I told them about a 9/11 piece we made. It became clear that we had an opportunity to recognize some of their close friends and family.
The Flag case is crafted from solid American Cherry wood. It was purposely made to be deep. The entire frame is close to 8” deep.
Each corner of the flag is held in place by hand crafted brass clamps. The intent was to allow the flag to “Float” about 3” from the back plate.
LED Lighting is installed behind the matting. During the evening hours the flag is lit for all to appreciate.
The matting is 1/8” stainless steel plate. Famous quotes were hand engraved along its surface. Some of which are below:
- “I have yet to begin to fight.” John Paul Jones 1775
- “Hit hard, Hit Fast, Hit Often” W.F. Halsey This was his signal to the Fleet 1944
- “We must be the Great Arsenal of Democracy” Franklin D. Roosevelt Dec 1940
- “But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or to detract. ― Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address. 1863
The laser engraved plate was added after last year’s NYC Navy SEAL Foundation gala. Inma (my spouse) and I had the great fortune of having dinner with some amazing Americans. During the event, I told them about a 9/11 piece we made. It became clear that we had an opportunity to recognize some of their close friends and family.