On Saturday, May 8th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Williamsport Community Woodshop Veterans Program, located in the Pajama Factory, will be honoring Army veteran Donald Koons for his courageous military service and will also be helping him celebrate his 100th birthday. The Veterans Program (a project of Factory Works, a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation) was created by Tim Higgins, who served in the Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Division (retired).

“The Veterans Program was created to serve the region’s veterans that have been honorably discharged so that they are able to spend time with other veterans that have been through the same experience of combat and peacetime military service,” said Higgins. “It welcomes all veterans including those with physical disabilities or other issues such as PTSD.”

When asked about Donald Koon’s relationship with the Williamsport Community Woodshop and the Veterans Program, Higgins replied, “Don is one tough bird and is a valued member of the program. At 100 years old, he still drives to the woodshop. He particularly enjoys building birdhouses that he likes to give to friends and uses fewer power tools than some of the other veterans. Don prefers to build things the old-fashioned way with a hammer and nails. The other members enjoy listening to his stories and are amazed by his experience.”

Donald Koons enlisted in the Army Air Corps, a predecessor to the Air Force, during World War II. He flew 35 missions over Europe as a member of the 401st bomber group and was a ball turret gunner, one of the most dangerous jobs in history, on a B17 nicknamed “Little Pedro.” He retired from service in 1945.

Among Donald’s many accomplishments are an Air Medal with three oak clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Battle Stars, and a commendation for serving in the Offensive Western European Battle Zone. In 2016, Donald was awarded the prestigious French Legion Distinguished Service Award, which is the highest distinction and decoration bestowed by the French Government.

Donald has five children, 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. In July, he will also be celebrating his 78th wedding anniversary with his wife, Bertie.

The Veterans Program is donation-based and provides funding to cover the cost for veterans for the woodshop’s mandatory safety class as well as discounted memberships. The goals of the program include providing skills and knowledge of woodworking, to build self-esteem, the improvement of gross motor skills, the improvement of focus and attention to detail, to help develop interest in woodworking as a means of coping with stress, and to learn the proper use of equipment such as a CNC and a laser engraver for job skills. In addition, the program is a means of creating a network of friends and support.

“People and organizations have been very supportive of the Veterans Program,” said Higgins. “The Keystone Wood Products Association, for example, helped us purchase a $6,500 laser engraver to help us attract some younger veterans that might enjoy using more high-tech equipment. We just want to get the word out to vets that the program is here to help.” Higgins went on to say that people that are removing trees from their property or have a fallen tree will often donate the lumber to the program for use in our projects. “I and some of the other directors will go and pick up the lumber, and we try to make something nice with the donated wood, like a bowl, and give it back to the person to show our appreciation.”

The event is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to turn out to help this local hero celebrate his 100th birthday. The list of expected attendees will include Williamsport City Mayor Derek Slaughter, the Lycoming County Commissioners, US Congressman Fred Keller, PA State Senator Gene Yaw, and PA State Representative Jeff Wheeland.

The Williamsport Community Woodshop is located at 1302 Memorial Avenue in Williamsport inside the Pajama Factory. It is a place where woodworkers of any experience level can share equipment and workspace and can work on any project they choose. Classes are also available. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information about the Williamsport Community Woodshop and the Veterans Program or if you are interested in donating time, equipment, or money, please contact Tim Higgins at 570-506-6498 or email him higgy1234@outlook.com.