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F.E. Warren AFB carves out a reputation
through (March 2, 2007) Cheyenne, WY —The Arts & Crafts Center at F.E. Warren Air Force Base (AFB) is chiseling away at the wood manufacturing business through the production and sales of military wooden patches and high-quality flag boxes. The unique Wood Skills Center creates hundreds of wooden replicas designed from military patches, badges and recognition boards. Several things set Warren AFB Arts & Crafts center apart from other woodworking facilities: the actual construction of the wooden patches and flag boxes, a website that features online ordering and product shipment available worldwide. “We really enjoy the work we do—making things with your hands can be so rewarding and creatingpatches that commemorate an individual’s military service or accomplishment adds to that reward,” said Herbert “Joe” Simkins, WS-09, DAF manager. Typically, these wooden emblems are made from natural woods unless color is required, then stains are applied. The patches are created using a combination of laser engraving and hand scrolling by the center’s talented craftsmen. After they are designed, produced and assembled the patches are then sealed and display hangers are attached. One of the center’s notable achievements includes creating a patch that was presented to President Bush in 2005. Colonel Sands of Buckley AFB offered this wood design to the Commander and Chief for display in Washington D.C.. A Recognition Board was designed, built and shipped to the Armed Forces Entertainment, the Department of Defense agency responsible for sending entertainers to the troops overseas. Between the six employees, the shop offers more than 200 years of woodworking experience. Since production began on the wooden patches ten years ago, the craftsmen have created more than 1,000 replicas. In addition to the wood shop, the Arts and Crafts Center features a frame shop, ceramics shop and engraving services.
The Air Force Services Agency (AFSVA) is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas and is a field operating agency of Headquarters U.S. Air Force Services, Washington, D.C. Formed during the reorganization of Morale, Welfare and Recreation Services functions in 1993, AFSVA supports the bases, major commands and Air Staff by fielding new initiatives, developing procedures and managing central support functions to ensure successful Services programs. A unit of AFSVA, the Directorate of Programs assists field activity managers in operating a variety of Air Force services. Its programming includes fitness, recreation, sports, libraries and information centers, child development and youth activities, entertainment, snack bars, amusement machine programs, logistics service, marketing and commercial sponsorship. For additional information contact the AFSVA at 210.652.4945 or visit www.af-artscrafts.com
Col. Sands presents President Bush with a wooden patch
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