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Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander John Jones, a veteran from Hampton Roads, Virginia, is using his woodworking skills to help fellow veterans find comfort and support, particularly during the difficult holiday season. After years of working with wood, Jones has found a meaningful way to channel his passion into creating hand-carved "comfort birds," which provide a tactile reminder for veterans who may be struggling with PTSD.
The WTKR news site reported that Jones’s journey into woodworking started as a child when he worked on model projects with his father, who also had an interest in carpentry. However, Jones never imagined that his childhood hobby would evolve into a way to help others facing mental health challenges. The idea for the comfort birds came after Jones was inspired by a Ukraine-made kit, and he decided to carve his own versions. These small, hand-carved wooden birds are not just decorative; they serve as a symbol of hope and resilience, providing comfort to those in need.
The comfort birds are designed to be similar to worry stones, small objects people can carry with them for reassurance during stressful times. According to Brooke Shannon, a retail associate and instructor at the Woodcraft of Virginia Beach/Norfolk, the birds are crafted beautifully, and the addition of the 988 crisis hotline number engraved on each one adds an extra layer of support. "It's something that's tactile, it kind of distracts people in dark times," said Jones, emphasizing how important it is for veterans to have something they can hold onto when they need help most.
Jones, a Vietnam-era veteran who has witnessed the emotional toll war takes on service members, knows all too well how PTSD can surface unexpectedly, often during the quiet, lonely hours of the night. "You don't know when it's going to happen," he explained. "Usually when it happens, it's the cold, dark night when you're by yourself." The engraved number, 988, is a reminder for veterans in crisis that help is just a phone call away. For Jones, this project is personal. He hopes that one of the comfort birds might inspire a veteran to reach out for help when they need it most.
So far, Jones has carved around 70 comfort birds, with about a dozen already given to veterans in need. He’s determined to expand the project and hopes to distribute most of the birds to veterans by Christmas. He’s not doing it alone—Woodcraft of Virginia Beach/Norfolk has donated wood and provided engraving services, and other veterans like Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Davison in Boston have taken on similar projects.
The mental health challenges veterans face are significant. According to the National Center for PTSD, seven percent of all veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime, with the rate climbing to 29 percent for those who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report highlights the severity of the crisis, reporting an average of 17.5 veteran suicides each day in 2021, a rise from 16.4 in 2001.
As Jones continues to carve more comfort birds, his goal is simple: to remind veterans they are not alone. The birds represent a small, yet powerful, gesture of support for those struggling with PTSD and the harsh realities of mental health issues. And for any veteran in need, the 988 crisis number engraved on each bird offers a direct line to help and healing.
If you or your loved one are a veteran struggling with your mental health or addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery to receive the help you deserve. Avenues Recovery has special programs for veterans to give them the unique help and support they need. Our caring and empathetic staff have helped countless veterans overcome their struggles and live meaningful and happy lives. Contact us today to begin treatment in a safe and supportive environment.