The Power of the Pen

A Veterans Administration program in Arkansas turns former warriors into pen makers.

- GAEL DOWNS HEES

Hell no, I don't want to make any damn pens," said Michael Ognibene, an Air Force Veteran in residence at the Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock, Arkansas. It was gently suggested that he could give them away as Christmas presents, and he retorted, "I don't give Christmas presents."

Ognibene initially pictured a stack of pen parts, many of them plastic, that needed to be assembled factory style: repetitious and mind numbing. But he was hooked the minute he reluctantly navigated his wheelchair into the workshop and saw lathes, local and exotic wood pen blanks, presses, brass parts, and unique finished pieces.

That was two years ago. Since then, Ognibene has made more than 100 pens, including the 35 he gave to his daughter to give her coworkers for Christmas.

Ognibene's story is just one of many stories here: of turning wooden pens, of camaraderie, of finding a meaningful pastime, and of heroes.

The Veteran's pen-turning program in Arkansas started in 2015 with one donated lathe; one recreational therapist, Alyssa Welch; one volunteer, Ken Leslie; and one willing Veteran. It originated in the Community Living Center of the Eugene J. Towbin VA Healthcare Center in North Little Rock and has touched the lives of more than 500 Veterans.

Since that time, the program has spread to the mental health program at the Towbin Healthcare Center and the nearby state-owned Veterans living facilities. Plus, seed programs in nine other states were funded through a nationwide Veteran's Administration innovation program.

Often, the Veterans are waiting in anticipation at the workshop door before the volunteers even arrive. Soon after the doors open, the smell of sawdust fills the room, as does the gentle hum of spinning lathes. Turning pens has become an integral and valued part of their weekly routines.