CARVED IN FREEDOM Chainsaw art pays tribute to U.S. Armed Forces

 

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | DGKN

A soldier representing the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps was carved from an old tree at the Army Navy 250 at 2970 N Bender Road in Coventry Township.

Standing at attention, sawdust is still scattered about the recent chainsaw artwork at the Army Navy Union Garrison No. 250 along N Bender Road in Coventry Township. Barberton Tree Service cut down the tree to a stump and local chainsaw artists Jack Riese and Pat Holbert carved the statue representing the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.

By CHRISTINA McCUNE

BGNN managing editor

COVENTRY TWP.  Just in time for Independence Day, a couple of wood carvings have been completed at Army & Navy Garrison 250 along N Bender Road.

These aren’t just any wood carvings.

Standing tall, two impressive pieces of chainsaw art decorate the pleasant property surrounding the local Army Navy Union.

At night, a light illuminates the statue in the yard behind the building and represents both U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. 

Recently completed with fresh sawdust still scattered around it, a statue that can be seen clearly from the road standing at attention represents the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.

Doug Dangerfield, commander of Army Navy Garrison 250, added a plaque to the soldier behind the building that reads: “I stand for freedom.”

Dangerfield noted he is working on another fitting tribute to the U.S. Air Force. Logos of all branches of the military are in a rock garden leading to the building, which is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Dangerfield added a deck to the building not too long ago and he is creating a patriotic theme out back by the shelter and picnic area by the soldier.

An old cannon is in the background and a large red cross on a white background is reminiscent of American Red Cross canteens.

Dangerfield had to have a large old tree cut down because it was hollow and posed a danger of falling. He was able to get creative with two other large old trees that weren’t doing too well and had to be taken care of. Thanks to Barberton Tree Service, the trees were cut down to large stumps so they could be sculpted via chainsaw to become unique pieces of art paying tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces. Local chainsaw artists Jack Riese, from the Massillon area, and Pat Holbert, from the Dalton area, carved both statues.  

The Army Navy Union is the oldest veterans organization in the United States. Any veteran from any branch of the military is welcome to join and sons and daughters and family members of military members are welcome to join. The garrison also has a ladies auxiliary. 

The active group has more than 500 members and is run by a board. The group has social events such as dances and meals and drawings. The organization gives back to the community and helps veterans in need and can be seen placing flags on gravesites in remembrance of those who served. The Garrison 250 also will decorate a pontoon and will be in the boat parade at Portage Lakes for the Fourth of July festivities.

“It’s just a nice thing,” Dangerfield. “We’re always looking for veterans to join.”

Dangerfield said he is working on a tribute to the U.S. Air Force and he also plans to add a plaque to the recently carved U.S. Navy/U.S. Coast Guard statue. The plaque will read something along of the lines of “Angel of the Seas.”