Something to write home about

Published Oct. 20, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- An all-volunteer organization in the United States is going the extra mile to make sure Airmen here are thanked for their service.

The Freedom Pens Project creates and ships out custom pens for distribution to servicemembers across the globe.

Most of the pens are made using a process called woodturning, where a piece of wood or other workable material is spun on a lathe and various shaping tools are applied until the desired shape is achieved. Afterward, the pens are assembled from a kit, creating a unique writing instrument. Finally, the pen is then sent to a local collection point and packaged for shipment to military members.

"As of October 13, 2007, we have received and shipped 74,013 pens to the Middle East and to several military hospitals here at home caring for our war wounded," said Keith Outten, the Freedom Pens Project administrator.

Mr. Outten said the Freedom Pens Project began with a message he posted on a woodworking message board - called the SawMill Creek Woodworkers Forum - on
January 16, 2004 and became an official non-profit organization on January 5, 2005.

The Freedom Pens are meant to serve as a reminder that the American Military is appreciated and that there are people back home thinking about them, he added.

"We are simply American citizens who want to remind our servicemembers that they are not alone and we appreciate their service and sacrifice," Mr. Outten said.
According to Airmen here that have received some of the pens, they are serving that purpose well.

"I really think it is special that someone will use their own money and time to do something for someone they don't even know," said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Foremski, NCO in charge of the finance office here.

The Freedom Pens Project relies on the generosity of penturners and non-pen turners alike to keep the project going.

According to the Freedom Pens website, many pens are turned at get-togethers called "Turn-A-Thons," where several woodturners gather at a location and turn pens for several hours.
T
he fact that so many people are working selflessly for the benefit of servicemembers is not lost on Airmen here.

"Our thanks go out to the men and women back in the United States who have given their time, money, and talents to ensure we know they are thankful for our service," said Brig. Gen. Bill Hyatt, 455 Air Expeditionary Wing Commander.

Further information on the Freedom Pens Project is available on their website at http://www.freedompens.org .