Hi All: I was approached a few days ago by an active duty senior NCO who does some smithing in his garage at Ft. Belvoir, asking for help in setting up a

presentation for Army brass on Bladesmithing, as apparently He has done a great job of talking up smithing as a a potential ancillary treatment for PTSD.(my professional opinion is: "Great Idea!" why didn't I think of this?")

I was approached because I am one of the few medical doctors who has his own shop, and by coincidence, Ft. Belvoir in Virginia is where I spent my two years on active duty defending the country against the Viet Cong as a member of the medical corps.

Personally I think this could fly, but I was in the Army too long to get my hopes up, knowing what happens to new ideas.

However, if this does go anywhere we are going to need a few anvils and at least one power hammer, and of course the army would rather refurbish M1A1 Abrams than reluctantly spend money on the Vets, so this is going to be piloted on a shoe string if it goes anywhere at all.

If this works out at some level The ABS might want to help as the publicity should be great.

Bottom Line: Please be prepared to hear from me asking for donations.

Thanks! Sandy Klein