A Thank you

I arrived on 18 March 2012 at the Fort Hood WTB. I had a frustrating
transition from Germany to this WTB. I began my day today feeling very
pessimistic about this situation, and feeling kicked around. After I
finished breakfast, the hotel manager here at the Holiday Inn Express on
Fort Hood presented me the quilt. That changed my entire outlook to
positive and made me believe there are people that care about me. I
appreciate the quilt and the effort behind it, my wife and I thank you all!
The day was much better than the last two, I suspect my new attitude
contributed greatly!

From Germany Part 2

A couple of the QOVs were presented the following days after the
ceremony.  The two pictures are of one presentation at the ASAP
Clinic. 


The Soldier has given his permission to tell his story. The
Soldier's name is Chris . Chris is assigned to the 54th
Engineers. 


Many months ago, Chris was involved in an IED explosion while
in the turret of his tank. The tank was blown into the air and came down
hard. Chris spine was compressed and he suffered a concussion. Chris was
flown to Landstuhl Hospital in Germany to recover. After several weeks
at Landstuhl, Chris returned to Afghanistan. 


While out on patrol one day, the vehicle in front of Chris ran over an IED and was heavily damaged. The vehicle began to burn and Chris ran to pull out all four of his battle buddies. 


One of the Soldiers was Chris' best friend. All four
Soldiers were burned severely and did not live due to their injuries.



Mac is treating Chris for PTSD, which Mac says is the worst case of PTSD
he's ever seen. Chris' flashbacks and night terrors are so severe, that
oftentimes he reports that he can't breathe. He said the smell of
burning flesh is so overwhelming, that it chokes him even though that
incident happened months ago. Chris has been home since December. His
Company Commander and 1SG said that Chris never complains about his
pain. 


Although Chris suffered a concussion, he had never been treated
for an mTBI. CPT Drobenak said that Chris is a typical Soldier - suck it
up and complete the mission. Chris is now receiving treatment for
numerous physical injuries due to the IED incident he was involved in as
well as severe PTSD and mTBI. Chris is going back to Landstuhl to go
through the Evolution program (intensive PTSD treatment program), but
will in the coming months be med-boarded out of the Army. He will then
enter the VA medical system. Please remember Chris in your prayers. He
is just one example of our Soldiers who have served our country and is a
true hero!

From Germany Part 1

On February 29, 2012, Warner Barracks presented Quilts of Valor to 33
Soldiers in Bamberg, Germany. The video was too large to upload in one
piece. All of the links are below. A huge thanks to all The Beachlovin'
Grannies of South Carolina for their beautiful quilts!




 Introduction - http://www.youtube.com/watchv=uYn1jn8Dj3I&context=C43ea7e2ADvjVQa1PpcFNBkBShPmN2blLru9QkwcKg93-mNfsPIK4=


> Presentations Part 1 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVHo0Zc2LEI&feature=channel
> 
Presentations Part 2 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIAlAVoECX4&feature=channel


> Presentations Part 3 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TjrToUQAv8&feature=channel


> Pictures (After the presentation ceremony) -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVfBNQaFwc0&feature=channel


> Thanks You - http://www.youtube.com/watchv=v5sEhRvcHd0&feature=channel


 The Warner Weekly article link about the QOV Ceremony is below:


 Your March 8, 2012, Warner Weekly is now online at http://bit.ly/xpyQFg
 Magazine mode at http://issuu.com/warnerweekly/docs/03.08.12.ww

QOV Inspirations

Barbara over in So California is a quilt top making machine. She and her group were given a lot of beautiful fabrics, and although they make a TON of patriotic quilts, they were really excited to be able to use this fabric....

If you are in Southern Cal - and would be interested in Machine quilting for Barbara and her groups - let me know - I'll forward your responses to her...


*Pictures submitted by Barbara W

Nancy's March Quilt of Valor

I have to say - I love seeing quilts... and I especially love seeing quilts made out of patterns that we all have access to...


This is Nancy of WA/AZ 's March Quilt of Valor... it is made from a free pattern called Churn Dash and Stars that can be found here

Picture submitted by Nancy

International Quilt Museum

We had a wonderful National Quilting Day at the International Quilt Study Center at UNL in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Quilts of Valor was one of the featured programs.  We hung about  30 QOVs and displayed dozens of others via story boards.  Guests were invited to sign blocks that will eventually be integrated into several QOVs.  In addition, we had an information table and had a number of volunteers sitting in the area binding quilts all day long.  Finally, Julia (Nebraska co-coordinator for QOVF) did double duty, first quilting two QOVs during the day using  the Handi Quilter Avante Pro-Stitcher and second, serving as a QOV Ambassador.  


We had wonderful support from the Handi Quilter folks who, in addition to providing a long-arm for Julia to operate and two other long-arms for demo purposes,  also handed out QOV block kits to guests.


The event was co-sponsored by the Lincoln Quilters Guild, the Nebraska State Quilt Guild and the IQSC with support from Handi Quilter, Country Traditions Quilt Shop (Fremont, NE) and Sew Creative (Lincoln, NE).  Visitors received free museum admission, demonstrations, lectures and tours of the museum's quilt exhibitions.  Lectures covered various topics, such as "inspired by fabric" and a physical therapist's advice on pain-free quilting.  In addition to QOV, demonstrations included surface design techniques, hand-piecing techniques and "let's learn how to piece a quilt" where participants made blocks for Quilts of Valor. 


In addition to the display of Quilts of Valor, the Museum also had an exhibition of "Modern" quilts, the first such exhibit in Nebraska.  Finally, the museum's galleries were open to the public;  What's in a Name? Inscribed Quilts  and  Jean Ray Laury: Getting it all Together, Tribute to Ardis James.

Submitted by Sara and Julia NE Co-Coordinators

Beyond the call

Last November I got an e-mail forwarded from the website – I
can’t remember if it was Catherine or Marcella who sent it to me, I guess
because it was an inquiry from someone in Georgia.

A mother had gone to QOVF and asked if someone could help her make a quilt from her son’s
T-shirts.  when I called her I learned that her precious son, Scott  had
been killed two months earlier as a result of injuries incurred in
Afghanistan.  She wanted to make a t-shirt quilt for the family to curl up
in and be comforted with memories their beloved son and brother.  I know
there are other organizations who make quilts for families of our fallen
heroes, but to send her on to one of those groups felt like I was saying
No to her.  She knew something about sewing and had prepared the t-shirts,
but wasn’t sure what to do next.

I asked Joan B, one of our QOV long armers if she would quilt the
t-shirt quilt if I made it.  Well she just took over.  She contacted
Scott’s mother and their family came to her house (about a 2 hour drive).
She suggested they include some photo memories of Scott as well as the
t-shirts they brought to her.  Needless to say, there were many tears shed
as they told her about Scott and together they planned this quilt to honor
Scott and to comfort his family.

Today Joan brought the completed quilt to our sew day for everyone to see.
 This is Joan with Scott’s quilt.  It’s awesome.  I know his family will
get great comfort from her efforts.

Submitted by Susan G

First QOV

From humble beginnings we grew to a grass roots effort, headed to become a
fire storm of dedication…

Sometimes it is important to remember where we started so we can appreciate
where we are now and where we are going.

We all know the story, and can tell it without batting an eye…”The Quilts
of Valor Foundation started in Seaford, Delaware by Catherine Roberts a
blue star Mom with one quilt and a vision to comfort a soldier. The early
days were slow going a few friends joined in and the ripple effect started.
Today we are international, with thousands of volunteers producing nearly
62,000 quilts to honor and comfort those touched by war.”

What we sometimes forget to considered is…

Because of this effort thousands upon thousands of lives have been changed
and souls have been touched. Not just the recipients of the quilts but the
volunteers producing these quilts as well. It is really amazing if you
think about it. Maybe even a bit miraculous!

We join in on the mission thinking “Oh yes, I can do that.” Maybe thought
“I can make a quilt or 2 and move on.” but found that once we were in we
were in for the long haul. Now, it is like a passion fire burning. We
strive to spread the QOVF story to inspire others to join in. We contribute
our time, resources and fabric hugs to honor and help heal those who have
stood in harms way.

What is it that drives us and keeps us going? Is it the occasional thank
you note, shared photos of a sew day or a presentation, that hug that comes
after placing a QOV in a warriors hands, or is it just the willingness to
be part of something so much bigger than ones self? Maybe, all of these are
correct.

We have experienced many changes in 8 years. We have had ups, downs and
growing pains! We have survived several website face lifts, expansion of
our social networking, and overall communications. We have embraced
expansion of the mission. We have gained support of many fabric companies
and quilting celebrities. We have launched the mentoring program “Under Our
Wings”. We have expanded our leadership by adding regional coordinators.
Expanded the board of directors to a working board and even had changes in
command. Together we keep pushing on with unwavering loyalty and dedication.

In spite of our efforts the need is still so great. We must stay the course
of diligence. As our production numbers fall short of the need each month
we must rededicate our selves to engage new volunteers to join our mission.
We need to encourage and challenge current volunteers to make that extra
effort. Just one more quilt! We can’t be idle or complacent. We must seek
and find new resources to help us honor and comfort those touched by war.

The First QOV!!

Submitted by Lori K - Deputy Director QOV

QOV Thanks from Maine

Hello-


I believe I am sending this e-mail to Ms. M. I found your name on the
QOV website as the regional coordinator for the State of Maine. I recently
received a QOV that was pieced by Ms. Barbara Campbell and quilted by Ms.
Robin Zelonis. There was a lovely card inside written by Barbara but there
was no address included and I would like to send a thank you to both
Barbara and Robin. If there is an address I can send a card or if you could
forward this email (or both) I would appreciate it.


I am a military spouse and until November 2011 I was a civilian registered
nurse working at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. I am here in
Germany with my husband who is in the Army.


 I worked at Landstuhl on one of the inpatient wards for almost 3 years. My husband recently changed his position at the hospital and as a result it became difficult for both of us to work full-time and care for my 3 year old son so I left my nursing position. Your quilt was presented to me as a thank you for my service at the hospital.  I am so very honored to have a QOV but, my goodness, how unworthy I feel. I had to take the time to thank everyone involved in process that brought this quilt to my home.


The quilt is absolutely beautiful from the gorgeous patriotic pattern to
the stars quilted on it. If I was privileged enough to receive a quilt I
know that this one was an appropriate choice. 


I have to explain how we choose the quilts we would present so you will understand what I mean by that. On the floor I worked the Quilts of Valor were a really big deal. We have a QOV hanging in a glass box on the wall (we rotate the displayed quilts so one does not yet stuck on the wall) with a note in it explaining the QOV organization and point it out when we have a distinguished visitor (Generals, actors, performers that visit, etc...) touring the floor and visiting patients. We also make sure when we present one to a patient right before we get ready to take them to board their medical flight back to the States that there are at least a couple of staff members present. 


We explain the QOV foundation, how it started with Catherine Roberts and we
tell them they can consider their quilt as not only a thank you for their
service but as we wrap it over them we tell them that is a "hug" from their
country to give them comfort on their flight until they have their family's
arms around them again. 


Yes, more often than not there are tears involved with the quilts. When these big guys get all embarrassed because there are tears involved we tell them it's ok because it's mandatory.


 I have NEVER seen anyone say "Oh thanks you can shove it in my bag." They are always touched, always grateful, always feel they are undeserving and always amazed that there are people back in the States that take the time to show support in this way. 


I'm getting off track from what I wanted to explain about the selection process. We usually would pick the quilts out the day
or night before the patients fly out and we would try to pick one that had
some little connection if possible to the patient. For example, we had a
patient from Ohio who was a big Cleveland Browns football fan and we had a
brown and orange quilt so we gave him that one. It would never fail that if
we couldn't find one that was "specific" to the patient and so we gave them
a red, white and blue patriotic one when we flipped back the corner and
said your quilt was made in, wherever, they would say....oh I was born
there or that's where my wife is from. If we have a military distinguished
visitor visit we will present them with a quilt when they come to the
floor. 


I was the escort for the tour when the new Commandant of the Marine
Corps came to visit and in the craziness trying to square away the floor
before he got there I realized we hadn't grabbed a quilt for him just as we
got the call that he was heading down to our ward. I asked a co-worker to
grab one of the red, white and blue quilts real quick. Would you believe
that when we opened it to present it to him the backing was a full size
Marine Corp emblem?  I swear those quilts "find" their person they are
supposed to go with.


So as I said before if I am privileged enough to have received a quilt the
one I have could not be more perfect. When I flipped back the corner I saw
that my quilt was made in Maine. I am originally from Quincy, Massachusetts
and my husband is from Salem, New Hampshire. What are the chances that a
quilt made in one New England state made it all the way across the ocean to
Germany to be given to people from two other New England states? Then I
opened the card Barbara Campbell included to find that she is a retired
nurse. See, it's always something. I probably grew up two streets away from
Robin and never knew it or some equally random connection :)


All joking aside please pass on my sincere thanks to both of these ladies
and to your organization. It is truly wonderful and the purpose of my big
long email was not just to say thank you but also to give  you a little
peek at what happens to your quilts over here on the other side of the
ocean. They are definitely presented with the love and appreciation with
which you make them. I thought it was important that you all knew they are
not given out as an after thought or passed as out one item among many in
the pink plastic bucket of "stuff" every patient that walks in the door
gets. Your quilts touch even the toughest Soldiers, Sailors, Marines &
Airmen. Several times after presenting a quilt I have received hugs
thanking me from Four-star Generals who had everyone on their toes and on
edge in anticipation of their visit.


On behalf the other recipients of your quilts and myself I would like to
pass those "hugs of thanks" onto all of you and especially Barbara and
Robin. Your quilt will be a life-long reminder to me of both my own and my
husband's time here at Landstuhl where we were privileged enough to care
for our country's wounded warriors. The motto of the Landstuhl Regional
Medical Center is "Selfless Service" and you all are a true example of that
when you spend so much time making these beautiful quilts and then sending
them off not knowing where they go.

Thank you once again for my quilt and for all you do for our country's
military members. As a Army spouse I can't tell you how comforting it is to
know people are thinking of and are so supportive of our family members who
are serving.
Sincerely,
Carrie


Submitted by Maine

Destination Report

  From Marcella - the Destination Coordinator ~~

Last week's destination assignment numbers are:





Weekly destinations:


Quantity needed: 65 


Quantity assigned: 22





Monthly destinations:


Quantity needed: 33 (weekly average)


Quantity assigned: 7





I also assigned 4 quilts to special  group requests.

QOV in Afghanistan

Hello good people,






Just wanted to send a little bit of what is going on here in Afghanistan.






First, let me thank you for the presentation of a quilt to LT Lori A in
December.  She absolutely loves the quilt and was extremely surprised when
she received it.

A little bit of background on our unit.....I am a Blackhawk helicopter pilot
with the 82nd Airborne and fly MEDEVAC missions here in Eastern Afghanistan.


Most of the flights I do are on and around the Pakistan border.




I took 8 quilts over to the Bagram CASH (hospital) and some were given to a
group of Marines that were brought in last night.  I am taking a couple of
quilts on our MEDEVAC aircraft to give to soldiers as soon as we pick them
up from the battlefield.




It is veterans and supporters back home like y'all that make what we do
worth the stresses that come from long hours on the frontline.  Just to name
a few of the volunteer "quilters", I have received quilts from CO, WY, IA,
ME.  My time in Afghanistan is coming to a close in the next few months.  I
am going to work with my replacements to make sure quilts continue to go to
soldiers on the frontline.  Our crew is extremely proud to be able to give
out your love and work to the soldiers on the front.






Again thank you for the support.






The picture was taken outside Bagram CASH with some of the crew from All
American DUSTOFF!






Very Respectfully,






Franklin W

Support from HMQS

You won’t want to miss this inspiring and patriotic quilt display created by one of countries finest. HMQS 2012 is proud to showcase this special exhibit of Quilts of Valor in memoriam of Mr. Al Lind of Quincy, Washington, who was a WWII veteran and a former prisoner of war. 


In just under four years Al created and donated over 400 quilts on his Singer machine for Quilts of Valor to honor and comfort service members returning from duty overseas who were touched by war. Al Lind was lovingly referred to as a “QOV Poster Boy” and more. But this veteran told it like it was... Mr. Lind, who quilted for other vets, heartily admonished other vets to "get off their duffs" and quilt! Mr. Lind was bit by the quilting bug late in life at the age of 89. He was a true testament that it’s never too late to give back to the troops. 

See video feed at HMQS 2012 of Al Lind’s piecing methods and his call to all veterans to give their support to the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Catch his enthusiasm for this worthy quilting project. The Quilts of Valor website is www.qovf.org. Thank you to Floyd & Lizzie’s and Singer Sewing Machines for sponsoring this special exhibit.





challenges both support QOV


http://www.hmqs.org/quilting_challenge.html





QOV quilt off


http://www.hmqs.org/pdfs/2012_PDF/HMQS%202012%20Sponsors_Quilt-off.pdf

New York Sew In

The Lake Country Quilt Guild held their first Sew-in at the municipal
building in Fulton, NY on March 3rd. We only had 6 members come to help but
we had to start somewhere.

 I bribed them with patriotic cupcakes and our president, Linda Phillips, shared two dozen donuts so we were able to keep our sugar levels up. We sewed from 9AM to 2:30PM (Had to stop to watch the Syracuse University game). 

All the piecing was done on our featherweight sewing machines and we were able to get at least 50 star blocks completed and nearly 50 more close to being complete. Quilts of Valor is the service project for guild and we are planning several events in the upcoming months.
More to follow. Special thanks to Linda P, Nancy L, Susan D, Mary Jane M, and Lillian F.

Submitted by:Kerry Barnes


Lake Country Quilt Guild Service Project coordinator


QOVF NYS coordinator

Lois in CO

Lois is a Gold Star Mom in Colorado who has donated her quilting talents to help with Quilts of Valor. She and Rosemary are quite the team.... here is one of there gorgeous Creations

Submitted by ACQ Quilt guild in Colorado

National Quilt Day Plans in Salina KS

National Quilting Day is fast approaching us!  On March 17th the Salina, KS Quilts of Valor group will be hosting a block drive and a block signing fundraiser.  We are working closely with Military Affairs, kSAL and MidWest Sewing and Vacuum.  My son Jordan, who is 6, spent his hard earned money on items to sell for donations.


We will have signature blocks available for signing and also strips of fabric with pre-cut muslin squares for those who wish to make a block.  MidWest Sewing and Vacuum is setting up a donation box for those who are making up blocks at home and wish to drop them off at their store.  We encourage everyone to stop in at 3010 Arnold Dr, bldg 21 in Salina, KS and help us to Honor & Comfort our Veterans and Servicd-Members.


On March 24th we will be doing a Quilts of Valor Presentation.  We have 4 quilts right now and if we get more finished we will be presenting others at the same time or will set another date for a presentation. We have been working on this and waiting for the 161 to come home.  Now that they are home we will be doing the Quilts of Valor Presentations.  American Legion Riders will be in attendance to help present the quilts and also to do a flag presentation as people arrive.


**If your in the area be sure to stop by and show your support***
Submitted by Tina
http://qovfsmb.org

You tube videos to check out

Check these oout


Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Very cool  right?

Nebraskas National Quilt Day Sew in

Lincoln Quilt Guild sponsors National Quilt Day at the International Quilt
Study Center & Museum, here in Lincoln every year.  


 This year only Quilts of Valor group was asked to meet and greet guests and display our QOV's.


Our local QOV group has been very busy to ensure we had plenty of quilts to display.  


It's free admission and quilting related demos, lectures and tour the current exhibitions in the museum.


http://www.quiltstudy.org/visit/calendar/event/2012/03/17/national-quilting-day

And here are the Quilts that Julias group worked on - be sure to let them know what you think!!

Both of these ( top and bottom) are dissappearing 9 Patches - Joan in the Black is known as the DNP queen!! She Quilted these too.  Ginny ( top left) pieced the top quilt, and Joan pieced the bottom one!

This one is a Go Cutter Tumbler Quilt - pieced by Ginny and Sharon

 '`
This is scrappy Stars pieced by Sharon ( on the right)

Those are some amazing Quilts of Valor ladies!! Can't wait to see the photos of them hanging in the  Quilt Museum!!!  Thanks for sharing.




photos submitted by Julia - NE Coordinator!

Mesa AZ Quilt Show

I ( Judy W) decided to spearhead our Quilting group US along with Pauline  Hobbs a Canadian here in our Resort.

We started having workshops in November twice a month Canadians working
along side the Americans.


The camaraderie was great, we shared patterns and idea's. I did have stars
squares June provided to us from Moda fabrics. That was great to get us
started with some idea of were to start as you can see in the picture's
June sent we used some in a log cabin design, and also made squares to go
with.

I contacted Judie Yates she provided me with longarm Quilters all over the
country . I can't say enough for the Longarm Quilter's they did a beautiful
job volunteering their time, batting, thread, and money, etc. Thank you to
those ladies.


Our show was held March 3, 2012  9AM  3Pm The US displayed 19 QoV along
side 19 Canadian Quilts of Valour.

It was a great show 400 attended Friday Evening with 1600 attending
Saturday ... WOW!!!


I'm now getting the QoV ready to mail out to there destinations...


I'm so proud of our ladies here at Quilter's Point of View they all worked
very hard to have so many QoV for our Soldiers....

Submitted by Judy W