Don Rogers is well known in Windham. The World War II
Veteran, who is a regular at parades and Veterans’ events, recently received an
eagle head cane from the Maine Woodcarvers Association as a thank you for his
service.
While at breakfast at Danielle’s Diner last month, Don
and Norma, his wife, were approached by a woman who noticed Don’s WWII Veteran
hat. She thanked him for his service. A few minutes later Herb Blake, who was
eating breakfast with the woman, approached Don and offered to make him an eagle
head cane. The project would take a few weeks, he told him.
“Don was pleased. He couldn’t wait to see him again,”
said Norma. When they finally met up again, Don was thrilled.
“It had his name on it. What a wonderful organization to
present that,” she added.
Herb Blake is the project manager for the eagle canes as
a part of the Maine Woodcarvers Association, which provides eagle head canes
for Maine Veterans with service related disabilities.
“We can’t keep up with demand,” said Blake.
The personalized canes are made by 6 to 12 of the
approximately 100 members of the organization. The canes, which are given at no
cost to the veterans, cost about $20 in materials, but each craftsman put in
between 20 to 30 hours to carve the eagle head depending on the amount of
detail put into the cane, which is priceless. Each one is personalized by the
artist. Donations pay for the materials, which include a rubber base, the cane
stalk and the template for the eagle head.
Personalization varies from flags to wood burning a unit
number, medal or ribbons as well as the veteran’s name. Blake decoupages items
onto the shaft of the cane for the ones he makes.
When it comes to a WWII veteran, Blake doesn’t ask
questions, he usually puts them at the top of the waiting list that sometimes
contains 30 to 40 names. “He seemed healthy and active for his age, but still I
put his name to the head of the list. It was the first time I’d seen him. He
was wearing a vet cap and using a cane,” Blake said.
Maine Woodcarvers Association makes and gives away close
to 100 canes each year statewide.
“Quite a few do them for family or friends. Sometimes it
doesn’t’ come through the project for me to take care of,” said Blake. “I do it
to recognize the veterans and their service. We’re a non-profit and it’s our
way of saying thank you.”
Blake has seen Don since giving him the cane. The last
time he watched Don shake the cane. “You don’t have one of these, do you?”
“It’s very rewarding to recognize someone and have them
enjoy it that much,” Blake said.
Blake works for Bath Iron Works and lives in New
Gloucester. Woodworking is his hobby. Anyone who is interested in carving a
cane and has carving skills or would like to donate to the program is
encouraged to contact Blake. He will provide the materials and directions.
Blake’s email is hblake12@maine.rr.com.
Information about the program can be found at www.mainewoodcarvers.org.
