Presentation

A presentation of a Quilt of Valor was made at the retirement party for Joey M. on Saturday, Apr 27, at the DAV meeting hall in Greenville. I presented the QOV quilt to him. 

Submitted by

Angie

Nebraska QOV Presentation

I had the privilege of presenting a QOV to Dale T, who served as a pilot in both WWII and Korea. 

 We have known Dale for many years, and while I could write a zillion stories about him and his service to our country, suffice to say: he is truly a member of the "greatest generation."

The QOV given to him was made by an 11-year old 4-H member from Jefferson County, Nebraska. She used both patriotic and Nebraska (Husker) fabric in the quilt, so it was perfect to give to Dale who is both a native Nebraskan and a University of Nebraska alum. 

And, little did we know when we selected the QOV for him, he also has family from Jefferson County!

Respectfully submitted,
Sara

--
Sara Kenny
Central Midwest Region Coordinator (NE, IA, KS)
Quilts of Valor Foundation

SO CAL QOV

We had a special visitor (well, several) at our sew day.

Kenny B. is a Marine who served in the early part of Iraq and is now disabled due to PTSD.  He brought his 100# service dog, A., and his brother from Ohio to work on his foundation, www.battle-buddy.org.

They were also doing a movie in our locale, and he was interviewed by the LA Times.  Still waiting to see the article. He had heard about our group  from one of the other Community Celebrities on the cruise last Sept.

Since he works with dogs, and we just had a panel given to us, Lori made it into a quilt for him.  The back is fleece with dog bones on it and our quilter, Thom Knight, not only wrote thank you across the top, but did dog bones in the quilting!  And, Helga made A. a stuffed bone toy, too.

He told us about the stigma of having 'issues' while being deployed.  He was actually scheduled to go back to Iraq with a friend, and he didn't.  The vehicle his friend was in was blown up and everyone was killed.

  He told us how important his dog is to him and his family, but it cost him $15,000 to get him.  He originally thought the big dog would keep people away, but it is just the opposite.  He has now learned to stop and visit with strangers rather than have his guard up.  A. helps him overcome the after-effects of his nightmares and gives him peace of mind to be able to sleep at night.

  He has a wife and two kids age 5 & 6. His wife is now suffering from secondary PTSD.  His foundation will help more Veterans get the service dogs they need and also help them find the services to help them get back into civilization..


submitted by
Barbara Winkler
SoCal Quilts of Valor

From Oregon

Monday February 25, our VFW had it's monthly family dinner and I had the priviledge of presenting a Quilt of Valor to a Korean War Vet. This was especially good as Chris has never had anyone say thank-you to him and has also just been diagnosed with cancer and is almost 90 years old.

Our President of the VFW Post, Ray, helped to present the quilt and Chris was given a resounding round of applause and many thank-yous. I was accused of pinching him as I wrapped him in his quilt and the tears began to fall, that is why his head is bowed and I swear I did not pinch him and my own tears were right there with his.

submitted by J. Marie

National Quilting Day - Let's Roll (National Capital Area)

Let’s Roll

Inspired by Todd Beamer’s final words on September 11, Flight 93, "Are you guys ready? Okay, let’s roll!” the words have become a rallying cause for both Patriots serving down-range and those that support them world-wide.

On National Quilting Day, Captain Baker was honored during a presentation of his Quilt of Valor, by the MSP Quilting Angels, Germantown, MD.

CPT Baker recalled his time in Kuwait at Camp 93, located just south of the Iraq/Kuwait border – whose motto was “Let’s Roll”. “I was awestruck”, CPT Baker said after the presentation, “looking over the many pieces that make up my Quilt of Valor and I saw those words that mean so much to me and the men I served with at Camp 93– “Let’s Roll”. I am truly touched by this recognition of my service and deeply touched”.

Respectfully submitted,



Jeff Thorne

Quilts of Valor Foundation

Serving the National Capital Region

Presentation in Nebraska

Of all of the things I LOVE the most about Quilts of Valor.... seeing pictures of the presentations has to be the best!!

This Quilt was presented to L.H.   L served in the Army, Afghanistan and Iraq.

His wife C. wrote:


My husband received his quilt when you said it was suppose to arrive. I tried to take pictures and they turned out okay but my husband doesn't like pictures.

The first picture is when he first opened it. He was very excited and it shows in the picture (he loves this one).

The second one is the one I tried to get a proper picture.

Thanks C - for capturing the happiness this quilt brought - it warms our hearts!

This quilt is one of the Moda Star Quilt Kits that Lincoln QOV made for the National 4-H Conference.
The kit was pieced by Eileen, 4-H Extension Agent, York, NE and was quilted by Judi T, from Omaha, NE.

So many loving hands made a special quilt to help heal and comfort L.H. and his family.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Submitted by:

Julia Schroeder- Nebraska Coordinator

SoCal QOV Reciepient

Karim Slate: Vietnam Veteran

As a senior in Tri Valley High School in Alaska, Karim  tested and pre-qualified for Warrant Officer Flight Training  in 1970.  As a new U.S. Army recruit after graduation, Karim was sent to Fort Polk Louisiana for basic training.  His next stop after 12 weeks of basic training was Fort Wolters, Texas for primary flight training.  Out of 219 pilot candidates, Karim was included in the 76 that  passed and moved on to Fort Rucker Alabama for advanced training including instrument and tactical  skills. Having earned his wings and now a Warrant Officer 1, Karim was assigned to Cobra Gunship Transition at Fort Hunter-Stewart.

Karim’s stateside training complete, he was deployed to Vietnam and assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry, 3rd Brigade,  229th Battalion, B company as a troop ship better known as a “Slick” to fellow soldiers.  “Slick” was a term of respect and the label was one of admiration by his Comrades in Arms. A Slicks job description was primarily to insert and extract soldiers into operational areas.  The job entailed the mobile strategy of “ Find, Fix, and Attack” the enemy by tactically dropping off troops into key locations and retrieving the troops at completion of the contact .

After 5 months as a “Slick” Karim was assigned to The “Nighthawk” or “FireFly System. The Nighthawk  operation was designed to interrupt enemy movement and gather intelligence at night. The job was considered risky due to the illumination of the aircraft as it searched for enemy operations and was an easy target for hostile fire.

In April of 1972 the city of An Loc was invaded by 3 Divisions or 30,000 North Vietnamese Army regulars along with Heavy Armor, Anti Aircraft, and Artillery. The city was surrounded by enemy troops with no way to access the city for defense except by helicopter support.  Karim returned to his “Slick” duties  as he was assigned to insert ARVN( Army of the Republic of Vietnam) troops into the city to hold off the impending take over . Karim flew his troop ladened Huey on 12-15 sorties a day for 2 weeks at which time the enemy was routed.  The sorties after the decimation of the enemy began to decline and Karim was again assigned to Night Hawk duty until September of 1972 at which time his tour had been completed. He rotated into Fort Lewis,  Washington as a Cobra Attack helicopter in the 9th Division. After 6 months at Fort Lewis, Karims military service had wound down and had come to a close.   Warrant Officer 2 Karim Slate made his transition into civilian life again in March of 1973.

Karim had 1042 flight hours in Vietnam and was recognized for his service as follows:

Vietnam Service Ribbon with 3 stars
National Defense Medal
Bronze Star
41 Air Medals
The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with the Bronze Star
The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with the Gold Palm
The Presidential Unit Citation for the Battle of An Loc
The Distinguished Flying Cross for actions during the Battle of An Loc

Submitted by Barbara W - So Cal QOV

So Cal Presentation 3

Jim Davidson: Vietnam Veteran

Jim was called to service in December of 1965.  After prequalifying for Warrant Officer Pilot Training School, Jim entered service in New York and soon was sent to Fort Polk, Louisiana for Basic Training.  Upon completion of Basic Training Jim went on to Fort Wolters, Texas for Basic Helicopter Training.  After successfully completing Basic Helicopter School. Jim was assigned to Fort Rucker , Alabama for advanced training where he was instrument rated and taught basic tactics for UH1 Hueys. On December 6, 1966 Jim was awarded his wings as a Warrant Officer 1.

Jim was assigned a Tour of Duty to Vietnam and arrived in January of 1967.  He was assigned to 1st Air Cavalry, 229th Aviation  Battalion, C Company as a Hughey Troop Ship Commander. A “Slick”.  His assignment was to insert and extract troops in the Central Highlands and Coastal areas of  An Kea and the Bong Son region.  During the tour, Jim racked up 1000 hours of combat flying.

Upon completion of his tour, Jim rotated back to Fort Rucker, Texas where he assumed duties as an Instrument Training Instructor from 1968-1969.  While an Instructor, Jim requested  an AH1G Cobra Transition at Fort Stewart in Savannah Georgia. The request was granted and he began training for a Cobra Rating.  While in training  Jim received a direct commision to 1st Leutenant.  Before completion of training, 1st Luetenant Davidson was requested along with 7 specially selected pilots to join Lt. Colonel James Booth  for assignments with the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry,  as a part of the 1st Air Cavalry. They were selected because of their skills and experience for special assignment  in Cambodia and Laos. As a Cobra commander Jim was back in Southeast Asia.  Jim continued combat duty in a Cobra but also saw duty as a Loach pilot as part of Hunter/Killer teams. Loach pilots would fly their aircraft into suspected hot areas to draw fire so that the hovering gunship could take out the hostile fire activity in the zone. The Loach pilot was basically bait.

In 1970, the recently appointed Captain Davidson was on Loach duty as a part of an operation in Cambodia when his aircraft came under hostile fire. His helicopter was incapacitated by ground fire and went down in enemy territory. Jim and his two crew members were now under attack on the ground.  Although unhurt, the three were avoiding the  enemy for 4 hours while two gunships fired at the hostile forces.
After 4 hours of evasive action, a “Hot Extraction” was made by a Huey after 4 attempts under the protection of the gunships. Jim returned to duty with a new helicopter the following day. His helicopter was recovered and 52 bullet holes were counted in the aircrafts fuselage. Loach pilots had a history of 60-70% casualty rate. Jim is proud of his record of no casualties under his supervision.

After two tours in Vietnam, Jim had logged  2100 hours of combat hours and
participated in 6 of the 17 Campaigns in Vietnam.

  In July of 1970 Jim rotated back to the States and began training in Armor School. Upon completion of school, Jim was assigned to Europe where he served as an Executive Officer, a Commanding Officer and an Operations Officer  for Cavalry Troops for 3 years.

Jim completed his military career in Alaska in 1973 after packing a lifetime of experience into 8 years of Army life.

During Jim's career in the Army, he was recognized with the following citations:

Vietnam Service Ribbon
Vietnam Campaign Ribbon
National Defense Medal
Air Medal with a V (Valor)
Air Medal with 57 Oak Leaf Clusters ( 57 Air Medals)
2 Bronze Stars
Silver Star
3 Distinguished Flying Crosses
Purple Heart  

Purple Heart Recipient

While serving his second tour in Vietnam in 1969, Jim Davidson was assigned  to Quan Loi Base as a helicopter pilot.  The base was subject to hostile fire at times but at the time of Jim Davidson’s injury there was a more aggressive attack on the base which resulted in a mortar attack and intense hand to hand combat with enemy troops.  During this firefight Jim was struck by shrapnel in his leg by incoming mortar fire.  After tense and violent fighting, the American troops successfully pushed the hostile forces back . Jim was treated for his leg wound at the base  after which he continued his assignment as a combat helicopter pilot.

Southern California Quilts of Valor was honored to present to Jim his Quilt of Valor

Submitted by Barbara Winkler

So Cal QOV presentation 2

Archie Sanchez

Shortly after Archie's graduation from High School,  he joined the National Guard. He did his basic training in Monterey Bay, California in Fort Ord.

The next year in 1966 he in listed in the Army, where he attended Airborne Training in Cusseta, Georgia at Fort Benning. From there he proceeded to take upon Ranger Training in Eglin, Florida where he later graduated.

After all his training he was sent to Germany where he was stationed from 1966 to 1967. In October of 1968 he was deployed to Vietnam where he spent 18 months serving with the 196 Rangers. He returned to the States in June of 1970, because his father had been in a fatal car crash.

After his return to the US, he was no longer sent to serve in Vietnam and spend the last two years of his military career in Huachuca, AZ. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army in June of 1972. While in the military he was awarded the CIB Medal ( Combat Infantry Badge), the Army National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Army Accommodation Medal, his Paratrooper Wings, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and awarded the Purple Heart for being shot in his right side hip by an AK-47, and taking scrap metal to his body.

Souther California Quilts of Valor was honored to present a Quilt of Valor to Archie

So Cal QOV Presentations

Gerry Casman: Vietnam Veteran

Gerry was called to service in September of 1967.  During his induction, Gerry requested a helicopter program which was offered to qualified inductees.  Gerry passed the testing process and was accepted to Warrant Officer School.

He began his military duties in basic training  at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Basic helicopter training succeeded Fort Polk. Basic helicopter training was performed at Fort Wolters, Texas. This training was completed in 1968 at which time Gerry was given his new assignment to Fort Rucker, Alabama. At Fort Rucker he was instrument rated ,introduced to tactics and went into Huey transition. He was awarded his wings in November of 1968 and rated a Warrant Officer 1 .

Gerry was given a 30 day leave after training completion before being deployed to Vietnam. Flying Tigers Airline flew Gerry to Vietnam where he arrived on New Years Eve, 1968. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne, A Battery, 377th Division Artillery.  His duties were mainly Loach Support. Observation, Target Search, Artillery Calibration, Visual Recon, and any duty required by the 101st Airborne. Gerry completed his tour in Vietnam on December 29, 1969 as a Warrant Officer2.

Gerry returned to Fort Rucker as an instrument instructor. He performed those duties until his release in May of 1971.

After  4 years of Service to his country and 600 flight hours in Vietnam,
Gerry became a civilian once again.

During his four young years in the U.S. Army, Gerald Casman was awarded the following:

National Defense Medal
Vietnam Campaign Ribbon
Army Commendation Medal
13 Air Medals

Southern California Quilts of Valor was honored to present him with a Quilt of Valor

Pinehurst Quilters

I represent the Pinehurst Quilters in Riggins ID. I wanted to share pictures with you for your blog on a presentation made on February 4th to Doug R. of WhiteBird, a Marine Corps Korean Vet who was one of the first group to land at Chosin Reservoir back in 1950.

 He told me his wonderful story about his tour in Korea and thanked God he managed to escape with his life.

He told me that he would jump with joy when the Corsair's would fly over and start shooting and made a mental note that next go around he wanted to be in the air, not on the ground! He then enlisted in the Air Force after Korea.

What a man.

Sixty three years later he still knew names of his comrades and officers.
The quilt was pieced by June Gentry and quilted by Shirley Stills.

submitted by:
Nightfeather 'Pam' Bogan

PS- from the blogger - google the *chosin few*  It will give you a new perspective - I promise

Cascade Idaho

Here are some pictures from the presentation in Cascade Idaho.  Can't help bu LOVE the smiles!!

93rd Bomb Group

 Just wanted to touch base with you to let you know we are still out here and active. 

 The enclosed photo is of a presentation we made to the 93rd Bomb Group, at their last reunion.( Oct 18, 2012). The gentleman on the left is Fernley "Bud" S. Bud was the youngest Bomber pilot of WWII. He joined at age 17 and by the time here reached 18 he had flown 18 Combat Missions. 

The 93rd Bomb Group was the most decorated Group in combat, including two Medals of Honor. It later was re-designated as the 93rd Bomb Wing, of which I had the honor of being a part of.

Just for your info, The gentleman on the right is John M. who is the president of the Assoc and the lady is my wife Charla, holding the presentation case..

Quilts in the Garden: Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Gardens

Each November, the Lauritzen Gardens Guild sponsors Quilts in the Garden a weekend of fabric, fun and flora, featuring a stunning display of botanically-themed quilts set against the garden’s fall chrysanthemum show.

For the past two years, the Show has also featured a display of Quilts of Valor and a very special presentation of the quilts to Nebraska and Iowa combat veterans touched by war. On Veteran’s Day, 11 QOVs were presented in a poignant and moving ceremony. The audience was particularly touched when one of the returning warriors carried his newborn daughter with him to receive his quilt.

Many thanks to the Lauritzen Garden Guild volunteers who made and quilted all 11 of the QOVs.

Submitted by

--
Sara Kenny
Central Midwest Region Coordinator (NE, IA, KS)
Quilts of Valor Foundation

Pine Hurst Quilters

I invite you to grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and sit back.... and enjoy the pictures!!

Hi everyone, I am going to give you a link to the Current News so that you can see all the photos that were taken for the Veterans Day Presentation. All reports from the audience and from the veterans said that the best part was the Pinehurst Quilters doing the presentation of Quilts of Valor.

www.thecurrentnews.smugmug.com/Holidays/Veterans Day -2012

These are some of my favorite photos from this presentation - and I tell you- I needed a tissue - I LOVE LOVE LOVE the smiles!!

From the West Coast to the East Coast

This summer, my wife (Kathy) and I were privileged to receive a request from the Quilts of Valor Foundation to present a quilt made by someone for their loved one.

The quilter lives on the West Coast and her loved one lives on the East Coast about an hour from where we live. The request was to present a quilt she made to Honor this patriot for his service and sacrifice to this Great Nation.

We arrived early and rang the doorbell.

We knew Marty's overall condition (blinded and recovering from other wounds), but of course did not know the rest of the story.

Greeted by a handsome man, probably in his late 30's, perhaps waiting for his fortieth birthday, the Sergeant's broad smile warmly greeted us as he beckoned us into his home.

Marty has been blind for a little over one year now and still has trepidation's about getting around his house.

He had only seen his house once, from the outside, before he shipped off to Afghanistan.

Sometimes in life you meet someone and in moments you feel like old friends. So it is with Marty. His wife was still at the store and expected home soon, so we chatted a bit. Marty said he almost forgot about our presentation of the quilt.

While Marty chatted away, he had proudly poured Sangria he had made when the conversation stopped - we heard a whimper off to the side.

His new baby girl was stirring in her bassinet! We also knew that Marty's wife had given birth just some 5 weeks before our arrival, yet we had not given it a thought.

When a warrior is severely wounded in battle and placed on a stretcher to be airlifted to a field hospital, frequently, the warrior's clothes are cut away to facilitate immediate, life-saving, care.

Once stabilized, a Quilt of Valor was placed upon Sergeant Marty to Honor and Comfort him at life's most precious moment - a pivotal point of his survival for life. This was YOUR Quilt of Valor. From battlefield, to field hospital, through an airlift to Germany for multiple surgeries and touch down on American soil at Joint Base Andrews, to his final homecoming - your Quilt of Valor traveled with him.

Today, stateside, Marty is without vision. He will never see his newborn daughter.

He can touch his daughter's face, smell her powdered newborn body and caress her while he rocks her to 

sleep.

Your comforting Quilt of Valor wraps them both in the warmth and love of this Nation, sewn by you, while it nurtures their precious time together and forever forges a bond of love we can only imagine.

When Marty senses his daughter might be chilled, he gently folds your quilt and lays it upon the new person in life he cherishes.

Marty served a long and Honorable career in the Special Forces. After he retired, he sought work in private industry to go back and aid the people of Afghanistan. This is where he was stricken in the explosion of an IED - again, trying to help other people.

He speaks well of the people and culture he served trying to uplift those in Afghanistan. Marty holds no grudges and has a bright outlook on life. He is, perhaps, stronger today, than before his injuries. You too can note his pride in his assured stance. Not apprehensive, not doubting, ever vigilant for his family and country.

Today, without sight, Marty will feel the texture of the many pieces sewn together in your quilt – those pieces will represent to him the diversity of this Nation, coming together as one. He will feel the threads that stitch the Quilt of Valor together – these are the threads that bind this Nation of many people into one great Nation - and he will forever know in his heart - that you, on one beautiful day in Montana, made a Quilt of Valor, for someone you may never know, for their service and sacrifice for all of US.

Thank you for your patriotism, your kindness and your continuing efforts making Quilts of Valor to Honor and Comfort our service members and Veterans touched by war.

Please know that your continuing efforts will continue to touch the lives of those who serve to protect and defend us all - everyday.

Warmest regards,

Jeff Thorne

Presentation in Ohio Township

Check out the full story here :
http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yoursewickley/yoursewickleymore/2673080-87/goss-quilt-quilts-valor-war-township-vanriper-veterans-rumbaugh-service#axzz29AJ3puBP

Surprise!!

This past week, Ralph was surprise with a QOV while at his morning breakfast with his buddies. Ralph is a WWII veteran. Following is the Thank You card I received from him to share with all of you.

"Words cannot express my gratitude for your time, talent and generosity. It was greatly appreciated. I was so overcome, tears came to my eyes and trying to hold back my emotions of gratitude when you presented me this wonderful gift. Thank you so much for the joy you have given me. God Bless you and God Bless America. Sincerely, Ralph"


The quilt came by request. At the table, three other Veterans who will soon receive their QOV - another WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War......

--
Sharon Ledbetter
Idaho Regional CoordinatorQuilts of Valor Foundation

Veterans Day Tribute

A Veteran's Day program was held at Jennings Elementary School in Colfax, WA. 

The Air Force presented the Color Guard as part of the program. Local boy scouts were a part of the program.

Tami Drader, local LA shared the Quilts of Valor program with those present. 


She then surprised WWII Vet, Pastor Floyd Overstreet with a QOV for his service. He served on a minesweeper during WWII. His ship was getting ready to get underway, when he was told he was on the wrong ship. He had been transferred to the Admiral's ship. 

 He got off the minesweeper and sailed out on the Admiral's ship. The minesweeper he had been on was blown up. All his buddies died that day. He feels God had a plan for his life as he has lived a life of serving others.

Submitted by Tami D of Colfax Washtington  

“This means more to me than the medals and Honors I have received”

Veteran’s Day weekend – Germantown, MD

On a clear, bright, Sunday morning, a Patriot from WW II was honored with his Quilt of Valor.

For his service and sacrifice in the Army’s CCR Rifle Company, attached to the 25th Tank Battalion, Claudel St. J. weathered the price of war and safely returned home to New Orleans.

Decades later, he and his beloved wife were uprooted, as a result of Katrina and became refugees in Germantown, MD.

The storm wiped out his home, all his possessions, the mementos of war, his commendations and Medals he received - to include his Bronze Star. These were recently replaced, as requested, through the office of Veteran’s Affairs.

In recent years, after a nearly a decade of longing to be home again, he lost his wife to a prolonged illness.

Upon receiving his Quilt of Valor, Claudel spoke the words we hear again and again - these words fuel the passion in our hearts – “This Quilt of Valor means more to me than all the medals and Honors I have received”.

Claudel lovingly, yet firmly, clutched tight to his chest his Quilt of Valor.

He turned and walked into a sunny morning filled with new hope, the recognition of his community, and this Nation for his service and sacrifice for all of US.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeff Thorne