From Combat to Craftsmanship

In honor of Independence Day, we're celebrating the resilience and creativity of our veterans. Today, I am privileged to share the story of James Shadle, a former Marine Corps Sergeant Major, who found healing and purpose through woodworking.

James Shadle's Story - My Creative PTSD

James served 23 years in the Marine Corps, facing a silent battle with PTSD for over a decade, since his first deployment to Afghanistan in 2004. Struggling with nightmares, flashbacks, hyper-alertness, and depression, he wore a mask to hide his true feelings from his peers and command, fearing they'd see him as weak or unfit for duty.

Seeking help from mental health professionals was the toughest decision he ever made. Over 18 months of inpatient therapy turned out to be a lifesaving choice. During this time, he discovered woodworking, which rekindled his passion for art and creation.

Determined to help others, James founded My Creative PTSD in 2023, a nonprofit dedicated to helping wounded warriors cope with their symptoms through art. This organization provides free art classes to veterans in need in Southern California, with plans to expand to Texas.

Despite a successful second career after retiring from the Corps in 2019, his mental health began to decline again. He made the bold decision to leave a $170k per year job, buy a lake home in Texas, and retire at 50 to focus on what truly brings him joy.

Currently, James's workshop is modest, equipped with just a small lathe and a circular saw. However, he dreams of expanding his collection of tools to fully unleash his creativity.

One of his recent projects is a beautifully crafted police officer-themed pen for a friend. Looking ahead, James is excited to experiment with wood and resin sculptures, further exploring his artistic talents.

James's story is a testament to the power of creativity in healing and the importance of supporting our veterans. If you'd like to help sponsor art workshops or donate supplies, please consider supporting My Creative PTSD.

Happy 4th of July

To celebrate Independence Day, we're offering a 25% off sale on all woodworking plans. Don't miss out on this fantastic deal to get started on your next project.

Thank you for your support, and have a wonderful 4th of July!

Keep making,
Matthew Peech