Woodworking Reservist takes talent and makes art

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terrica Jones
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Master Sgt. Gary Tumminia is self taught; not as a 916th Air Refueling Wing fuel systems repair technician, but as a creative, multifaceted wood worker.

Sergeant Tumminia has been in the military for more than 25 years and has been working wood for more than 30. His love for wood working began around the age 16 when he constructed his first project.

The first thing he ever made was a small boat made out of plywood that he was just happy to see float, he said.

Later he started working on a job that would increase his wood working ability.

"I started working in a wood shop and we made cypress clocks for Walt Disney World in Florida, that's where I started my little wood working career," he said.

Since then his wood working abilities have increased from a small plywood boat to display cases, cutting boards, jewelry boxes, chopping blocks, and the list goes on.
"The stuff that I make is custom made," he said.

There isn't a particular type of wood he would rather work with, he uses all kinds. His display boxes are made out of oak while his cutting boards are made from hickory.
"It is a relaxing hobby, but I like to do stuff people like," he said.

His wood working ability also helps out the environment. When Sergeant Tumminia custom makes items the wood he works into a masterpiece is recyclable.

"I use local wood, it can be used for anything, it just depends on what the customer
wants," he said.

All the wood he uses has history behind it; it can be from recycled trees to old houses or buildings in the community. Instead of destroying the wood people call him so he can use it to construct his masterpieces.

"Most of the wood I get is saved from being destroyed and it is recycled. I know some people with some old houses, parts of the house I use for flag boxes," he said.

Constructing display cases are where he exercises his wood working talent the most. He is a multitasker that works on three or four projects at one time per week. His projects usually last several days, and he works on it for a few hours a day when he leaves his Air Force Reserve job.

He wants to make sure his customers aren't disappointed and receive quality work.

Sergeant Tumminia reveals that scheduling is essential for managing his time. Sometimes he has to stop and restart projects. He wants to make sure his customers get their items when they want it, he said.

"When I take on stuff I have to make sure that I have time and I don't get too involved or to in depth on something I can't do. I practice on my own, but if I tell a customer this is something I can do, then I know I can do it, that way I don't become a disappointment to them," he said.

The talented Sergeant also gives his insight on how important it is to have a positive relationship with his customers.

A repeat customer is the best customer to have, it they are satisfied then you know you
have completed the task, said Sergeant Tumminia.

From time to time he studies how to build grandfather clocks and hopes to accomplish this in the future. When he gets out of the military he will be able to work in his shop full time. He understands that having his own business is a long process and is very expensive. Yet knowing all this he has made a conscious decision to stay with wood working.

"It takes years and years to become a good wood worker, you spend a lot of time learning how to work wood and build stuff, you never stop learning," said Sergeant Tumminia.