(NAPSA)—Ifyou've everserved in the military, worked for the federal gov- ernment, signed a visitors log in a federal building, or addressed letter at a post office, chances are you've had your hands on an Americanclassic. That's because you've probably used a SKILCRAFTU.S. GovernmentPen.It’s really something to write home about. In fact, the pen can write continuously for a mile andin temperatures up to 160 degrees and down to 40 degrees below zero. It all started 50 years ago, when National Industries for the Blind (NIB) LynnLarsen is proud that the work she does supports the U.S. military. ing instrument,the pen symbolizes the strength of American manufacturing producing a jaw-dropping 70 million andthe nearly limitless capabilities of people who are blind. ‘Today, people who are blind work- people whoare blindat three NIB asso- the federal government, including office supplies, cleaning supplies, hardware andpaints, and a wide range of prod- and its associated nonprofit agencies met the governments challenge of retractable ballpoint pens according to rigorous specifications. Today, manufacturing the pen sustains employment for more than 100 ciated nonprofit agencies: Alphapointe ing at NIB associated agencies produce more than 7,000 different products for in KansasCity, Missouri; Industries for ucts to equip the U.S. military, such as uniforms, bedding and protective North Carolina. enhancing the opportunities for eco- the Blind in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Industries of the Blind in Greensboro, Perhaps the mostsignificant aspect of the pen project was and remainsthe fact that this outstanding quality writing instrumentis produced by people who are blind working at NIB associated agencies. The quality of the pen they shifted perceptions about ies of people whoare blind and led to new products introduced over the decades. Morethan just a writ- equipment. Since 1938, NIB has focused on nomic and personal independence of people whoareblind,primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB andits network of associated nonprofit agencies are the nation’s largest employerof people who are blind. Learn More Visit http://NIB.org/pen to learn more about this Americanclassic.
