VWI, A Student’s Perspective
Veterans Watchmaker Initiative (VWI) has been a game changer, not only for me, but for many veterans. The amount of time and energy Sam has / does put in this for us; it’s unreal. I can’t imagine what he went through to get this school started and I see the hurdles he goes through today.
The education here is truly incredible. Just this week (week 1) I have gone from being handed a brand new tool to crafting something with it! At first we don’t really see what skills we are building, but there are little bits as we go through class that connect the big picture for us. “Oh! I remember we did something similar the other week! I can modify that technique to make this work!” For me it’s incredibly satisfying when I have those lightbulb moments or when I have those “wow I can do this!” moments. I have accomplished things in these walls that I had never thought of even trying.
There’s another piece though. What Sam and the team at VWI do here goes way beyond the classroom. They ensure that we veterans have EVERYTHING we need. For example, a good portion of my time at VWI I did not have a car. THANKFULLY (I am GENUINELY grateful for these wonderful people here) the (seriously, all the people here are fantastic) volunteers here always made sure I could get to a store to buy whatever I needed whether that be groceries, misc. supplies, etc.
The work here at VWI provides an opportunity for us veterans to get out of everything and engulf ourselves in something positive. For me at least, when working, nothing else matters as everything fades. I am not mortal nor am I immortal. There is no life, and there is no death. I simply exist with this masterpiece of engineering; that rests on my bench before me. This piece of art that is to be respected, loved, and cherished as it has been by the one who wore it for the years prior to me meeting it. It has been on a long journey like me and with my help it will continue on the journey, and with the help of VWI I will continue on mine.
Thanks to VWI, veterans can come here and leave with a real skill set they can demonstrate with their hands, job offers, and an ability to get themselves established. We leave with a new beginning.
Amazing Teachers, Amazing Curriculum, food and housing is provided for people who are not financially secure. to be honest I don't know what I would have done if it wasn't for these fine individuals who selflessly volunteer their time to support the veterans.
I was able to visit and complete testing at this amazing school. This might be was of the best opportunities for veterans to learn a trade and gain so much knowledge from some of the best watch makers. I am so thankful for everything the Staff at VWI has created and continues to do. Thank you all!
I started as a volunteer before the first class began. From the beginning Sam told me "If you want to be a watchmaker I'll teach you to be a watchmaker. " I saw the inaugural class begin and complete and now I'm a grateful member of the second class.
This is a wonderful charity satisfying the real needs of real veterans. I look forward to completing the program so I can give back to it. Veterans Watchmaker Initiative Inc. is a modern American miracle. I'm proud to have been a part of it and hopefully contribute in a more meaningful way in the coming years. Sam Cannan's vision is real. He's proven that it works and I only hope it can keep growing to help even more veterans from across the country.
This is a much needed service that being lost. Watch makers were challenged by RR to make an accurate watch, horologists did, after WW2, men needed jobs, again, many veterans learned the trade. My friend was one, he told me watches gave him a living, kept him and his family fed, clothed and a little spending money.
He worked on watches well into his 80’s.
I repair clocks, working in a shop with a watch repairman in Georgia. We have customers across the states bringing or mailing the watches and clocks to us. They cannot find someone to keep their timepieces working. They are so grateful the service we do. ‘ It means the world to me’ is an ofter phrase we hear often, even tears, hugs. Heard many stories about the timepieces, part of the family’s lives, that makes that repaired item so dear to them.
Sir, I truly believe these men will make someone’s memory of their timepieces a reality someday too.
Keep up the great work, America needs you.
I’ve witnessed the incredible work of these professionals first hand. You will not find a more dedicated group running a non-profit than the folks at VWI. The passion with which they create opportunities for our nation’s veterans is inspiring. Their drive to serve others represents the best of our society. Transparency, selflessness, and the pursuit of excellence - pretty much says it all.
The Veterans Watchmaker Initiative is a non-profit that actually makes a difference in people's lives. I am a veteran and a student in the second of the classes VWI has offered to disabled veterans for no fee whatsoever. I have in the short amount of time (presently interrupted by the COVID-19 lockdown) learned more about myself than I can fathom. What is important is that I have learned more about the watchmaking industry than I thought possible. I look forward to learning more and taking up this fascinating career to earn a living. This school, this non-profit, takes no money from the veteran/student and provides an unparalleled education that seems to exceed the industry standard by teaching methods practiced by "old-schoolers". These are not my thoughts but those of competent professionals who have visited the school and let other know what is happening in Odessa, Delaware. As a disabled veteran, I have been offered the chance to return to work, and find again, a purpose to live along with the dignity of work in an industry that is once again growing following the so-called quartz watch revolution. It must be understood that the industry needs watchmakers as an aging population of watchmakers is literally dying off. Had it not been for the COVID-19 issue, the current class would be further along on the way to being the next wave of watchmakers to stroll confidently into the public sector earning a living with the rather expensive education we are receiving for no cost to ourselves. And it must be stated, this education were it to be provided in the public sector, would result in student loan payments that need to be paid back by the students. VWI charges nothing for the education, and trains its students to be not mere technicians but industry craftspeople capable of demanding and receiving the income the skills command. VWI is nothing short of a miracle that is quietly transforming disabled veterans into competent journeymen who are capable of becoming masters in short order. Upon graduation, I feel my class will be leaders in the field, matching or exceeding any other trained students from American of European schools. Perhaps it is not the place of a student to submit a rating as it might seem appropriate or appear to be biased out of gratitude, but I do feel confidence in my future knowing I will be able to earn a living as a fully qualified and competent craftsman who earnestly knows he will be qualified for the demanding skills this industry requires. This confidence is not unwarranted as I have already begun the process of restoring my self-purpose and feel the dignity a man should feel, rather then allowing myself to continue wallowing away thinking my life is over and I have no purpose in life. Please support this charity and allow it to continue it's mission to train others.
Great organization headed by intelligent forward looking leaders who are doing work in the best interest for others. The jobs are important but the people even more - Thanks for making a difference!
This school has given me the opportunity to pursue a true love for Horology. As a disabled vet, I couldn't be more honored to a part of this amazing school. Thank you VWI!
As a professional in the watch and jewelry space for over 15 years this is the first organization that I feel passionate about supporting.. Our industry is in desperate need of quality trained and accredited watch makers. This organization has the ability to provide a post service career path for our true American heroes while at the same time helping our industry continue to move forward into the future with the ability to repair timepieces. I am truly honored to help this organization in any way possible. What an amazing win win for both our veterans and the watch industry at large.
I was lucky enough to be in the inaugural class and volunteer there as much as possible. It's a great program that teaches a valuable set if skills and offers vets a feeling of continued brotherhood.
VWI is such a success story, helmed by a man who has realized a vision of helping returning vets achieve great success in learning the trade of watch repair. His dedication to teaching his students, meticulous training and some very generous donors have combined to create a well-run organization. His dedication to VWI is complemented by community volunteers and tradespeople who lend their expertise, ingenious fixes to construction problems, and almost inexhaustible energy to spread the word about his watchmaking school. I volunteer at a local thrift store and 3 years ago contacted Sam to donate nonworking watches to his program. He invited me to tour the facility- I was so impressed by what had already been accomplished in a short period. Every time I return to visit more classrooms have been added, more equipment has been donated, and the students are totally involved in learning their trade.
MY HUSBAND WAS A HANDICAPPED VETERAN FROM THE KOREAN WAR, HE TOOK A WATCHMAKING COURSE AND LOVED FIXING WATCHES. HE ENDED UP BEING HEAD INSTRUCTOR AT BULOVA SCHOOL OF WATCHMAKING. AFTER HE RETIRED SADLY THE SCHOOL CLOSED. VETERANS WATCHMAKING INITIATIVE SCHOOL STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE AND HAS GIVEN OUR VETS A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE. A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY HAVE A GREAT PROFESSION AND BEING A PROVIDER FOR THEIR FAMILY.
THANK YOU VWI FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING FOR OUR VETS, I SUPPORT THIS SCHOOL 100%