“Because Every Grad Should Have One”
Capt Shawn Schulz, USAFA 2006

Hello R&R WoodCrafts. I would like to take this opportunity to document to you my story of the relevance of a USAFA graduate to have a “Cadet Saber” and a nice wooden case from your company to display it by. I thank you for the quality and craftsmanship of the case you sold me as I proudly display my saber. Here is my brief story:

As a cadet I could not wait to graduate, like all those before and after me. I had a handful of bills and not much money to spare every month. Despite the healthier paycheck received during my Firstie year at USAFA, I still managed to spend it about as fast as it came in. As graduation neared so did the pressure. I wanted a saber for myself and for family, but I could not justify the expense…so I passed on it. In fact, it took me over 5 years to look back on that decision. They say hindsight is 20/20, and “they” are right. I graduated USAFA in 2006, and in 2011 I found myself stationed in Europe. I took on the challenge as a young Captain to orchestrate an official function. In short, I Chaired a Committee for the “2011 SHAPE Air Force Ball” located in Casteau, Belgium.

It took a strong Committee to pull off the success we had, and for each of them I am thankful. As we neared the final planning stages I was asked a question that I will never forget to this day. One of my Committee members looks at me and asks, “Hey Captain you are an Academy Grad, don’t you have a saber?” I hung my head in disappointment and disbelief. I did not have one. My Committee associated my accomplishment of graduating USAFA with obtaining a cadet saber, as if we are issued them upon graduation or something. I also had to laugh. But laughing did not solve the problem of what to use for the ceremonial cake cutting. A previously assigned AOC from USAFA was in command just up the road and found out we were in need. I found out that he was not a graduate of this “Fine Institution”, but that his cadet squadron presented it to him upon his departure from their squadron. He loaned it to us.

It was at that moment that I realized I should have bought a saber before I graduated. I should not have been so cheap. Having a cadet saber in your own possession should drive a sense of pride. You should want to have a saber. You should be proud of the saber. Owning a saber is a must. More importantly, owning a saber is expected. If you don’t believe me, you will find out in time. But those that hear me can benefit and rise to the challenge when someone asks you, “Hey Academy Grad…you have a saber, Right?”

I PCS’d to USAFA after Belgium and one of the first things I did was purchase a saber from the AOG, and when I saw R&R on display I placed my order. My saber is proudly displayed on my wall in my living room and the plaque on it reads “Because Every Grad Should Have One”.
Thank you my R&R Family! – Capt Shawn Schulz

Saber cases have been a noticeable item in memorabilia displays, and the quality of the case makes it stand out. We purchased this case to hold the saber used in our wedding ceremony, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the quality and craftsmanship. Needless to say, it will be proudly and prominently displayed in our home.” – Chris, Class of 2003.

We needed to order new cases after ours were lost along with all our belongings in the Waldo Canyon Fire. Our cadet saber cases needed a complicated engraving plate with a class crest and also a custom logo. Mary went out of her way to send us samples of the logos along with multiple fonts and multiple versions of what was to be engraved. Through the process we were able to get the perfect plate for what we needed and we are thrilled with the results. The cases are beautiful and a perfect showcase for the sabers which have so much meaning to a USAFA graduate. I would recommend this company without reservation.” – The Garlands

I received the saber case yesterday and well…WOW! It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I don’t know why I waited over 30 years to get this for myself…I bought one from Black Forest when I graduated in 1983… for my parents…” – Chuck, Class of ’83

Ordering was easy, but when I had a question I called and talked directly to Rich who explained all the different options. After I placed my order Mary sent me email proofs of our inscription to approve and was very accommodating to the changes I asked for. Case arrived 4 days after it was shipped – all snug in the shipping box which our son will use again each time he moves. The case is gorgeous and I know our son will be very pleased with it.” – Cindy, Parent, Class of 2013

From the first time I contacted R & R to the minute that I opened my Saber Case I could not have been more pleased with the experience. The high degree of professionalism is pervasive throughout the company. The customer service is exceptional, surpassed only by the quality of the product itself. I am absolutely thrilled with my saber case…it’s beautiful.” – Larry, Class of ’72

I just want you to know that we have received both our saber cases and they are BEAUTIFUL!!! Very well packed, and arrived safely and soundly to Minnesota. Can’t wait to show them to our cadet during Spring Break. THANKS!!! We ordered one with the glass cover, one without. I LOVE the glass cover… Thanks for your meticulous, artistic, superb work on the saber cases.” – Diane, Parent,Class of 2011

Thank you R & R Woodcraft for providing an exceptional quality case! Using the website was very easy, and the product is exactly as advertised. We are very pleased with the quality and overall look of our saber case. Thank you for helping us start an heirloom for our son!!” – Thena, Parent, USAFA 2012

I am delighted with my 2 saber cases. You do professional work. I received them today, and with a little clean up of my two ‘old’ sabers, they are displayed beautifully. Thank you for a wonderful job on the brass plaque as well. I hope you’ll get more orders from the class of ‘71. Feel free to share my comments. I’m thrilled with your craftsmanship.”- Ron, Class of ‘71

Identical USAFA Cases showed up today. Ready to hang. Very happy with the results. Thank you for serving the USAFA Community! …They are beautiful.” – Lee Hutchins ’86 and Brownie Hutchins ’87 (Facebook post)

Thank you for the wonderful Saber Case! It is beautiful and was a very nice Birthday present for my husband.” – (Woods, Facebook post)

I was very impressed with the personal service I got, It was very easy to get in touch with you and I got a response immediately. Thanks so much for taking care of everything.” -Pat, USAFA ’09 Parent

I thought I would order a special gift for my graduating cadet and the saber case seemed like a wonderful personalized choice. I also needed a gift of thanks for his sponsor family in Colorado Springs and the saber letter opener seemed appropiate. I collect Christmas ornaments and was pleased to see the personalized oranaments offered as well. The saber case was beautifully crafted and we were so pleased. My son’s sponsor family was delighted with the saber letter opener. It really was a genuine replica. I loved the ornaments and bought a few for gifts. Meeting you at graduation really made the whole purchase complete. Thanks for using your talents to help us celebrate a wonderful milestone in my son’s life.” -Terri, USAFA ’09 Parent

Rich and Mary, Thank you for all the work you put into the special order case for us. While we were up there at USAFA our son Pat mentioned he wanted to get a case. I “ingnorantly” asked about a hard travel case; he responded telling me about the R & R Woodcraft display case. The word of mouth advertising obviously traveled through the cadets. As you requested, we have photos of the presentation. The presentation was made at a reception we held that evening. Pat’s aunt and uncle presented him with the saber. While he was preoccupied with other items, a couple of us slipped out and mounted the new saber with his JROTC saber in the case. We were well into the celebration with the case being presented last. Sorry if the photos are not that great of quality, but there might have been a few cocktails consumed. As friends and family send their photos, we will forward what we can. As you can see by the photos, especially when we folded back the matting, Pat’s usually stoic expression was that of pure shock. He is extremely proud of the product you produced. Thank you.” – Cindy and Ted, USAFA ’09 Parents

We ordered our saber case through R&R Woodcrafts online, and the website was very easy to follow, with many choices. When we called the store, they made it very easy for us to get the case shipped fast before we left our current location. They did a great job!” – Anne, USAFA ’09 Parent

Certainly, “A breath of fresh air”, is how I’d characterize R & R Woodcrafts and Graphics. I submitted photos of a World War I German Naval presentation sword, and after a couple email replies, had an absolutely beautiful custom presentation case, worthy of presentation to my son at his upcoming commissioning. This product came in a shipping box, nested in a protective box, perfect for many moves in the future. The price, product and quality were all top-notch, nothing more could be expected…I would (and will) use them again…no question!” – Bruce, Navy Parent

R & R went above and beyond in helping me with my saber case. The only graphic I had for the plaque was poor, low-resolution copy, and they spent the time to fix the graphic so that it looked perfect when engraving was complete. They also gave recommendations based on their years of experience on how to give my saber case the best look. Overall, 100% satisfied!” – Brett, Mizzou AF ROTC

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know that my son received the sabre case I ordered from you. He was absolutely thrilled. He sent me a photo of the case with his sabre installed in it. It is absolutely a thing of total beauty. I am so impressed with how it turned out and very happy I was able to get the case. My order with you was processed so very fast that I couldn’t believe it. You guys rock! And I will be ordering another of these cases for one of my sponsored cadets who is now a Lieutenant that could not afford to order his sabre at the time. Thank you so very much for making that beautiful case. It was so much more than I was expecting.” – Teri, USAFA 2010 Parent

I would like to share a graduation gift idea with you. I just received the saber case from R+R Woodcrafts. It is absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend them if you are interested in a case. Their website is easy to order from and the cases are of the highest quality. They are truly professional craftsmen.” – Minda, USAFA 2013 Parent, email excerpt to Parents’ Group

I really needed a new sabre case. After thirty years of moving, the original case was busted up and was in too poor condition to hang on the wall. When I finally decided to see if I could find a replacement, I was amazed to find someone who made cases that were true to the original design and even better than the original quality of construction. After many years of looking at my cadet sabre sitting in the corner of my den, gathering dust, I now have it hanging on my wall and it looks great!” – Dale, USAFA Grad

The customer service was great and the final product was beautiful. Thank you, Mary for all of your fantastic assistance and diligent work.” -Eric, USMA Grad

I am very pleased with the Saber Plaques I purchased from R&R Woodcrafts. The quality is first rate and they have excellent customer service.” – Russ, USAFA 2013 Parent

Thank you so much for the lovely saber case! The craftsmanship is outstanding and the communication during the construction process was excellent. It was great being able to see a proof of the laser engraved plaque prior to it being made so I could make changes. I really appreciated the thoughtful suggestions on what woods and colors would look best with my saber and I couldn’t be happier with the case. Always a pleasure to support a grad-owned business providing such a quality product and service!” – Lt Col Patrick W. Ellis, USAF (Ret)

Very happy with my saber case! The case was delivered quickly and the customer service was excellent!” – Caitlin, USAFA 2015

The saber case I purchased is high quality and fairly priced and looks like something a wealthier man would hang over his fireplace. It is exactly what I wanted.” – Weston, USAFA 2015

I was worried about being able to find a sabre case to match mine from 35 years ago. You made it easy and affordable! Thanks!” – Richard, USAFA Grad

When I graduated from USAFA in 1986, I believe you were just starting out – heard about R&R from some other cadets. When my son graduated in 2017, I looked at the back of my sabre case and your logo was there. One of your cases holds a sabre I got 30 years ago when I graduated from the AF Academy. Now one of your cases also holds a sabre my son got when he graduated in 2017.” – Chuck, USAFA ’86 Grad and 2017 Parent

For as long as I remember, Craig has wanted to display this saber. For the past two years, I’ve been looking for a display case. I know my husband. He’s extremely particular…as it turns out, he wanted the EXACT-SAME-CASE that he bought at West Point in 1996…. I found the exact same case. And R&R Woodcrafts was a WONDERFUL company to work with. I really can’t say enough positive things about them… The look on Craig’s face was priceless when I showed him the print out of the case on our anniversary. He was stunned. Shocked. And kept telling me it was the best present he’s ever received…What I did know was that Craig wanted to display his saber. He mentioned it on many occasions and would even pull it out from time to time…” – Jennifer and Craig, West Point ’96

One of my daughters recently graduated from a service academy and we were offered a package deal to buy her saber case with a class gift through a local business. I took the easy way out and just ordered the package deal. When I picked up the saber case I was disappointed because it wasn’t well made and the name plate didn’t even have her name on it. A short while later my other daughter graduated from another service academy. I asked my husband where to get a saber case and he said that his case was from R&R and they were the place where everyone buys their saber cases. I also found out I needed a “big and tall” case and was glad that R&R carried a case that would fit a longer saber. Our case arrived recently and it is beautiful and well made. Mary was wonderful to work with throughout the process. I have recommended R&R to all of my service academy parent-friends!” – Whitney, USMMA 2017

“I received my saber case today and was incredibly excited to put such a quality product on display! I am privileged to share this piece with anyone who comes in my office. R and R made my order process incredibly easy. They were reachable for any questions and I will definitely order from them again!” – Jennifer-Ruth, USAFA ’05