To: All (especially disabled veterans)
Just returned from Rob Cosman's "Training the Hand" week long course for wounded/disabled veterans, and wow, what a great experience. There were 6 civilians and 7 veterans, with all expenses paid for the veterans. Rob is offering free lifetime membership in his hand tool video classes, it's open to all disabled veterans, and the attendants were selected from some of first ones to sign up.
Discovered that Rob is a completely different individual than his on screen or teaching persona projects. For those who have only seen Rob in what I call "teaching mode" believe they miss the humble side of him, his passion for helping the less fortunate, and the depth of his sense of humor ....
But wait there's more! The first morning each veteran had a metaphorical visit from "Santa Claus" and the other donors that made this possible, each received new tools! This included saws, planes, chisels, and honing stones, the core tools required to take the class.
The first day we learned to sharpen the Cosman way, I could sharpen freehand prior to the class, but my ability to sharpen in seconds came because of the instruction. By the end of the first day each person could take a dull pane blade to an ultra sharp one in literally seconds! Then by the 4th day we were hand cutting dovetails that needed no test fittings or paring, put them together right from the saw and most rivaled Cosman's own dovetails!
For any veterans that have not signed up for the free lifetime Hand Tool classes, don't hesitate, does not matter when or how you served, or what disabilities you have, it's open to all disabled veterans. If a veteran wants to learn woodworking and has no tools, then let Rob and his team know that, they may be able to help. Plus signing up for the video classes might open the way for some lucky vets to attend one of the in person training classes. The class and the facilities were handicap accessible and there were no issues using my wheelchair, Rob and the facility went out of their way to provide whatever we needed as support items.
My understanding is that Rob gives 10% of the proceeds from his saw sales to support this effort and when someone pays for a membership in the Hand & Power tool course, a veteran will receive an upgrade to a lifetime membership in all of his video training classes.
Again, if you are a disabled veteran, you qualify for a free membership in the online Hand Tool classes, period. You don't need to have been wounded or even fought in a conflict, and at times there are even some donated tools available for those that need them.
My heartfelt thanks to those that have donated to this effort, I still get choked up thinking about your generosity and selflessness.
Regards,
Andy
Mos Maiorum
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