I like most of the suggestions would consider the upholstery route. I guess finding a school that offers that trade would be the big problem.

A visit to a shop that would offer info. to a service man and might even offer you an opporrtunity to learn the trade would be great.

As was mentioned get the welding and other courses that would be needed to do rod building. The more you have to offer the more impressive you would be to some one who is looking for talented individuals.

Good luck and thanks for the service .