Master craftsman, Rob Cosman of New Brunswick, Canada, is a hand tool woodworking instructor, tool designer, and the driving force behind the Purple Heart Project (PHP). Having been involved in woodworking since childhood, Rob’s passion led him to launch Rob Cosman Woodworking, Inc., a family-owned business, dedicated to sharing the joy that woodworking brings. By designing, manufacturing and selling woodworking hand tools, delivering quality instruction and encouraging excellence, Rob and his team provide folks everywhere with a valuable and profitable skill. 

In 2015, Rob was approached by a former U.S. Marine who was suffering from the side effects of an IED explosion. This veteran shared how traditional hand tool woodworking served as a type of therapy, allowing him to better cope with his post-combat struggles. That single encounter was the beginning of Rob Cosman’s Purple Heart Project. 

Since then, the PHP annually introduces 36 veterans, who are suffering from the negative effects of combat, to the peace and comfort that can be found in the therapeutic nature of traditional hand tool woodworking. Through generous donations, PHP is able to offer these veterans an all-expense paid scholarship to attend one of Rob Cosman’s training workshops, where upon completion they will receive a premium hand tool starter kit (a $2,000 value) and a custom built workbench. 

The PHP parallel program tasked with creating these workbenches is called the Bench Brigade. This program enlists the volunteer efforts of established contractors across the northeast to help create workbenches for the veterans who take part in Rob’s workshops, providing them with a proper space to put their new skills and tools to use, once they return home.

This year, New Hartford based contractor and loyal JAY-K Lumber customer, Ed DeSanctis of DeSanctis Home Improvement, was selected by PHP to be a bench builder for the Bench Brigade. In an effort to make the most of such a worthwhile opportunity, Ed decided to reach out to the community. He invited a group of New Hartford students to help him complete this project, encouraging each student to build on their individual woodworking skills while sharing with them the rewarding connection to community that volunteering can offer.

When asked about the importance of this project, Ed said, “Being able to help combat wounded veterans by building workbenches is the least we can do for all the freedoms and sacrifices these heroes have given to us. I have always been passionate about woodworking, but what gave me the most joy was watching the high school and college students embrace this project with a fierce sense of gratitude and joy, especially during this holiday season, and in the midst of a major health care pandemic.”  

DeSanctis, a loyal and long-time patron of JAY-K Lumber, also turned to his local home improvement store, to help him with this unique opportunity to assist our veterans.   

“We were excited to hear about Ed taking part in this wonderful project and were eager to help give back to our veterans by donating the materials needed to bring this special undertaking to life,” said Dean Kelly, President of JAY-K Lumber.

We are proud to be a part of Rob Cosman’s Bench Brigade, and are grateful to Ed DeSanctis for sharing this chance to give back to the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country.

If you have any questions about the Bench Brigade program, you can contact Ed at 315-525-8591 or by email.

If you’d like to learn more about Rob Cosman’s Purple Heart Project and how you can help further their mission click here.

For more information on the materials used in this project or to start a project of your own, ask one of our experts today.