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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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Local wood carver group shows their appreciation for wounded vets

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Peter Borys
  • 914th Airlift Wing
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. - --  They've been doing this since 2005: creating some of the most beautiful hand crafted wood carvings anywhere. They are not for sale, but are instead created as a labor of love to show their appreciation to local wounded veterans free of charge.

The Rainbow Carvers of Lewiston/Niagara Falls, N.Y. are a small group of about 20 individuals; some are vets from WWII and Viet Nam and some are not. One thing they all have in common though, is their talent for carving beautiful designs out of wood and their appreciation for veterans.

Retired New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Ron Kurek and retired Air Force Technical Sgt. Ron Kraft are just two of the members who volunteer their time to create free of charge, eagle head canes to any veteran who was wounded during war - including those wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. The canes are all handcrafted out of the available Basswood from old shovel handles and branches and are then transformed into works of art. "We use what is available to us," said Kurek. To make them more personal, many of the canes have the name, rank, branch of service, unit, and the date and location of the incident inscribed on them.

"I saw an article in a magazine about 2 ½ to 3 years ago about a group of carvers from Oklahoma doing this very same thing. It was starting to get very big across the country, so I made a few contacts inquiring how our group could get involved," said Kraft. "The trouble was finding out who needed them and how to distribute them," added Kurek. It was recommended to us to keep it within the state. "That's when we approached the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and spoke with the commander to see if they could help us in spreading the word," said Kurek.

The carvings are all done at the senior's center in Lewiston. The canes are meant as a symbolic gesture for the wounded veterans sacrifice, but can be put to practical use as well. "We've had vets proudly place them up on their mantle above their fireplace," stressed Kraft.

When possible, the Rainbow Carvers present the handcrafted cane to the wounded vet in person. The group is looking to expand by bringing in new members. If you would like to help by donating your time or materials, the group meets on Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. at the Lewiston Senior Center. If you know a wounded vet that is deserving of this symbolic gesture, please call Ron Kraft at 716-695-7638 or Ron Kurek at 716-791-3187. Proof of Purple Heart decoration is required.