My name is George Doornbos. I’m 87 years old, and I live with my wife, Janye, in a Breton Woods Retirement Community. I served in the Army from 1953 to 1955, in Nuremberg. As a radio operator, I learned Morse Code. But I also learned to obey orders. With all the intense physical training, I stayed in excellent shape, while serving in the best army in the world. Before moving into Breton Woods, I knew nothing about woodworking. But at 80 years old, after taking a course in the facility’s workshop, I learned how to create a new art process, called intarsia.
The work involves coloring and combining pieces of wood to form an art piece that resembles an animal, a person, or a nature scene. The new hobby added a whole new dimension to my life. I no longer needed to wonder about what to do with my time. The work also helped me to take my mind off unpleasant things, such as the aging process or other challenging situations. Because of my time in the Army, I think it is important for young people to learn to obey and respect authority. I would advise a younger veteran who needs something to give their life more meaning to try a new hobby. The new interest may help someone take his or her mind off difficult situations or memories that might fill the mind.
Honoring a Fallen Comrade
I felt inspired to create a piece of art after participating in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. While touring Arlington Cemetery and seeing all the monuments of the various military conflicts, I wanted to do something to honor those who didn’t survive World War II. After serving in the U.S. Army for two years in Germany, I felt fortunate to return home. To make the 225-piece wooden puzzle, I used aspen wood. I started by using a scroll saw to cut each piece. Next, I glued all the pieces together to form a soldier. The final step involved staining the pieces. Art gives me a purpose, so I never have to worry about what to do with my time, and it helps me to remember the fallen.
Our new type of ArtPrize venue gives veterans a voice as they share their stories of struggle and healing through art.
Honoring a Fallen Comrade is showcasing at Veterans Memorial Park
A special thanks to Kent County Veterans Services, Zero Day, Finish the Mission, West Michigan Veterans Coalition, Breton Woods of Holland Home, PlexiCase Inc, and Healing in Arts for making this collaboration of veteran stories possible.
