History:
In early 2007, at the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Allen Driver, a devoted member of the San Diego Woodturners (SDWT), ignited a spark of inspiration. Allen shared his vision with Dr. Ken Roth, a retired Navy Orthopedic surgeon, and fellow SDWT friend. Together, they embarked on a journey fueled by compassion and innovation. Their partnership expanded with the inclusion of Nan Bushley, a retired Navy Nurse and then-President of SDWT, whose leadership illuminated the path forward. Joined by Tom Edwards, a retired Navy Seal renowned for his expertise, and Becki Edwards, tasked with preserving their vision through documentation.
These five individuals witness servicemen and women return home from combat, shattered by devastating injuries and haunted by the horrors of war, they refused to stand idly by. They saw the problems and pain of the service members and worked to create a program to address these issues using their skill and passion for woodturning as a therapeutic means.
Their shared belief in the healing and therapeutic power of woodturning led to the inception of Turn Around for Veterans (TAV). From their collaborative work emerged the foundation of a program that would extend beyond the physical realm, offering courageous servicemen and women a pathway to recovery that transcended conventional approaches. Behind the lathe, they saw the potential for not just crafting wood but also crafting a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.
Over the years, the TAV program has proven its worth, validated by the feedback from professional medical personnel at sites like the Naval Medical Center (NMC), Wounded Warrior Battalion Camp Pendleton, and the Veterans Affairs Aspire Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program in San Diego. Through dedicated participation in TAV, servicemen and women recovering from military injuries and related stress have found therapeutic benefits that extend far beyond the physical realm.
Administered and staffed by a team of devoted San Diego Woodturners (SDWT) volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, the TAV program exemplifies the power of community and shared commitment.
Today, the legacy of TAV stands as a testament to the power of human connection and the boundless capacity for renewal. Guided by the unyielding determination of its founders, it continues to illuminate the path to recovery for those who have borne the weight of war’s burdens. In the embrace of each creation, lies not just a piece of wood, but a fragment of hope and a promise of transformation.
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the TAV Chairman at TAVchairman@sdwt.org
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