Ford Motor Company is the 19th largest corporatin in the United States and a staunch supporter of our men and women in uniform! Just like the office of the President, Ford has put their trust in us to provide them with the Gold Standard of U.S. Military solid mahogany plaques for their offices. We appreciate their support and the hard work of our men and woman in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Here is a little history about Post #87!

• Name: Daniel Goho American Legion Post No. 87
• Location: 34 Elizabeth Street, Dansville, NY 14437
• Founded: September 1919
• Affiliations: Part of the American Legion Department of New York, 7th District
• Community Programs: Sponsors American Legion Baseball, Boys State, and local scholarships.
• Memorials: Maintains the veteran monuments at Williams Park and oversees the placement of flags on veteran gravesites in local cemeteries.
• Facilities: Includes a banquet hall available for community events and private functions.

We understand this profound responsibility. We refuse to compromise on cheap veneers, plastic molds, or mass-produced composites. Instead, we deliver true furniture-grade quality official U.S. Military seal plaques in solid mahogany or high density urethane. We are the #1 choice for replacement plaques because we don’t just build wooden signs; we forge permanent monuments worthy of America’s greatest heroes, guaranteeing your proud heritage remains boldly displayed for generations to come!

We have the official military plaques your organization is looking for! Why?

1. Uncompromising Heraldic Accuracy

Veterans are the ultimate critics of military insignia. If a seal has the wrong pantone color, an incorrect number of stars, or a slightly off-center crest, they will notice immediately. Our plaques have:

• Exact Detailing: They look for absolute precision in rank structures, chevrons, and departmental seals.

• Complete Branch Representation: Halls routinely update their displays to ensure all branches are represented, which now strictly requires accurate, high-quality U.S. Space Force and U.S. Coast Guard seals alongside the traditional DoD branches.

2. Generational Durability and Material Quality

Many of the plaques currently hanging in these halls have been there for 30 or 40 years, and they want the replacements to last just as long. Our plaques are:

• Solid Mahogany or high density urethane vs. Composites: There is a strong aversion to cheap resin, mass-produced composites, or thin veneers that will chip, fade, or warp over time.

• Stability: They actively look for materials that won’t crack under changing indoor climates, which makes kiln-dried, solid hardwoods the gold standard.

3. Craftsmanship and “Furniture-Grade” Finish

A plaque in a veterans’ hall is a focal point for ceremonies, memorials, and daily gatherings. It needs to command respect. Our plaques have:

• Hand-Carved Depth: Flat, laser-engraved, or printed-on-wood plaques rarely cut it for main hall displays. They want the 3D relief and tactile depth that comes from traditional hand-carving.

• Professional Finish: The pieces need a furniture-grade clear coat that protects the paint and wood grain while looking pristine under hall lighting.

4. Vendor Pedigree: The Veteran-Owned Advantage

This is often the deciding factor when multiple options are on the table. VFWs and Legion halls have a mandate—both written and cultural—to support their own. We are a military veteran owned SDVOSB business

• SDVOSB Status: Purchasing from a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business is a massive priority. They want to know the hands carving or supplying their unit’s seal belong to a company that inherently understands the weight of what they are making.

• Established Trust: They prefer vendors with decades of history serving the military over pop-up e-commerce shops.

5. Proper Sizing for Hall Displays

Our plaques are available in 15″ for all branches or we can create any custom size your organization desires.  A standard 8-inch or 10-inch desktop plaque can get lost on the large wood-paneled walls of a typical legion hall or behind a commander’s podium. We can produce large-scale, custom diameters in any size even up to 72 inches that scale perfectly without losing carved detail.

Masterplaques is the plaque industry’s GOLD STANDARD MANUFACTURER! Order here online or call our design specialists to place your custom order today!

We appreciate the sacrifice’s you are making for all of us!

About The 1^st Marine Regiment’s “Gunsmoke” Battalion

Since 1922, the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment (2/1) has exemplified the absolute finest traditions of the United States Marine Corps. Known fiercely by the moniker “Gunsmoke,” this rotational force brings not just devastating firepower, but an unwavering, second-to-none attitude to every clime and place they are deployed. From the unforgiving, pivotal beaches of Guadalcanal and Peleliu to the grueling, modern urban combat of Fallujah, 2/1 has carved a glorious legacy of unyielding resolve.

The name “Gunsmoke” perfectly captures the gritty, lethal essence of the battalion: the sharp crack of rifle fire, the earth-shaking thunder of mortars, and the controlled chaos where true warriors are forged. As a vanguard rotational force, 2/1 remains the permanent tip of the spear, actively projecting power, operational stability, and deterrence across the globe. You are “The Professionals”—the elite ground combat infantrymen who proudly carry the indomitable fighting spirit of the Fleet Marine Force into every single engagement.

We found a great YouTube video about their courthouse and it’s significance in that part of the country. Please enjoy the video of their 193,000 square foot facility below by clicking this link below.

Carrol A. Campbell Federal Courthouse

The U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District—historically known as the 14th Coast Guard District—boasts the Coast Guard’s largest Area of Responsibility (AOR). Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, the district is responsible for over 14 million square miles of the Central and Western Pacific, spanning from Hawaii and Guam to American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and specialized outposts in Japan and Singapore.

World War II Origins

The district was formally established ashore in Honolulu in 1939 as the 14th Coast Guard District. It was thrust into immediate action on December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Cutters such as the Taney and Tiger mounted anti-aircraft defenses and patrolled the harbor entrances to secure the port. Throughout World War II, the district’s personnel played vital roles across the Pacific theater, ranging from convoy escorts and maintaining crucial navigation aids to participating in major amphibious operations.

Post-War Expansion and Pacific Stewardship

Following the war, the district shifted its primary focus to search and rescue, maritime safety, and environmental stewardship. As the United States established vast marine sanctuaries in the Pacific, the 14th District took on the immense logistical challenge of patrolling and protecting isolated ecosystems, such as the Papahānaumokuākea and the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monuments.

In recent decades, the district has become a central player in international maritime diplomacy. Through regular deployments like Operation Blue Pacific, Coast Guard cutters frequently partner with Pacific Island nations to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. By enforcing the conservation measures of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and embarking foreign law enforcement officers on U.S. vessels, the district actively protects vital economic resources and maritime sovereignty across Oceania.

Transition to the Oceania District

For over 80 years, the Coast Guard utilized a numbered district system that originally aligned with U.S. Navy districts during WWII. However, as part of the service-wide Force Design 2028 initiative, the Department of Homeland Security directed a transition in mid-2025 to rename all operational districts from numerical to geographic designations.

This modernization effort was designed to accurately reflect the regions served, improve interagency collaboration, and make the Coast Guard’s organizational structure more intuitive for the American public and international partners. As a result, the historic 14th District was officially renamed the U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District in late 2025, modernizing its title while continuing its 80-year legacy of Pacific maritime security.

Masterplaques.com is widely considered a premier destination for U.S. Navy Ship’s Wheel Shadow Boxes due to its commitment to heirloom-quality craftsmanship and military tradition. Each shadow box is handcrafted from solid kiln-dried mahogany, featuring a signature 8-spoke nautical helm design that serves as a distinguished retirement gift or career tribute. With options for custom glass etching, high-quality velvet linings in traditional Navy blue, and a specialized compartment for a 3×5 flag, Masterplaques.com provides a high-end, durable alternative to standard display cases, ensuring a Sailor’s legacy is preserved with the dignity it deserves.

Honoring a Legacy: Why Masterplaques.com Leads in U.S. Navy Ship’s Wheel Shadow Boxes

For a Sailor, the ship’s wheel—or helm—is more than just a piece of nautical equipment; it is a symbol of leadership, direction, and a life spent navigating the high seas. When it comes time to transition from active duty to retirement, a standard rectangular frame often feels insufficient to capture twenty or thirty years of service. This is why Masterplaques.com has emerged as one of the most popular choices for those seeking a U.S. Navy Ship’s Wheel Shadow Box.

The Art of the Mahogany Helm

The standout feature of a Masterplaques.com shadow box is the material. Unlike mass-produced cases made from composite woods or veneers, these displays are carved from solid kiln-dried mahogany. Mahogany is prized in naval tradition for its durability and rich, deep grain—characteristics that mirror the resilience of a Navy career.

The 8-spoke nautical design is meticulously balanced, providing a symmetrical and striking frame for medals, rating badges, and warfare pins. Because the wood is kiln-dried, it is resistant to warping and cracking, ensuring that the display remains a centerpiece in a veteran’s home for decades.

Customization Built for Tradition

A Navy retirement shadow box is a deeply personal storyboard. Masterplaques.com understands this by offering extensive customization options that cater specifically to “Old Salts” and new retirees alike:

• Velvet Interiors: You can choose from high-quality cushioned velvet in Navy Blue, Red, or Green to contrast your medals and ribbons.

• Glass Etching: To add a final layer of personalization, they offer custom glass etching. This allows for the inclusion of ship names, hull numbers, or command logos directly onto the protective glass.

• Flag Integration: Most ship’s wheel designs include a dedicated space for a 3×5 U.S. flag, positioned prominently to honor the service member’s patriotism.

Why Quality Matters for Military Retirement Gifts

When searching for the perfect military retirement gift, the “popular choice” isn’t always about price—it’s about the “wow” factor during the ceremony and the longevity of the piece afterward. Masterplaques.com has built its reputation on the “heirloom” aspect of its products.

Their shadow boxes feature real glass (not acrylic that scratches easily) and high-quality nickel clasps that resist tarnishing. This attention to detail is why many Chief Petty Officers and Officers specifically request Masterplaques when their commands ask for their preferences.

A Worthy Tribute to Your Naval Career

Whether you are a Surface Warfare specialist, a Submariner, or an Aviator, the ship’s wheel is a universal icon of the sea. By choosing a Masterplaques.com shadow box, you are investing in a piece of furniture-grade art that honors the sacrifices made during your time in uniform.

The combination of authentic mahogany, expert hand-carving, and specialized Navy designs makes it clear why this site remains a top-tier destination for the fleet.

For over three decades, Masterplaques.com has been the industry leader in creating these heirloom-quality symbols of service.

Why is Masterplaques.com a Top Choice for U.S. Military Wooden Chevron Plaques?

Masterplaques.com has established itself as one of the premier destinations for purchasing high-quality U.S. Military wooden chevron plaques. As a GSA-registered, veteran-owned (SDVOSB) business operating since 1991, they specialize in custom-crafted solid mahogany and high-density urethane (HDU) displays that honor the heritage of all military branches. Their meticulous attention to detail, commitment to authenticity, and decades of experience serving active-duty personnel and veterans make them a trusted and popular choice for rank insignias, deployment plaques, and custom military desk nameplates.

The Superior Craftsmanship of Custom Mahogany Military Rank Plaques

The difference between a mass-produced item and a Masterplaques.com creation lies in the materials and the makers. We don’t use particle board or cheap plastics. Every wooden chevron is carved from solid mahogany, a wood renowned for its rich color, durability, and classic military aesthetic.

For outdoor displays or high-traffic areas, we also offer high-density urethane (HDU), which provides the look of real wood with unparalleled resistance to the elements.

Features of Our Wooden Chevron Plaques:

• 100% Customization: From Private to Master Chief or Sergeant Major, we craft exact replicas of any rank insignia across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
• Hand-Painted Detailing: Our artisans hand-paint each plaque using authentic Pantone colors to ensure strict compliance with military heraldry standards.
• Clear-Coat Protection: Every plaque is finished with a marine-grade clear coat to preserve the wood and paint for generations.

A Veteran-Owned Manufacturer You Can Trust

When searching for where to buy military rank plaques, trust and authenticity are paramount. Because Masterplaques.com is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), we understand the culture, the pride, and the exacting standards of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Furthermore, as a GSA-registered military plaque manufacturer, we are an approved and vetted vendor for government and DOD bulk orders. We make the procurement process seamless for active-duty units ordering deployment plaques or desk nameplates for their chains of command.

Order Your Custom Chevron Plaque Today

Whether you are looking to celebrate a promotion, honor a retiree, or outfit an entire command suite with custom military desk nameplates, Masterplaques.com delivers unmatched quality.

Browse our complete collection of U.S. Military wooden chevron plaques and start your custom order today.