As World War II raged across Europe, Torben Helshoj, a young man living in Denmark witnessed the heroic efforts of the American soldiers. He also fell in love with the craft known as woodworking. Eventually he would marry a woman named Catherine Helshoj. Many years later, one letter that she received would cause that same couple to recall the heroic deeds performed by the Americans serving in Europe many years earlier.

That letter was sent to the Laguna Tools Company. After immigrating to the United States, Torben had worked to establish that Irvine based Company. Upon arriving in the U.S., Torben noted that American machinery did not demonstrate the same quality as European woodworking machinery. He then made an effort to alter that unfortunate situation. His efforts led him to establish the Laguna Tools Company.

Now one former U.S. soldier had studied the material about the equipment produced by that Irvine tool manufacturer. He wanted to buy a 14 inch bandsaw. However, he could not afford one, because he had suffered with so many medical problems.

That young man, Nathanael Meadows had served as a medic in Iraq in 2003. While representing his country on the battlefield, Nathanael had been the victim of an improvised explosive device. As a result, he had suffered bilateral ear perforations, hearing loss and posttraumatic brain injury. Unable to continue with a military career, he had been assigned to the Warrior in Transition Program.

While following the steps taken by others in that Program, Nate re-discovered his own love for those crafting endeavors that allow a piece of lumber to be transformed into an attractive object. He then realized that by pursuing a craft that he had always loved, he might open up the door to a new career.

It was at that point at which Nathanael wrote his first letter to Catherine Helshoj. She was impressed by his story, but she also wanted to make sure that what he had written was true. Therefore, she requested contact information and verification of the facts. She soon received both of those items.

Eventually, Laguna Tools sent Nathanael a 16 inch heavy duty bandsaw. Catherine also shared Nathanael’s story with other men and women in the woodworking industry.  With her help, Nate has been able to obtain some fantastic pieces of equipment. No doubt Nate looks forward to the day when he can spend more time working with any of Laguna’s other great machines. Thanks to the efforts of two people with the Helshoj name, he should be able to achieve that goal.