Most Honored

From Lincoln, Nebraska

We seldom receive acknowledgements from the recipients of our Quilts of Valor, and that is perfectly fine. We make them to comfort our vets not for personal recognition. However, Amy shared this photo of her presentation to her husband's uncle Arlen, who served in Vietnam. The QOV was a combination of signature blocks and anniversary blocks.

This is the heartwarming response she received and shared with us:

"Thank you, thank you, thank you for your wonderful work on the quilt for my brother. It brought tears to everyone's eyes. My brother never shows a lot of emotion but this was probably the most honored he has felt since he left Vietnam since they were never honored when they returned. Thank you again. You deserve a special reward for all the hard work you do for so many vets."

Just In Time for the Holidays!

A NOTE FROM ONE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS!

Last Sunday there was a long article about a soldier who was seriously injured in Afghanistan and lost 4 of his buddies at the same time.  His story, treatment, and slow recovery was documented in a long story in the Tacoma paper.  I was drawn to the story and wondered if he had received a QOV.  I emailed the writer of the story and he got back to me immediately and said that he would contact the soldier and find out.  

On Thursday, I got an email from the wife saying that David had not received a QOV and he would love to receive one.  So, we met them at a McDonalds in Lakewood and gave them my last finished QOV.  I really felt moved to see if this was possible, but I never dreamed it would happen so quickly.  

Now I will have to get started on a couple more QOV’s because it is so nice to have a finished one on hand when the need arises.

Merry Christmas. 

Linda 

Exemplary Soldier

On December 1, 2013, I awarded a Quilt of Valor to Colonel James F. Glynn, USMC. Col. Glynn is stationed in Washington D.C., and is the Senior Aide to the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.  He accompanied the General and had just returned from a trip to Afghanistan where they visited with the troops over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Col. Glynn has served in a variety of command and staff billets in the US and overseas. He was a rifle platoon commander throughout  Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He served in Fallujah with the Marine Expeditionary Units, and returned to Iraq as Battalion Commander in 2006-07.  His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, just to name a few.

This is an exemplary soldier, who continues to serve his country. A quilt is a small acknowledgment of appreciation to these military members who have given up so much for our country.  It was an honor to visit with Col. Glynn. He was somewhat familiar with Quilts of Valor and was so gracious to receive his own. His brother, Kevin, stood in as proxy as I did the presentation via a Skype type chat from Texas to Virginia. 

The quilt design is an adaptation of "Celebration of Freedom," designed by Judy Laquidara.

Submitted by Cheryl Kupcinski

 

 

A MYSTERY BOX of VALOR

Honored and overwhelmed was Bryan’s response to a mystery box delivered by UPS. Upon opening he found a quilt and a letter –  A Quilt of Valor.

“Yes! I was overwhelmed with unaccustomed feelings.” said Bryan.

The quilt was made by Angie Smith as part of the nationwide Quilt of Valor Foundation. Mrs. Smith said in her accompanying letter that, “this one is, Stars in the Cabin. I found this pattern in a catalog and like the concept.” Her husband (career Navy) served on the USS Midway during Vietnam.

Bryan has since been in contact with Mrs. Smith to thank her. He sent her this picture, taken in front of some second growth redwoods that conceal a 2 story barn that was built of Old Growth Redwood in 1920.

Mrs. Smith wanted to enlist in the Marines during the Vietnam conflict but was talked out of it by family. She still has that spirit. Her Dad served in the Marines in the South Pacific during World War II, and an uncle served in the Army in Europe during that same war.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, we invite you to check out their website.  Mrs. Smith says during her time making and sending the quilts that Bryan was only the 2nd recipient to contact her.

“I don’t know why that is but I know it took me a bit to settle and respond.”

Bryan
Chapter 89, Special Forces Association