At WoodyThings.com, we are honored to craft commemorative pieces that celebrate the extraordinary careers of our service members. Today, we’re excited to showcase a special project that pays tribute to a dedicated Tech Sergeant in the United States Air Force—an Independent Duty Medical Technician (IDMT) who has made remarkable contributions throughout her career.

Honoring a Unique Role

Independent Duty Medical Technicians (IDMTs) play a critical role in the U.S. Air Force, providing advanced medical care in remote and deployed settings where conventional medical facilities are not available. Trained to operate autonomously, IDMTs manage a wide range of medical situations, from emergency trauma care to preventive health services. Their ability to perform under pressure and in isolated environments makes them invaluable assets to their units and the broader mission.

A Personalized Tribute

Our latest project involved creating a custom Care Package Retirement Chest designed to honor the IDMT’s distinguished service. Here are the details that make this chest a unique and fitting tribute:

• Dimensions and Stain: The chest measures 15” x 24” and is stained in a rich Jacobean dark color, providing an elegant and durable finish that highlights the craftsmanship and personal significance of the piece.
• Custom Engravings: The chest features the IDMT’s badge prominently displayed, with her rank and name engraved directly beneath it. This personalization ensures that the chest is a true reflection of her career and accomplishments.
• Elegant Hardware: Gold hinges and latches were chosen to complement the chest’s dark stain, adding a touch of sophistication and durability to the design.
• Shadowbox and Flags: The interior of the chest is stained to match the exterior. It includes two openings in the lid for embedding flags—typically the American flag and a Service or Unit flag. The space between the flags serves as a shadowbox, allowing for the display of rank insignias, patches, medals, ribbons, or other meaningful items. This customizable area ensures that each chest can be uniquely personalized to reflect the recipient’s individual journey.

A Versatile Keepsake

This custom Care Package Retirement Chest can be presented as-is, or filled with additional personalized gifts to enhance the tribute. Consider adding unit patches, challenge coins, a folded flag, a favorite book, a fine bottle of something special, or even a congratulatory cigar. Each element can be tailored to the recipient’s preferences, making the gift even more memorable.

What would you include in your retirement chest?

At WoodyThings.com, we take pride in creating meaningful keepsakes that celebrate the dedication and achievements of our service members. To order your custom retirement chest or to learn more about our commemorative items, visit WoodyThings.com or contact us directly. We look forward to helping you create a lasting tribute that honors a career of exceptional service.

At WoodyThings.com, we take great pride in crafting commemorative pieces that honor the dedicated service of our heroes. Today, we’re thrilled to share one of our most recent projects: a custom-ordered Retirement Chest designed for a distinguished Staff Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps.

A Symbol of Honor

This special chest measures 15” x 24” and is stained in a rich Jacobean dark stain, reflecting both elegance and strength. The exterior of the chest is personalized with the Staff Sergeant’s rank, name, and dates of service, serving as a lasting tribute to their career in the Marine Corps.

To complement the chest’s refined style, we used gold hinges and latches. The manila rope carrying handles not only add a touch of maritime tradition but also pay homage to the Marine Corps’ naval history.

Inside the Chest: A Tribute to a Marine’s Journey

Opening the chest reveals a dark-stained interior that seamlessly matches the exterior. The lid features a striking display with an American Flag and a Marine Corps Flag embedded inside, creating a unique shadowbox effect. Within this space, we mounted the Staff Sergeant’s rank insignias, known as chevrons, which climb up on either side and converge with the iconic Eagle Globe and Anchor (EGA) at the top center.

Beneath the EGA, we showcased two Dress Blues Chevrons alongside the Service member’s Military Medals. The shadowbox also includes personalized Ribbons and Shooting Badges, arranged just as they would appear on a uniform.

Adding a heartfelt touch, we included a poem titled “Ask Me What I Was,” which reads:

ASK ME WHAT I WAS
I’ll reply with what I’ve done.
Those things others would not do, I did;
Those rivers others would not swim, I swam;
Those hills others would not climb, I conquered;
Those bridges others would not cross, I crossed;
I have celebrated. I have mourned.
I have smiled and I have frowned.
I have seen death and felt its warm breath.
It did not faze me, for I was different.
I was a warrior.
You ask me what I was?
It was my destiny. Until my last breath.
To be a United States Marine.
And my spirit shall live forever.

SEMPER FIDELIS
For I was, I am, and I shall forever be a
UNITED STATES MARINE

A Versatile Gift

This Care Package Retirement Chest is a perfect standalone tribute, or it can be filled with additional personalized gifts for the recipient. Consider including unit patches, challenge coins, a folded flag, a favorite book, a fine bottle of something special, or even a congratulatory cigar.

What would you include in yours?

At WoodyThings.com, we’re honored to craft these meaningful keepsakes that celebrate the dedication and service of our nation’s finest. To order your own custom care package chest or to learn more about our commemorative items, visit WoodyThings.com or contact us directly.

We look forward to helping you create a lasting tribute that reflects the true spirit of service.

Lieutenant Commander USN 24” Chest

• Dimensions and Finish: Measuring 12” x 24”, the chest is stained in a rich Jacobean dark color, offering a timeless and elegant appearance that highlights the craftsmanship and significance of the piece.
• Personalized: The chest features the recipient’s Rank and Name on the top of the chest. Beneath that we’ve added an Oak Leaf, representing the Navy Lieutenant Commander rank, followed by her dates of service beneath that. The front of the chest includes U.S. NAVY with a Department of the Navy seal on the bottom front of the chest.
• Custom Hardware: Gold hinges and latches were chosen to complement the dark stain of the chest, adding a touch of sophistication and durability. The handles are made from manilla rope, in-keeping with naval traditions.

A Versatile Keepsake

This retirement chest can be presented as is or filled with additional personalized gifts to enhance the tribute. Consider adding unit patches, challenge coins, a folded flag, a favorite book, a fine bottle of something special, or even a congratulatory cigar. Each item can be tailored to LtCol Ruffins’ preferences, making the gift even more memorable.

Flag Display Shadowbox

• Dimensions and Finish: Measuring 12” x 24”, flag display shadow box stained in a light color. The inside is black felt behind durable plexiglass.
• Personalized: The shadow box includes an American Flag on the left, neighbored by a personalized retirement message and the recipient’s name. Beneath that are 4 service logos (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines) and the Department of Defense logo, as this recipient served all branches of our military. 
• Custom Hardware: Gold hardware was added to the flag display shadowbox to accent the gift. 

Olive Drab Dual Flag Chest 26 

The chest measures 15” x 24”, painted in olive drab. This chest is different than our previous versions as we did not distress the paint to give it a worn look.

The outside is personalized with the recipient’s rank (Full Colonel insignia), name and dates of service.

We used gold hinges and latches to match the chest’s style, and added gold/brass carrying handles.

The inside of the chest edges were also painted, and the wood was stained a light color. The inside felt was burgundy/scarlet red, and we placed two flags – an American Flag and an Army flag, on either side. 

The space between the Two Flags serves as a shadowbox, where we mounted rank insignias, known as chevrons, climbing up on either side, meeting with an Eagle Globe and Anchor (EGA) on the top center. 

This care package gift can be presented as-is, or filled with additional gifts personalized for the recipients. 

Sword display

This custom ordered flag display was made for a local service member. The all-wood flag display is made from solid wood, and we personalized it with the recipient’s name on a wooden plaque. The black reads his name, with an Eagle, Globe and Anchor in the center. Beneath that we added his dates of service, to commemorate his time in service.

Semper Fidelis!

The last of the personalization includes two gold and red Sergeant chevrons on either side of the sword display. 

We’ve been fairly busy over the past few months, and thank you for your support and trust in helping honor our brothers and sisters in the service.

Thank you! And don’t hesitate to reach out should we be of any assistance.

At WoodyThings.com, we are honored to create bespoke commemorative pieces that celebrate the distinguished careers of our service members. Today, we’re excited to showcase a recent project: a custom Care Package Retirement Chest crafted for LtCol Ruffins, a retiring Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel who has served with excellence as the Commanding Officer of Lighthouse MASS-6 and Pacific Penguins MASS-6 Detachment A.

A Commanding Career

Lieutenant Colonel Ruffins has had an exceptional career in the Marine Corps, demonstrating outstanding leadership and dedication. As the Commanding Officer of Lighthouse MASS-6 and Pacific Penguins MASS-6 Detachment A, LtCol Ruffins has led these units through complex missions, embodying the highest standards of Marine Corps leadership.

Lighthouse MASS-6: Known for its adaptability and operational excellence, this unit thrived under LtCol Ruffins’ guidance, reflecting the effectiveness and commitment of his leadership.

Pacific Penguins MASS-6 Detachment A: Under LtCol Ruffins’ command, this detachment achieved significant milestones, showcasing the strength and unity fostered by his visionary leadership.

Crafting a Tribute

We were privileged to create a custom Care Package Retirement Chest to honor LtCol Ruffins’ remarkable service. Here are the details of this unique retirement chest:

• Dimensions and Finish: Measuring 10” x 18”, the chest is stained in a rich Jacobean dark color, offering a timeless and elegant appearance that highlights the craftsmanship and significance of the piece.
• Personalized Engravings: The chest features the Marine Corps emblem, an Eagle, Globe and Anchor prominently displayed on top of the chest. LtCol Ruffins’ rank abbreviation, name, and dates of service on the front, creating a meaningful tribute to his distinguished career.
• Custom Hardware: Gold hinges and latches were chosen to complement the dark stain of the chest, adding a touch of sophistication and durability.
• Shadowbox and Flags: The interior is stained to match the exterior and includes Marine Corps blue as the background, with a red blood stripe running down the center. Two unit logos are added to either side of the chest. Not pictured here is the brass plaque (provided by the unit) centered between the two logos. 

A Versatile Keepsake

This retirement chest can be presented as is or filled with additional personalized gifts to enhance the tribute. Consider adding unit patches, challenge coins, a folded flag, a favorite book, a fine bottle of something special, or even a congratulatory cigar. Each item can be tailored to LtCol Ruffins’ preferences, making the gift even more memorable.

What would you include in your retirement chest?

At WoodyThings.com, we are dedicated to creating meaningful keepsakes that honor the dedication and achievements of our service members. To order your custom retirement chest or to learn more about our commemorative items, visit WoodyThings.com or contact us directly. We look forward to helping you create a lasting tribute that celebrates a career of exceptional service.

Here’s a look at a similar sized chest:

The WoodyThings Flag Display Shadow Box is more than just a decorative piece—it’s a heartfelt homage to our brave servicemen and women. Crafted with precision and care, this shadowbox encapsulates sacrifice, service, and the enduring bonds that unite us as a nation.

Key Features:

1. The American Flag Centerpiece

At the heart of the Flag Display Shadow Box is the American flag—a symbol of freedom, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Folded into a triangle, it rests elegantly within the shadowbox. The stars and stripes evoke a sense of pride and honor.

2. Customized Going-Away Message

Imagine a heartfelt farewell captured forever. Our shadowbox allows you to include a personalized going-away message. Whether it’s a retirement salute, a farewell to a deployed loved one, or a token of appreciation, this central message adds depth and emotion.

3. Personalized Logos: A Visual Symphony

For this custom order we displayed military logos beneath the retirement message. Each emblem represents a branch of the armed forces—the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. These logos honor the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve.

4. Photos and Mementos

Beyond the logos, the WoodyThings Flag Shadow box invites you to share personal memories. Insert photographs, medals, or other mementos that tell a story. Perhaps it’s a snapshot from a deployment, a cherished dog tag, or a badge earned during service.

5. Nameplate

Beneath the flag, a custom printed nameplate bears the retiree’s name, rank, and service dates. It’s a subtle touch that adds authenticity and permanence to the display.

Display Options:

• Wall Mount: Hang the shadowbox on any wall—a living room, study, or hallway. Its presence will command attention and spark conversations.
• Mantelpiece Showcase: Place it on a mantelpiece or sideboard. The warm wood tones of the shadowbox frame complement any interior.

Gift Idea:

The WoodyThings Flag Display shadow box makes a thoughtful gift for:

• Retirees: Celebrate their service journey.
• Deployed Loved Ones: Send them a piece of home.
• Military Families: Honor their resilience.

Order Yours Today:

Visit our website or contact us to order your personalized WoodyThings Flag Display Shadow Box. Let it stand as a beacon of gratitude and a testament to the indomitable spirit of our armed forces.

Note: Each shadowbox is handcrafted with care. No two are alike, ensuring that your tribute remains unique.

If you have any questions or would like to place an order, feel free to reach out!

We were recently asked to help showcase a retiring Marine with a special gift. We’ve made a set of Retirement Chest and Shadowbox painted in olive drab, distressed to showcase a battle worn exterior.

On the outside of the chest we added the Marine’s rank, name and dates of service on durable, glossy vinyl.

In this version we customized an Ammo Box Chest by making it deeper, and including black rope handle vs. the traditional metal handles that come on the chest.

The customer further personalized this item by adding lift support hinges to help display the items inside the chest.

The chest was left untreated and natural, to preserve the wood in its natural state.

We really like how this chest turned out.

How would you use or personalize yours?

The chest measures approximately 12″ wide, 24″ long and 6″ tall. We’ve made the chest from sanded plywood, and stained it to bring out the wood’s grain. We then added wooden rails and painted them a darker color, to better show the contrast of the wood grain.
We’ve added hinges to the back, and latches to the front. These latches can be secured with light duty/small locks.

Pictured here you’ll find how we’ve personalized this retirement gift. We added the recipient’s rank and name with custom vinyls cut in-house.

In the front of the chest we added “U.S Army” in the center.

As you open the chest you all find some special touches added to the inside of the lid. We stained the inside of the lid, and added a wooden, hand painted a Silver Oak Leaf, which depicts Lieutenant Colonel in the Armed Services. On the right side we added a message, encased in plexiglass, secured in place with distressed brass tacks.

How would YOU personalize yours?

Our customer requested a shadowbox large enough to fit a set of dress blues, a sword and a few items to commemorate a Marine’s service.

We built a solid wood retirement to accommodate two flags at both top corners. 

Centered is a gold Eagle, Globe and Anchor – a staple in Marine Corps tradition.

We then added, in ascending order, rank insignias going up from Private First Class through Chief Warrant Officer 3. 

We then centered a Marine Officer’s Sword in the center of the display, along with a set of Dress Blues Coat and trousers.

Under the Array of Chevrons you’ll find Ribbons and Badges, and an open space where we later added the Retirement Plaque.

Beneath that you’ll find the Marine’s picture and then a row of Unit Challenge Coins, in order of service.

The shadowbox was lined with red velvet, perfectly complimenting the artifacts within the shadowbox display.

Unfortunately, due to the large size of this retirement shadowbox, this custom-order is only available on a case-by-case basis, and for local pick up or delivery. 

But we invite you to check out other shadowbox options and chests in our inventory. And as always, have a question? Let us know! 

Our standard 24″ Dual Flag Retirement Chest was personalized with blue felt on the inside lid, just like the inside shadowbox tray. The chest was made to accommodate three folded flags.

We used rope to serve as handles, and adorned the chest with gold hardware to stand out against the dark wood stain.

The front of the chest includes the recipient’s rank, name, and military components where he served.

The top of the chest was also personalized with his years of service on the top corners of the chest. A Coast Guard emblem centers the chest, while a Coast Guard Anchor is highlighted on the bottom left, and an Eagle holding the traditional Anchor on the bottom right.

We love how this version turned out.

How would YOU personalize yours?