Quilts of Valor

Project Progress Friday

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Its that time again!! Time to let us see what you are working on... it can be anything - from a picture of your new fabric choices, cutting something up, Blocks in progress.... just inspire us!! I love to see what is going on in the QOV World.

Please remember - when you link up to send us to that specific link...

From Region 8

2012-01-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

Oh this is good!!! You all better grab a cup of something!!! me - its Dr Pepper... even in the morning!!

Here we go....

31 quilters from FL, NC, TN, and GA met in the north Georgia mountains last weekend to make Quilts of Valor.

We had a goal of 85 quilts for a Returning Warrior Weekend, in February, 2012. I am ecstatic to report we have our 85 plus some for the Charlie Norwood VAMC in Augusta, AND we will be sent 5 down range to help Marcella make her weekly goal.

Pat Walker of Pat'Ts Calico Cottage brought two Gammill long arm machines and we kept them going all weekend.

We made a raffle quilt so smaller groups that need to raise money for
batting and backing can sell raffle tickets and make some money for their
local group. This is the quilt top, it's called Uncle Sam and will be
custom quilted.

This is me, sewing on binding. I usually don't get to quilt, I am busy
with details, and coordinating .

Our block drive before the retreat resulted in hundreds of patriotic
strips that several quilters used to make their quilt tops. Others worked
on their own QOV projects

Look how happy everyone
looks! It's because we are doing something that makes our hearts
smile.

Way to go quilters!!! This is a great way to get everyone involved - I LOVE it!! So when you get these quilts out, we will all be routing for you!!! Thank you SO much for sharing!!

Pattern Inspiration from Nancy

2012-01-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Nancy - Of Washington and Arizona has sent in two great pictures of quilts she is working on for our 12 in 12 Quilt of Valor Challenge!! I bet you will love them!!!

QOV 1 is a Split 9 patch 60 X 75. Made blocks as I had scraps cut. Started last year and finished top in 2012

QOV 2 is called Diamond Double. A pattern by Cozy quilt designs.
This one is 61.5 X 72

Nancy Thank you SO much for sharing - both of these are so great!!! I may have to go check out the pattern for the Diamond Double!! Such a great effect.!!

Spotlight Sunday 1/22/12

2012-01-22T06:30:00.001-07:00

This weeks Spotlight Sunday is headed over to Kansas!! Katy and Martha are the Regional Coordinators in this state - and have a lot of other helpers....

They Have a brigade returning, with 400 soldiers in it, and are trying to make sure they have a QOV for every soldier.... here is an explaination from Katy....

Well a couple months ago I made a request for 350 quilts from everyone.
We have had quilts starting to trickle into Kansas from other states to
help us with our effort of gathering 400 quilts to present to the
returning 4-4 Cavalry Brigade from Ft. Riley. (They have made national
news headlines from the number of casualties they've had this
deployment.)

We recently received a large stack of quilts from the Eisenhower
Presidential Library & Museum. And our sew-in in Wichita produced 30
quilts last month. This brings the total number of quilts we've
accumulated so far to 180 quilts!

The presentation is tentatively set for the end of March 2012. So that leaves
us very little time to gather the remaining 220 quilts. If you can find
it in your heart to please send us a few quilts, it would be so greatly
appreciated. And it will be going to a soldier at Ft. Riley who greatly
needs it's comfort.

Katy
And here is a little bit about how the Kansas bee got its start...

QOV Kansas was the brainchild of Katy Vickers (QOV member since November 2004) and Cassandra Carson (QOV member since October 2005.) The Bee officially started in February 2006 with only 4 members. After the semi-annual PQG show in June of 2006, the membership exploded. The first few months the new Bee had to jump around from site to site looking for a place to work. In August of 2006, Asbury United Methodist Church opened it's doors to the Kansas Bee, and allowed it to have a home there through 2008. In January 2009 we moved to "The Green Zone" at Scholfield Honda. It is the old showroom that was renovated with all green materials, from the carpet up, and allows us a very nice meeting space, with storage cabinets for our supplies. As of February 2011 we will be meeting on the Second Saturday every month at Tyler Road Baptist Church, located at 571 S. Tyler Road, just off of Kellogg/54 in west Wichita.

The goal behind QOV Kansas is to provide a way to get more people involved in making QOVs on a local scale. With the obligations of hearth and home, it is hard to find time to make an entire quilt top by yourself. By joining the Bee, you have the opportunity to work with others to complete what otherwise would be difficult to do alone.

The advantage of joining the Bee is being able to draw on the knowledge of life long quilters. Even if you don't know how to sew a stitch, you are welcome if you are wanting to learn and lend a helping hand. We especially encourage youth and teens to become involved!

Martha has signed on as well, and is the co regional coordinator... they have many other areas that are involved and have wonder leaders spearheading the efforts - you can find out more about Kansas at

http://www.qovkansas.org/

Project Progress Friday

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

I thought that others might like to see what Quilt of Valor project you are working on. I know that I am in the process of doing Persimmon Quilts Mystery, and who knows what else I may start - but I love looking at what others are doing for inspiration.

So Link up here - you can add a blog link, or a link to a flicker photo.... Let us see what you are working on!

Quilts of Valor on the Web

2012-01-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

I thought that maybe I would bring some attention to some great links that are happening on the web with Quilts of Valor... There are some amazing groups out there!!

In Gualala CA They are busy Covering soldiers in Palo Alto!!!

In Independence Township Donna B and her crew are super busy!

In Mobile Alabama!!

The Upper Midwest

I am sure there are many more - but these sure were fun to read and see how the rest of the US is busy working!!

Do you have a link you want to share? Email it to me, and we will include it too!!

Connected

2012-01-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the Quilt of Valor community is really trying hard to stay connected? There are so many great people and groups working to make sure our Veterans are covered, thanked and are feeling the love.

We have a chat group - QOVFchat on the yahoo groups
We have a website - QOVF.org
And we are on Facebook!!

On that website you can search for quilting groups in your area, or if you start a quilting group you can register it, and maybe more will find you!

You can also look for quilt shops !

You can also find all the information to request a LongArm quilter , request a destination, ask for help, and more

There is also a free pattern section. To help you stay inspired !

Hope to see you around one of these areas!

The QOV Mystery 21

2012-01-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

Is progressing right along.... thought I would remind you all of the clues that have been posted.
The start of the mystery is Here

And then the next two clues:
Clue 1

Clue 2

I don't think it is too late to join in at all !!!

So how is everyone doing? Are you posting pictures someplace?

Sunday Spotlight 1/15/12

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks Spotlight Sunday takes us to central Wyoming - Shoshoni to be exact!!!

Stephanie is the owner of Sheep Camp Quilt Supply, and her quilt shop is dedicated to helping make Quilts of Valor! Stephanie has her store out in the country and its a beautiful site. She has recruited quilters from Riverton and the surrounding areas to help make Quilts.

Our shop, Sheep Camp Quilt Supply, has been a QOV shop for 4 years and
UOW (Under our Wings) shop for 1. This past Sept. we held an event where 40 volunteers spent an evening and a day sewing up 38 quilt tops. They were quilted, bound, and then distributed at a ceremony on Dec. 13 at our local VFW.

Recipients were from WWII, Korean War, Desert Storm, Iraq, and
Afghanistan, as well as peacetime vets who served in other countries. It
was a very moving, very honoring, and very special evening for the
nearly 150 people in attendance. By the way, our town only has about
10,000 people in it to begin with! We were EXTREMELY pleased with the
turnout at both events. We even received front page coverage in our
local newspaper and lead-in news story on our state-wide TV station - Stephanie

This is at the presentation. Her husband got to help be the MC, and he was wonderful. She said it was such an honor to be able to say "Thank You" personally.

The Recipients!

A disclaimer - I ( Alycia) had to travel up that way a bit ago, so I thought I would stop by and say hi! Which was actually quite fun, I surprised Stephanie, and did a little bit of shopping in her store. So I asked if I could take a picture of her.... working of course....

My family was with me, and they fell in love with this little sheep camp trailer.... it is a wagon that the sheep herders would stay in, while they babysat their sheep out in the wilderness. It has a little bunk bed, and cooking supplies so that the herders could stay with their herd - no matter where they were.

And the sign so that you know where you are!

And I think she might be in some of the most scenic country around - check this out....

Stephanie has a wonderful sewing room, and is in the process of planning 2 large events for 2012.

Currently they meet the 3rd Thursday of every month at 10 am to sew for Quilts of Valor!

If you live in this area, or near it, you should contact her and get involved. She and her crew can make things happen. Her website - with all of their under our wings information - can be found at http://www.sheepcampquiltsupply.com/

A Thank you

2012-01-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

This Thank you was recently sent in to our QOVF.org Website - thought you all might enjoy reading it.

I would like to thank your entire organization for what you ALL do. We
received about a dozen of quilts from you a few weeks back, just in time for
CHRISTMAS. They were snatched up quickly and now lay on our beds to add color to
our rooms. We are serving at a very small base and for someone at a bigger
base to forward your quilts that you made to us made our holiday season very
special. I know I just packed mine up to take home with me to show my family
the great work you all do for us. My family makes quilts for the family and
I already started discussing with my parents about how we can help in your
cause. Thank you so much once again. Just like we can never receive enough
Thank you's from you, we can never give you enough thank you's either.

Anthony L, NC

Updates from our Destinations Coordinator

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

This year I would like to keep everyone updated every week on the number of
quilts being assigned to Quilts of Valor weekly and monthly standing
destinations.

There are six weekly destinations, all overseas, that need 60 quilts EVERY
week in order to cover wounded service members who are either in Afghanistan
or Germany. Last week (1/1-1/7) there were 7 quilts assigned to these
destinations. A shortage of 53 quilts for the week.

There are twelve monthly destinations that need 130 quilts each month (an
average of 33 quilts a week). There were 10 available to be assigned to
these destinations last week. A shortage of 23 when looking at the weekly
average needed. One destination is overseas, four are wounded warrior
transition battalions, another four are VA medical centers and the other
three treat service members affected in various ways by their time in the
war zone.

We also have one new weekly destination that is not yet included in these
numbers. The Point of Contact (POC) is a Medevac pilot with the 82nd
Airborne deployed in Eastern Afghanistan. He is operating on the Pakistani
border and personally transports an average of 5 wounded service members
each week.

For the month of December we were 173 quilts short of the needed quantity
for the weekly and monthly destinations...

Thank you for helping to cover those touched by war.

Marcella Pirner-Cormier

Destination Coordinator

Quilts of Valor Foundation

Presentations made in Nebraska

2012-01-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from our November presentation of 35 QOVs made by NE 4-H members this past year.

The 4-H QOVs were displayed at various county fairs around the state and finally at the NE State Fair in late August/early September. Julia S and I were invited to the presentation at the State Fair where the kids received their ribbons and awards.

After the Fair, the quilts were stored until the National Extension Educators Conference which was held in Omaha, NE in October.

We had all 35 on display at the conference. In addition, the QOV 4-H curriculum developed by Nebraska extension educators was made available to extension educators from other states in hopes that they, too, adopt QOV as a service (and quilting!) project for their 4-H youth.

Look at that awesome stack of Quilts!!!

Sara and Julia - you guys rock!! Great thinking to get the 4H involved and teach them about community service! Thanks for sharing what your area is up to!

Spotlight Sunday

2012-01-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

This Weeks Spotlight Sunday is J. Marie - she is the Oregon Coordinator for Quilts of Valor. Just listening to the areas that she covers.... this girl needs her own helicopter!!!

Being an Army brat and an ex-military wife now married to an Airforce Vietnam Vet with a son-in-law who has seen 2 deployments and is in the process of a medical discharge and also 2 nephews (1 still active 1 not) I am very passionate that our troops receive all the care and thank-you's we can give them.

My 11 year old grandson is adament he is going in the Army when he grows up so he can be like his great-grandfather (my dad) a true quiet hero who told his story in public at the traveling wall this year for the first time ever since his return in May of 1968. He is the recipiant of the DSC(Distinguished Service Cross) for saving 9 of his men's lives the night he was injured. I have been quilting for 40+ years and his was the first QOV I made.

This picture is of The Quilt of Valor with him and myself when I presented it to him at our local quilt show.

J. Marie has sewing groups going all over the state. She has one in Weston , Ukiah, and the Salem/Eugene area. They are working on a presentation of 68 quilts for a helicopter group that returned in July.

If you are interested in getting involved in one of these groups feel free to contact J. Marie. She is the Oregon coordinator, listed on the Regional Coordinators page of the QOVF.org site.

OH!!! And she has a sew in coming up in Pendleton... sure wish I could fly out there. I have been to Pendleton with my dad!! We loved it!! Here is the info if you can join in!

January 14, 2012, 10:00 am to 4:00pm

Thimbles Fabric-N-More

1849 Westgate Place

Pendleton, OR 541-278-7910

Come help us make quilts to cover those who have helped to keep our way of life Free.

Kits will be available
Have your own QOV you're working on bring it .
Maybe, we can help you finish it.
Don't know how to quilt come
"Under our Wings"
and we will help you learn.
Donations of fabric, thread and cash welcome and needed.
Quilts of Valor Foundation a National Non-Profit Foundation,
founded by Catherine Roberts
covering and caring for those touched by war who keep us FREE.

Bring your sewing machine, tools and a sack lunch and join us for a day of fun and service to those who have served for us.
For More Info:
J. Marie Norris, Oregon State Coordinator

Quilts of Valor - What Sort of Medal is THAT?

2012-01-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Your elders have forever warned you – “Never get in a car with a stranger”. Gee… Why on earth would you give a ride to a stranger or two or three?

You are on a Mission.

If you have ever lived in the Washington DC area, you know the difference between a tough-skinned terrestrial mollusk (slug) and the absurd concept of sharing a ride with people you have yet met (strangers – aka – SLUGS).

The Mission? To serve Honor and Comfort upon Lance Corporal Skerry at his family’s home north of Fredericksburg, VA.

The issue? A 5:30 appointment at the home of Lance Corporal Skerry that would be a tight fit two hours away in Washington, DC traffic.

Discover the "rest of the story" - HERE

A giveaway!!! And a QOV Mystery!!

2012-01-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

******This drawing is now closed - the winner is Kelly at Praire Sage Quilts****** THANKS for playing!!!

Leann over at Persimmon Quilts does a LOT of Quilt of Valor mystery patterns. She tests them on Lori, and a few others in the QOV group and then, once they are tested she releases them to us!! She says that they are not super hard, there are 1/2 square triangles in them, but everyone can do these patterns.

She has launched a new one for this year - the fabric Requirements are up, and the cutting for the first clue. The first clue will be Jan 7th, and the last clue will be February 11th.

A LOT of you have said you are interested in trying to either make or quilt, or a combination of both to be a part of the 12 Quilts of Valor challenge this year.... so .... I have a great giveaway for you!!!

FABRIC to make this mystery!! It requires

Background.......... 2 1/2 yds
Blue....................... 1 1/2 yds
Red....................... 2 yds

and I HAVE it for you!!! You will be a little behind, but hey - the pressure is there to make you work harder right LOL!

Now!! There are strings attached!! I am assuming that you will be making a Quilt of Valot with this fabric, and when you are done, you will either request a destination from the QOVF website, or present it locally.... right?

If you want to enter this drawing - leave a comment ( AND A WAY TO CONTACT YOU) on this post before Sunday January 8th. I will draw a number on the 8th, and will contact you - so I can get the fabric in the mail by Monday. You won't have too much to catch up on that way!!

Tell everyone about it, if there are more that 50 entries - I will find another set of fabric to giveaway!!

This fabric was donated from my stash and not paid for by the QOV Foundation

News from Wisconsin

2012-01-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

You all HAVE to check this out!!

http://wpt.org/sewingwithnancy/sewing.cfm #2422
Go to this website - it is videos of Sewing with Nancy - and look for episode 2422. About 19 minutes and 20 seconds into the video - on comes KAREN and Quilts of Valor!!!

Karen is the regionals coordinator for... get this... are you Ready? Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin!!! Can you imagine? Thats a lot of territory!!! But if you want to get in contact with her you can find her in the Regional Coordinators section on the QOVF.org website.

Thanks Karen for sharing this!!!

This picture is taken at the Machine Quilting Today show in Milwaukee, last August - and the individual wrapped in his QOV is a VietNam vet.

The next one ( below) Show Karen in the background, The man handing out the QOV's is Jim S of Quilters Rule - Karen says he is a QOV angel!!

Jim helped present 9 Quilts of Valor that day! You all Rock!!! You can always find Karens contact info on the QOVF.org site under regional Coordinators in WI. Thanks!!!

Spotlight Sunday

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

This Sunday Spotlight Quilt of Valor person (okay people!!) Are:

Tink and Dick L in the SE Wisconsin quilt of Valor group. First off - you need to know that these are some very very very prolific people.... Second, you need to know that a cup of coffee, or hot chocolate might be wise at this point....

Did you get it? Alright - we are ready to rock and roll!!

First off - Meet Dick L. He rocks! He Rules! He Quilts!!! This is Dick's first pieced quilt in progress. He is using blocks they recieved from Sew Cal Gals block drive for QOV!! A group effort -- LOVE IT!!

On the 4th Saturday of Each Month

Staff open early for us at 9:30 so we can get the coffee brewing, the extension cords & machines set up, and the irons plugged in. We always do a potluck so the kitchen counters, fridge, and stove top are quickly filled with goodies. We meet the fourth Saturday of every month - except December.

We are totally casual - show up when you can, stay as long as you can, and if you don’t bring a project, we’ll be happy to put you to work! We always do a ‘show and tell’ of members creations before getting to work. We are blessed to have a delightful and dedicated group of quilters
and invite anyone in the area (or visiting) to join us (one quilter drives 90 miles each way!) Skill level doesn’t matter - just come with a smile and you’ll fit right in!

Up-coming EventsMarch 2012

Dick and I ( Tink) will be doing a QOV program for a guild on the west side of the Milwaukee Metro Area. Dick usually does the speaking - the ladies seem to really appreciate a man who speaks quiltese! Dick will also be able to show off the first QOV that he pieced on his own!

Wisconsin (http://www.gfwc-wi.org/). Dick & I attended the GFWC’s 2011 annual convention in Tomah, WI where we presented QOVs to members of the Color Guard and to the Mayor - all Veterans!
MAY 2012: Again this year Quilts of Valor is the President’s Special Project for the Greater Federation of Women's Clubs -

That generated a great deal of enthusiasm among the members, who had made quilts for us. After the presentation and program, several members took quilts home with them to make local presentations. We are honored to again be invited to this year’s annual convention, here in Milwaukee

Quilts of Valor will again have a display at the annual University Days at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts ( http://wiquiltmuseum.com/) on May 11th & 12th. This annual event draws quilters and fiber artists from around the upper Midwest for two days of classes, demos, and lectures.

This year’s featured luncheon speakers will be Nancy Zieman (“Sewing with Nancy”) on Friday, and Carol Butzke, a well known quilter, AQS certified quilt historian, appraiser, judge, and author on Saturday. Dick mans the booth and that always attracts the ladies!

4H
( the above two pictures are of the 4H group!)

Earlier this year Dick did a quick program for a 4H group in Cedarburg and worked with them on creating quilt tops. In October several students presented us with their completed QOVs at a ceremony at the WI Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts. We look forward to a continued sewing relationship with the 4H!

Books for Soldiers
We have a wonderful relationship with Karen, the mover behind the local Books for Soldiers group, operating out of the Franklin (WI) Public Library (http://www.friendsofthefranklinpubliclibrary.org/?page_id=27 ).
At a pillowcase sewing day in May we were able to present a Quilt of Valor to a local soldier home from Afghanistan. ( picture above)

In November one of Karen’s volunteers (and an Army mom) personally delivered one of our QOVs to a soldier at the VA hospital in Tampa, FL. Several of her regular volunteers are interested getting involved in Quilts of Valor, so we hope to get regular QOV sewing days scheduled there.

Jason Moon is a Wisconsin singer/songwriter and Veteran of the Iraq & Afghanistan wars. We presented him with a musically themed QOV created by our Peggy Mislock of Pennsylvania. (he was performing at a fund raiser for the Homeless Veterans Initiative)

So are you all worn out yet? I got tired just thinking about organizing all this... and I rarely tire!! These two and their groups are SO impressive. I can't figure out what my favorite part is... but the 4H stuff is pretty cool!! Teaching these up and coming quilters - I LOVE it!!

Hope you enjoyed this spotlight. If you live in any of these areas and want to drop in or get involved - please do - they would love to have you!
Several of our quilters have been working with their 4H members on creating Quilts of Valor.
May 2012

On Saturday, January 28th we will kick off our third year of monthly gatherings at Ye Olde Schoolhouse Quilts in Cedarburg, WI (A 2010 Top Ten Shop located at 318 Green Bay Rd., Cedarburg, WI - 262-377-2770 http://www.yeoldeschoolhouse.com/Ye_Olde_Schoolhouse/Welcome.html ).

A Quilt pattern to start you off

2011-12-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to kick off the New Year? Have you been searching for patterns to make for the 2012 12 QOV Challenge???

How about this one? Churning Stars PDF

I think this would make a great group quilt....

What other patterns have you found ? If you could email them to me, I would love to post them and give others inspiration!!

News from Nebraska

2011-12-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Lincoln NE,
QOV member Sharon M, presenting a Quilt of Valor (made using Bonnie Hunters' Bricks and
Stepping Stones pattern ) to SSG M. Brown.

Mr. Brown's family members requested a Quilt Of Valor from their family friend Sharon. She was very pleased to do so.   The QOV was also on display last summer at the Bernina Sewing Studio in Lincoln NE.

This QOV was quilted by Julia Schroeder, Co-Regional Coordinator, NE

Isn't this Cool!!!!

Are you from the Nebraska region? Have you always wanted to be involved in Quilts of Valor in Nebraska? Well go to http://www.qovf.org/   On the left hand side - look for Regional Coordinators, click there and look under Nebraska - that is a great way to get the email of the Regional Coordinator - and they can help you Plug in!!!

A Challenge for Long Arm Quilters too

2011-12-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

So I recieved an email from a Long Arm quilter ( I LOVE emails!!!) and she asked how she could participate in this 12 Quilt Challenge.....

So - here you go!! Long Armers - I challenge you to commit to quilting 12 tops through out 2012. And here is a great way to do it. We have this wonderful gal - Judie - who is the longarm/topper pair person!!

If you go to http://www.qovf.org/ and in the top left hand corner - there is a tab. Volunteer to Longarm.. click on that and fill it out. You can choose to just be sent one top per month, or choose to let Judie know what months you can accept tops. OR!!! Even let Judie know that you are a longarmer and you are quilting for such and such group....

And !! take pictures of those quilts that you quilt... Toppers Take pictures of the tops that you make - we will do a Mr. Linky kind of thing so you can show them off!!! Either on your blog, or by Flicker.... won;t that be fun? Our own little quilt show!!

This is Fred - he is going to keep an eye on us!!

New Years Resolutions

2011-12-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

So is anyone thinking about their New Year's Resolutions for 2012? Any Quilting Goals? Any Specific patterns you want to make?

A couple of years ago Catherine challenged us to make 12 tops for Quilts of Valor over the year.... and I took that challenge. It was great. I got to play in my stash, and make something wonderful for our service men and women!!

And I loved the fact that QOV can pair you with a longarmer to quilt the quilt for you! Of course, I am a longarmer so I took the challenge doubly - not only to make but LA it as well.

Does anyone want to take this challenge again? Currently there is a great need for these comforting Quilts, and if we stepped up to the plate - one quilt at a time I bet we could make a dent in the waiting lists!!! What do you think?

Here is some inspiration for quilt patterns:

Persimmon Quilts Mysteries She has 20... count em 20! Quilt of Valor Mystery patterns available, Something should surely strike your fancy!!

A scrappy Rail Fence

There are some great patterns found at Mary's site

And of course - Bonnie's Quiltville    Oh - and over here: Patchwork Times

As you can see there is a lot of inspirations all over the web. Any favorite places you have found free patterns?

Remember the minimum size is 55 x 65, and the max 72 x 90.... so 12 lap sized quilts shouldn't be too hard right?

Alycia

Catherine Roberts' gifts to you.

2011-12-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

I enjoy this time of year in QOVF-land. I actually get excited thinking about what gifts I can give to you, my community. This year’s gifts straddle the tech and health worlds which is rather a reflection of me.

Geeky Stuff
On my travel across country this past summer, I chatted with a quilter about computer stuff. She looked at me and said, “I am a geek. I love working with computers.”
“Yeah. Give me a choice between quilt shop or electronic’s store, I”ll take the latter each time.” I excitedly replied, expecting her to high five me.
She looked at me quizzically and affirmatively asserted, “Not me! I’ll take the quilt store each and every time.”
I knew right there and then, I am a geek first and quilter second.

So in this vein, I offer you my holiday gifts which encompass various of my hemispheres.

Geek Side of Town

Lynda.com

Almost since QOVF’s inception, we have subscribed to Lynda.com. Lynda.com offers a wealth of classes for those wanting to learn more about computing, photography, graphic art, film editing just to mention a few subjects. The teachers are the best in their field and they know how to teach. You have the luxury of sitting through the classes multiple times or just pausing 24/7. One has the distinct feeling that Lynda and company care about their students and staff which is so refreshing in this day of dog-eat-dog. At $25.00/month, it’s one of the best deals around.

Likehacker.com

This site is full of pithy suggestions from organizaing your life to computer files. It sounds a bit over-the-top but they actually pull it off more than not.

Backup Advice

Your drive WILL crash; it’s only a matter of time. Try Crashplan.com and Dropbox.com to help with keeping your data safe.

Seeing the Light at the End of the Getting Healthier Tunnel
Coasting as one gets older is NOT recommended unless you want to see your lab values rise to the abnormally high end of the scale and clothes sizes soar to the stratosphere. Or at least, coasting is not good for me. During this past year, I have found the following movie, books and website which have been a source of inspiration.

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, the movie, might change your life. It is about an Australian morbidly obese man who drives juicing across the US. I know that might sound odd (and it is). I think one of the strengths of the film are the people he interviews and that one person is Phil Jay Staples. You can watch it on netflix streaming; plus Joe has a great website Reboot which explains/supports his juicing/getting healthier lifestyle.

Forks Over Knives is a film about two men-one a PhD in nutrition and the other a cardiac/thoracic surgeon who came to the same conclusion: a plant based diet improves all around health. I recommend this film not so you can be convinced to switch to a plant based diet but so you will have some facts about what does what to your body. You can find the film here at amazon or at netflix streaming.

Mindfulness Training

Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book “Full Catastrophe Living” is an excellent book explaining the basics of getting the mind in shape. (What good is the body if the mind keeps chasing chickens inventing stories that make chickens out to be monsters?) His eight week Mindful Meditation course has helped thousands physically and mentally. UCLA also has a great site that is open to all http://marc.ucla.edu/. They offer online mindful meditation courses as well as many inexpensive courses at their UCLA site.

Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth

Where is that darn silver bullet/pill that will melt the pounds away? As we all know but are somethings unwilling to admit, there is no such entity (minus surgical intervention). Geneen Roth’s approach to achieving a healthy weight is to be mindful of why you are eating. Her book is personable as though she were right there in the room with you. I think it’s probably easier to just follow a diet than to explore the reasons why I am grazing/stuffing myself with food that is just filler. Here’s the amazon link.

Love Soup by Anna Thomas

Hands down, this is THE best soup cookbook ever. The soups are healthy, wholesome and earthy. I would recommend using the amounts for ingredients she suggests when you first begin. Then you can wing it on your own. I never knew ‘roots’ could be so flavorful and satisfying from taste to visually appealing. You can get it here. My favorite recipe so far is: ?????.

Broadcast television will be the Death of Civilized Culture
When our kids were growing up, we canceled cable tv. We had rabbit ears to bring in our programs which basically consisted of Public TV and CBS, NBC affiliates. Fast forward to our move to Washington state. Our rabbit ears no longer worked because of various mountain ranges and this is when I learned about Google TV. I have now weaned myself from all tv and can say for myself, I am a better person because of this move. I have discovered several internet websites that are truly stellar and edifying. I hope you find them as uplifting as I.

TED-Ideas Worth Spreading.
TED-talks has brief talks that simply have me inspired and whistling a tune. There are topics for everyone and it’s FREE! Try this talk on for size.

Dear Santa

2011-12-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Santa,
I don't know for sure that I am on the naughty list, but I have tried to be good this year. I thank you for all the gifts you have left for me in the past.
This year I just wish to keep QOVF going forward to achieve our mission of covering all those combat warriors who have been touched by war. We have many who help in this endeavor, but I could really use:
someone to be the Newsletter Editor, someone to be the Blog and Facebook editor, and a fund raiser so that we can pay for the website, brochures, and office expenses. it would be great if you could find us more hard working people to be Coordinators in the rest of the states and regions.

Don't forget the men and women who are serving our country far from their homes,
Love and cookies,

June

A Christmas Poem

2011-12-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

Shared by Susan Gordon, Region 8 Coordinator and Sharon Ledbetter, Idaho Coordinator.

I received a Christmas cardyesterday with WWII soldiers decorating a tree in the forest. Thiswas the poem that accompanied the card:

T’was the might before Christmas, he lived allalone

in a one bedroom house made of plaster andstone.

I had come down the chimney with presents togive,

and to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle, just boots filled withsand,

and on the wall pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

a sobering thought came to my mind.

For this house was different, so dark and sodreary,

the home of a soldier, now I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in suchdisorder,

not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers who werewilling to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,

and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmasday.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,

because of the soldiers, like the one lyinghere.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The solder awakened and I heard a rough voice,

“Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice:

I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,

my life is my God, my country, my corps.”

The solder rolled over and soon drifted tosleep,

I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,

and we both shivered from the cold evening’schill.

I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night,

this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice softand pure,

whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas day,all is secure.”

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.

“Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a goodnight.”

by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt

Greetings, Goodies, Gifts and Wishes from your QOVF Volunteer Staff

2011-12-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

Here are two tips:

When making QOV pillow cases, where the accent, body and cuff seam cometogether can be difficult to feed under the pressure foot of somemachines. Simply bang the heck of this area with your trusty hammer(doesn't every gal have one of these in her sewing box?), then sew asusual. You will find your machine zips right over this one difficult areawith a smooth, even stitch.

And since many in the Quilts of Valor community are also knitters: If youhave a small project that requires blocking, simply place the item in a saladspinner, immerse into warm water until object is saturated, remove from water,place in sink and spin until damp. Block as you normally would. This eliminates the possibility of stretching the object while damping andremoves most of the water to speed the blocking time.

Happy Holidays to all,
Lenny Truitt

QOVF Bookkeeper

My tradition goes back 32 years. My oldest son arrived 6 weeks early,

12-5-79 instead of 1-17-80, and then ended up withjaundice and a loss of 2 pounds overnight. I was sent home without him, so myfamily took me out to purchase our tree and ornaments. My son came home 3 dayslater and today is a police officer in a small city outside Dallas, Texas. So every year I dig out the tree andornaments on December 4th and have everything up and in place by December 5th.

Beth Riebschlager

New Mexico Coordinator

If it's not too late, here's mine:

Snicker-doodles: A Santa Favorite

Every year my children and I spend Christmas Eve makingup a couple batches of Snicker-doodles. Santa gets a plate full left in theliving room by the tree before the children head to bed. Last year, the kids,now teenagers, forgot to put a plate of cookies out for Santa before bed. Whenthey awoke Christmas morning, there was a note in each of their stockings thatsaid: "No milk & cookies, no gifts. Better luck next year." Theyended up having a scavenger hunt to search for their presents. The moral of thestory: don't forget Santa's cookies! And keep in mind that he especially likessnicker-doodles.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter (softened/room temp)

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 1/3 cup sifted flour

1 tsp cream of tartar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

3 T sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon (for topping)

TO PREPARE:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream together the butterand sugar. Then beat in the egg. Sift and stir in the dry ingredients. Drop byteaspoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet about 2-3 inches apart. Shake thecinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of each ball of cookie dough.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Enjoy a few warm, right out of the oven. Then leave aplate for Santa!

Katy Vickers

Kansas Coordinator

Hi there,

I'd like to share a favorite recipe for the QOVF StaffChristmas sharing of 'gifts'. This is something thatmy family requests at every opportunity.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

1 1/2 cup finely crushed Oreos (about 18 cookies)

1/4 cup margarine or butter, melted

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 (14 ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk(NOT evaporated milk)

3 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1 teaspoon flour

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine crumbs andmargarine; pat firmly on bottom of 9-inch springform pan. In large mixerbowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Add Eagle Brand milk; beat untilsmooth. Add 3 eggs and vanilla, mix well. In small bowl tosstogether 1/2 cup chips with flour to coat; stir into cheesemixture. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining chips evenlyover top. Bake 1 hour or until cake springs back when lightlytouched. Cool to room temperature. Chill. Remove sides of panand cut to serve. Refrigerate leftovers

With deepest gratitude for those who serve,

Judie Yates

Longarm/Topper Coordinator

Quilts of Valor Foundation

I have a couple of recipes to share for the holidays.

Cheese Potatoes

2.5 lb of potatoes peeled and sliced thin

1 c. half and half

1 can Campbell's cheddar cheese soup

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

Whisk together soup, half and half and Parmesan cheese.

Mix well with potato slices and pour into a greasedcasserole dish.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees until potatoes are tender.

The second is a cookie recipe that is always requested by myson and his friends. Warning: It has a lot of ingredients and makesa ton of large cookies.

Cowboy Cookies:

2 sticks margarine

2 sticks butter

2 c. sugar

2 c. brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 T. vanilla

4 c. flour

1 t. baking powder

2 t. baking soda

4 c. Quaker oats

3-4 c. corn flakes crushed

8 oz. chopped dates

1 c. golden raisins

1 c. dark raisins

1 bag chocolate chips

1 bag white chocolate chips

Cream margarine and butter together. Add sugars. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix flour, baking powder and bakingsoda together. Add to mixture.

Stir in oats, corn flakes, dates, raisins, and chips. The mixture will be stiff.

Roll into large balls, I use a large cookie scoop. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Flatten the ballsslightly.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 14 minutes. Allow tocool on the pan for a few minutes before removing to a rack to cool completely.

This makes several dozen cookies.

Here's hoping that everyone has a Merry Christmas and aHappy New Year.

Blessings to all.

Laurel

Reg 9 Coordinator (DE, MD, PA)

Dear Friends,

This is the most awesome fudge recipe ever, not a quick one,but definitely worth the effort!!! Enjoy

Fannie May Fudge

4 cups sugar

1 cup whole milk

1 teas. vanilla

25 large marshmallows (cut up)

1 cup butter

13 oz. milk chocolate (cut-up)

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (cut-up)

12 oz. unsweetened chocolate (cut-up)

1 cup nuts (optional)

* Mix together milk, sugar, vanilla and butter. Boilthis mixture for 2 minutes. Turn off heat. Add cut up marshmallowsand stir until melted. Add chocolate one kind at a time and stir each onetil melted before adding the next kind. Stir rapidly until all aremelted. Add nuts if you desire.

* Put in lg greased sheet pan (12: X 16")

* Wait til fudge is set before cutting in small 1"pieces

This recipe makes a huge batch of fudge

Merry Christmas to all!

Jackie Dudek

Arizona Coordinator

Every year I sit down and watch the Santa Clause trilogywith Tim Allen. I have a close friendwith whom I used to watch the movies, but she now lives a couple states awaywith her husband and kids. I like towatch those movies snuggled up on the couch and I think of her and the fun wehad together.

Joheather Grant

Michigan Coordinator

Funny story

I was fortunate to be in Germany to award quilts of valor toseveral wounded men who were in the care of my son Eric, who is a nursepractitioner for the Air Force. He cautioned me not to say anything about theirwounds or home. He also warned me that although some of them looked normal theyhad traumatic head injuries that affected their behavior and if they saidsomething inappropriate not to take it personally. I appreciated the advice andhad a quilt in my hand to award to the first person I saw. He was walking downa hallway in the facility. Eric called his name and said, "HeySarge, I want you to meet my mother, she has something for you." Sowhen he got to me and said, "Hi", I started my mentallyrehearsed spiel about the group that made this quilt for him and how weappreciated his service. As I was talking, he backed up, put his hands on hiships, and I cut my spiel short. When I stopped talking, he saidjovially,"Lady, I just came from where it was 145 degrees in the shade,what do I need a quilt for?"

Good question, I was thinking, in astonishment, withmy gaping, silent, mouth. My face must have reflected my astonishmentbecause in the awkwardness of the moment, he declared loudly for allto hear, "But pretty soon it will be winter and I will sure need onethen, he took the quilt from my hands and hugged me while he thanked meand I recovered.

The next fella was sitting at a table with crutches nearby.He was alone and looking blankly into space.

I walked up to him, started my little spiel and handed him aquilt. "For me? he said. I said "Yes, just for you to keep.""I never had a quilt. he said. 'Well you do now and you can take this onehome to keep," I said with sympathy. "HOME! he blurted out with pain,I don't have a home and I am NOT going back to where I came from. I couldhave dropped through the floor, I had said the word I wasn't suppose to say, home.Trying to soothe him, I said, Well, you can come to Arkansas and livewith us. It's nice there, there are a lot of trees and lots of lakes to fishin. "oh my, I thought, what am I saying?" "I might."he said. He was opening the quilt to look at it and by now it was opened and hestarted to comment on how beautiful it was. He stood and wrapped it around himand leaned forward to hug me as he thanked me and told me to thank theladies that made it. His tirade had passed as quickly as it came.

I left him then, thinking, I do have a guest room if heever shows up on my doorstep. He never did.
--
Best Wishes, Sharon Bailey Region 7

Happy Holidays from Lori Kutch

2011-12-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Quilts of Valor Community

Hard to believe another year has come and gone and theHoliday season is upon us. I am happy to share that life has been good to meand my family this year. My daughter graduated from nursing school and landed afull time job! Her future is bright. She is on her own and building a new lifefor herself and her children. My husband and I are doing the dance of joy andenjoying our once again empty nest and a bit more flexibility and free time.

It is my wish for you and yours to have all the warmth andblessings this season has to offer and may you have a bright and happy newyear.

My gift is one of my Grandmother’s favorite cookie recipes.

Grandma D’s Molasses Oatmeal Cookie

1¼ cupsugar

½ cup melted shortening

2 2 eggs

6 6 Tbls. Molasses

1 1¾ cup sifted flour

2 cups quickcooking oats

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup raisins

½ cup chopped nuts

Mix all ingredients together. Dropby teaspoonful on a cookie sheet sprayed with non stick cooking spray. Bake at400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Happy Holidays

Lori Kutch

Deputy Director

Home Maching Quilt Show

2011-10-31T10:56:00.000-06:00

Wanted to share on your site if you would put the HMQS ( Home Machine Quilt Show ) link on your site. Since I have been working it. they selected theme Star Spangle, and Quilts of Valor is being featured. Not just a booth, but we are out front for the world to see. with special exhibit and challenge. Been working with June Moore on this.

here is the link.
http://www.hmqs.org/

~Diane Jaeger

Thank You

2011-10-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

I have been meaning to write to you for months. Last year I requested a quilt for my Dad, Henry Warren, who had served in WWII. When he received it he said he felt unworthy of such a beautiful gift, and wanted to return it to the person who made it! I had to convince him to keep it. January 1st he left his condo on a journey from nursing home to assisted living to nursing home, all within six months. At the assisted living facility he fell in love with that quilt. It was on his bed always. At his last destination on earth, a wonderful nursing home, he often commented on how beautiful it was and how much he appreciated it. He died June 23 with that quilt over him. I have it here with me, and won't even have it cleaned. It was a constant in his last few months and I am so grateful to you for opening that spot in his heart to reflect on his service to his country and that he was appreciated for that service. Thank you from the depths of my heart.

Prior to Dad's quilt, I had requested one for a very dear friend, an Iwo Jima survivor, Gordon Ward pictured above. I gave that to him a year ago Father's Day and he was so very moved by that quilt...as we all were. Barely able to stand, he managed to do so, sang to me the Marine Corps hymn while saluting, and we all cried while he wrapped himself in that quilt. Gordon died four days before my father did. It was a terrible week in June this year.

But your QOV made a difference in the lives of two old veterans, and I apologize for not writing this sooner.

Thank you so much for what you do. So much work and dedication from so many nationwide! The beauty that is shared by many...near and far...all ages...God bless you.

Susan Warren

11th Welcome Home Initiative retreat for Veterans - Greenwich NY

2011-09-27T15:17:00.000-06:00

Welcome Home........

Here in the beautiful countryside of Greenwich NY we are preparing for the 11th Welcome Home Initiative retreat for Veterans (13th if you count the ones we held in Colorado and Ohio ) to be held at Christ the King, Spiritual Life Center.
At this retreat we will award every Veteran with a Quilt of Valor, as we have done at all the other retreats in the past and this gift from those of you who care so much about our Heroes will play a huge part in the healing process of the wounded hearts,minds and spirits of those attending, all of whom have suffered great trauma in combat. Thank you to everyone who have provided all the wonderful quilts we award....covering our Heroes with love and letting them know they are welcomed home and their service yo us and to our Nation is appreciated..
If you know a past or present member of the Military who would like to attend one of our retreats please contact us.....
www.CtKCenter.org/welcomeHome
--
Meryl Dawes

Article From September's Newsletter - Reg. 3 Thank You's

2011-09-12T14:29:00.000-06:00

Read more at http://www.qovf.org/Pdf_Files/2011/september.11.newsletter.pdf

Region 3 Reminds us why we make QOV’s
Whether you receive an actual Thank You note or not, your QOV makes a difference! These thank you’s were collected and shared by Sheila Gaub, Region 3, Wyoming/Montana.

Just four short years ago we “jumped on the wagon” to help cover our warriors with the comfort of quilts. We have been able to cover 201 from the state of Montana, and word has just been received that a group of quilters from Wyoming just finished 38 quilts - they are really stitching up a storm.

I would like to share some of the “thank you” notes we have received:

From a mother who was privileged to deliver a QOV to her son: “I was able to hand deliver the quilt. He was very appreciative of it. He and his wife were amazed at all the detail there is. It was fun to be there to give it to him and to spend time with him and his family. Thanks again.” E. A.

“Hello, my name is J. M. I was wounded by a half dozen grenades in Afghanistan on Sept. 29th (2010). During the course of my movement back to the states I received a quilt made by your chapter. This quilt didn’t get framed or displayed on a wall. Your quilt kept me warm. Your quilt was used. Since I have returned home, your quilt is kept in a cabinet with other blankets where my family uses it nearly every night . . . for snuggling. Thank you for such a warm addition to my home and my heart. J, B & P M.”

“Dear Quilts of Valor: I’m sending back this post card to tell you how much I appreciate the things you do. I was recently injured in Iraq and medevac’d to Germany where I received your quilt. Having the ramp drop off the plane, and being introduced to Germany’s 50 degree cold and rainy mornings, I was freezing. A lot different than the 130 degrees I’ve been used to. Your quilt gave me warmth and comfort in an extremely cold and stressful time in my life. Thank you? Love, J. B.”

“Thank you for your dedication to assisting others in matters large and small. We all serve in many ways and by a variety of means, applying our own insights to the needs of others. Thank you for the love and care that you and your team put into the Quilts of Valor. Yesterday, I received the quilt you sent and it’s beautiful. It reminds me of many things – but most of all the sense of support by people that care. Thank you! Warmest Regards – Dave”

From Landstuhl Regional Medical Center:

“To all those who have been sending gifts to our wounded warriors:

I am writing to thank you for supporting America’s sons and daughters who are making hard sacrifices for our precious freedom. Your donations provide both comfort and encouragement for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and their family members that come to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and Ramstein Air Force Base. Your generosity makes it possible for us to assist these wounded warriors and their families...and your gifts enhance the holistic healthcare we provide for all those who proudly perform their sacred duty.

What you have given blesses these precious men and women. I want to thank you for your caring and compassionate service to all those who serve their country so well.

Blessings and peace, Chaplain M., Wounded Warrior Ministry Center”

Email message from CPT B.:

“I work in Germany at Landstuhl ICU. Chaplain G. was so kind to donate some beautiful quilts to our wounded soldiers from your organization and I just wanted to say thank you and to all the wonderful people supporting our troops!! I am the QOV representative for the Intensive Care Unit. This is such a wonderful thing that you and the organization do and all of the soldiers are so appreciative and feel such gratitude. God Bless you and yours for what you do.”

“It is with my most sincere feelings of gratitude that I thank you and the members of the Quilts of Valor – Montana Chapter for the beautiful quilt. This gift is such a blessing and I will never forget what you have done for me. I pray that God will bless you abundantly and I hope I will have the opportunity to thank you face to face. Take care and God bless. Sincerely, MH”

“Just wanted to let you know the quilts are coming in. They are so beautiful, and the care & love that goes into each one is evident to any who see them.” (Message from a Chaplain’s Assistant at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany)

“Hey! I just wanted to say thank you for the quilt. It is very pretty & comfortable. I appreciate everything.” Sincerely – Stephanie

Via email: “Hello, my name is James and I am a Senior Chief Petty Officer Navy SEAL who was injured. On the night of July 9th I was shot in a gunfight with Taliban forces in Afghanistan. During my medevac, I received a quilt made by the Sheridan, MT Chapter of your organization. Last night I arrived home after 9 surgeries and a few weeks at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda. I sleep with that quilt every night. I love it. The hands that made that quilt must be magic. Thanks to your organization and to the hands that put my quilt together for me. Here is a photo of me and my quilt. Again, thank you!”

“Thank you for the beautiful quilt. I will cherish it forever. Your gifts and card do mean a lot to all of us soldiers. I enjoy travel so who knows when I will come through Montana.” – PFC

“Our son was injured in Afghanistan on June 24th from an IED blast. He was flown to the military hospital in Germany and then transferred to Bethesda. He had lost both legs and suffered severe abdominal injuries and on July 10th he died from a very aggressive infection. We were able to be with him in Germany and in Maryland. While we were in Germany, Matt was given a beautiful quilt that was made by your group. We want to thank you for the beautiful quilt which we will treasure.” Sincerely – Matt’s parents

“Thank you for the quilt. It is very nice. I went to the Germany Hospital and picked it up. I am in the Army but I am a former Marine. So I really enjoy it. It is on my bed and use it every night. Thank you for supporting the troops. Thank you! 1SG A. D.”

“Thank you for the beautiful Quilt. It’s very comfortable. I appreciate what you are doing for me and the other wounded soldiers out there. It is nice to see there are people like you out supporting our Soldiers.”

“Thank you for the wonderful things you do!! I used your blanket when I was medevac’d to Germany. -- SGT S.”

“I would like to say thank you. Our Special Forces team had six Green Berets injured in an attack and we were given these quilts. They mean a whole lot to us and we appreciate it a whole lot. Thank you for thinking about us. Thank you so much. – A.

“Dear Quilters: We are medics here at Ramstein AFB in Germany and see many patients with your quilts on a daily basis. They look forward to heading home and sharing your loving gift. It means so much to know that they are receiving a gift of warmth from someone they’ve never met. Many thank from us, our troops and their families. – SSGT K. V. and SSGT E. T.”

Yes, Quilters, this is the reason we are still stitching. Keep up the wonderful work!

Catherine Across America

2011-09-10T13:24:00.000-06:00

I am just outside Atlanta Georgia.

Arrived yesterday after spending a day in Franklin North Carolina. There I was able to meet many fellow qovers at a luncheon that was hosted by Susan Gordon, Peggy James and Carlie Nichols. and sponsored by A Stitch In Time (Maxine Ramey's shop), Bri-Mat Creations (Peggy James' on-line quilt shop), Rana Rinata (caterer, owned by Lisa Thordarson), and SewFree Quilt Retreats (run by Susan Gordon). In the morning we met with Maxine from a Stitch in Time, and talked about the integration of Under Our Wings with her quilt shop which has the distinction of being one of the 10 best in the nation. As I toured it, I saw why. Then I interviewed three QOV recipients–one from WWii, Vietnam and Afghanistan. All had moving stories. After the interview, we had our catered lunch and talks from Carlie and Peggy.

Our veterans spoke from their hearts about what their QOVs meant to them. Nat, who was a POW in Vietnam for seven years presented me with a picture of him as he was being escorted by VNCs shortly after his capture.

I got to talk to the group and tell them I wanted to listen. I told them that at the national level we will be short 1,000 QOVs by the end of the year. I emphasized that we are a team and need to look after each other-both at national and local levels. Then they brought up one of the major challenges of getting QOVs from one point to another. Shipping costs.

Joan Gilliland of Liberty Lane Quilters in Robbinsville, NC from the audience suggested that perhaps what we needed were QUILT MULES! She said that she sends her quilts to Pensacola and the AFB by way of "quilt mules" to save on shipping costs.

We all loved this image. Then the ideas started flying around the room of how we could transport quilts from here to Alaska, from here to west/east coast. As particular people suggested ideas, I asked if they would take that idea and do the research getting back to Susan Gordon when done. I think we have a viable, workable concept.

Can you see it? Any graphic artists out there who can help translate this into an image for us?

From Franklin we headed to Georgia and two more quilt shops where we talked about UOW and how it works.

Today I have a full schedule and will report on it later...maybe from Alabama.

The South is intriguing for this Pacific Northwestern person. I love hearing the southern drawl.

Catherine
Quilting to Honor & Comfort our Wounded,
Executive Director/Founder Quilts of Valor Foundation
cath@QOVF.org
(202) 525-7683
www.QOVF.org

You can see more pictures of Catherine's trip on our facebook page!
http://www.QuiltsofValor@groups.facebook.com

Save the Date for Make a Difference Day October 22, 2011

2011-09-10T13:10:00.001-06:00

Make a Difference Day (MADD) is the most encompassing national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate! Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make a Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October.

Millions have participated. In 2009, 3 million people cared enough about their communities to volunteer on that day, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns. What a a wonderful opportunity for you and the Quilts of Valor Foundation to make a difference in the lives of those service members who have been touched by war.

Here are some ideas of the events that you can organize for this year’s MADD (October 22, 2011):
Sew days, long arming events, block drives, Under Our Wings events, educational programs/displays, QOV presentations and/or new volunteer recruiting events.

So save the date, begin planning, and be on the lookout for email notifications of downloadable flyers, and block/quilt instructions to support your Make a Difference Day events. Please contact us with any questions you may have, and let us know how we can support your Make A Difference Day efforts! june@QOVF.org

2011-09-10T13:03:00.001-06:00

On August 3, 2011 a group of quilters from NE Oregon gathered at the open studio time of J. Marie Norris in her home. Six ladies who have been working as a group in the area of Ukiah, OR, about 60 miles south of Pendleton where Marie lives, came to meet with some of the Blue Mountain Piecemakers and share QOV's and information. Karyn Hinkley is their fiesty leader and they brought nine quilts to add to those we have been gathering for the helicopter unit which just returned in July from being deployed for their second time. The pictures I share here show the group showing off their quilts and we all learned from each other.

Marie demonstrated how a quilt is put on a long arm machine which many said helped them to understand the time involved by our dedicated LA's. Thank-you to all of you who take your precious time to do this.

We here with the Blue Mountain Piecemakers will be Celebrating the Life tomorrow of one of our members who has made many QOV's over the past 5 years. Kathi Thompson passed on Aug 9, 2011. Her special spirit will be sadly missed.

We have almost made our goal of 68 QOV's for our helicopter unit. Several are still in the process and we hope to award them by the end of October.

We hope and pray for all of you out there making quilts to be proud of what you are doing and always remember our military members and their families. They are why we are free and can enjoy the lives we do.

J. Marie Norris
Oregon regional coordinator.

2011-09-10T13:01:00.000-06:00

Under our Wings at Country Traditions, Fremont, NE. We completed 8 of 12 quilts to the binding stage, tops were provided by Lincoln QOV. Country Traditions also had rookie piecers with experienced coaches sewing for 2 1/2 days, 2 new quilting rookies finished their tops, those will be presented to family members who are now deployed. Other piecers were sewing flag blocks for CT's block drive. It was a very successful event and Country Traditions might do it again. Accquilt provided a Go! Baby for a door prize and it was won by a 3rd generation quilter, her grandmother was her coach.

Julia Schroeder
Co-Regional Coordinator
Region 5--Nebraska

2011-09-10T12:57:00.002-06:00

August 11 - 15 brought "The Vietnam Moving Memorial Wall" to Lewiston Idaho. We were asked to present QOV's to 2 local men, the Master of Ceremonies, Maj Kay Kalbfleisch and Ray Rooper, a Purple Heart and the man in charge of the many volunteers. These quilts were quietly presented away from the memorial.

You may remember Mike Beckley, the Vietnam Veteran, who sent me a picture holding his quilt in front of the Wall a couple of years back. He shared with me HIS story and asked if we might be able to present a quilt to his buddy, now living in Texas. Mike was the man responsible for getting the Wall to Lewiston and asked his buddy to come during its time here. These two men were the sole survivors of an attack........Mikes QOV was the beginning of his healing, this Wall was the final link. He wanted the same for his friend. Tues, Aug 9, Pat arrived from Texas. The picture attached shows the three of us at his presentation. On the left is Mike, on the right is Pat and I am in the middle. (Just a footnote about Mikes hair. It was cut - Tues morning. He lets it grow for 2 years, has it cut and given to Locks of Love.) Oh, and yes, it was the start of Pat's journey.

The Idaho National Guard unit will be returning home mid Sept from Iraq. The Unit's members from Riggins, Id north to the Canadian Border will be gathering in Dec for the 3rd of their required Yellow Ribbon gatherings. We are working hard to amass 279 QOV's to be presented to these fine men and women. We would be much appreciative to anyone willing to help us meet our goal, especially QOVer's from Idaho. You may contact me at sharonl@qovf.org for more information.

Sharon Ledbetter
Idaho RC QOVF

2011-09-10T12:57:00.001-06:00

Linda Springfield of The Cabot Nimble Thimbles Quilter's Guild, is
awarded a certificate of appreciation from Sharon Bailey Region 7
Coordinator on behalf of the QOV Foundation. The Cabot Nimble Thimbes
have sent nearly 900 quilts to our wounded warriors.

Submitted by Sharon Bailey

40 Quilts of Valor quilts made by 4-H members in Nebraska

2011-09-10T12:48:00.000-06:00

40 Quilts of Valor quilts given to the National Quilts of Valor Foundation on September 3, 2011 in a formal presentation at the Nebraska State Fair. This is the first year of a two year Nebraska 4-H Quilts of Valor Challenge where youth are being challenged to make quilts for U.S. soldiers who have been “touched by war.”

Stuart Shepherd, Director of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation hosted the event. Jana Kruger, Chair of the Nebraska State Fair Board welcomed the group to the State Fair presentation.
Approximately 20 4-H youth were present for the event and were acknowledged as their quilts were shown to the audience who gathered in the 4-H/FFA Exhibit building.

QOVF Regional Coordinators, Sara Kenny and Julia Schroeder accepted the quilts and stated that the 4-H quilts would be given to the Nebraska National Guard. Sara said, “I would like to tell you that we don't need 40 quilts for wounded soldiers, but we do.”

This 4-H Challenge allowed 4-Hers to give back to their country by donating quilts. Many 4-Hers wrote stories to be included with the quilt. Leon says;”I am 11 years old and made this quilt when I found out it would be given to a soldier. I decided that it was only fair that I could do something so small after they gave so much for us.” Arleigh says, “In honor of your serving our country, I would like to share this quilt with you. There is No Thanks required – it „s thanks enough to make it for a person with such courage and bravery.”

4-H volunteer Carol says “I didn‟t know if inexperienced sewers could do this project ...I was astounded by what a small, young group could do! We should all be inspired by the people around us whether it is a 4-H group or a person who has given up so much for their country and the people in it. We pray that this quilt and the hands that have touched it will bring you warmth, comfort and peace! Thank you for keeping us free and safe. May God bless you and keep you always.”

4-Hers received all kinds of support for their community service effort. The Nebraska State Quilt Guild and the Nebraska Independent Fabric Stores helped to
spread the word about the 4-H Quilts of Valor Challenge. People and organizations in local communities donated fabric, money, long-arm quilting and volunteering time to help youngsters make quilts.

Six national fabric manufacturers have each “adopted 11 Nebraska counties” by donating 4 yards of fabric to make a quilt top, resulting in 44 yards of fabric donated by each company. This will help 4-Hers who may not be able to afford the fabric (which averages $10.00 a yard) still be able to make a Quilt of Valor. Most of the free fabric will be sewn into quilts in 2012 and donated at next year‟s State Fair.

In October 2011, Nebraska Extension staff will promote this state-wide Challenge to other Extension staff across the nation at the National Association of 4-H Extension Agents Conference in Omaha. The Nebraska 4-H Foundation, QOV Foundation Regional Coordinators and UNL Extension Educators will be at the Omaha Conference to build enthusiasm for this project.

3rd Annual Retreat for Women Veterans

2011-09-10T12:45:00.000-06:00

August 2011, When our staff got to Wiawaka, Lake George, NY. ( for our 3rd Annual Retreat for Women Veterans) we set up the evening meeting space with chairs in a huge circle and put a GORGEOUS quilt on the back of every chair. Really they were so beautiful, every one of them and you should have heard us exclaiming over them. That evening when everyone came into the room, we told them to sit wherever they wanted without explaining anything. My hope was that each would gravitate to the quilt which spoke to them. Once we were all there, I told them about about Quilts of Valor and told them the quilt they were sitting on was theirs. Well. You should have seen their faces and heard them! They jumped up, opened up the quilts, exclaimed some more and some wrapped the quilts around them. One woman (who earlier had designed her name tag with a picture of fireworks because of something meaningful going on in her life right now) found when she opened her quilt that it had fireworks on it! Amazing.

~Meryl Dawes

Feel Free to Use this Sign at your next QOV event

2011-09-10T12:32:00.000-06:00

Regarding the "Please Touch These Quilts" sign, please use this in your Quilt of Valor shows. It has such special meaning and people do respond by sending a wish or a prayer. Our Weekend of Valor was a very special day for the people of Huntley. Thank you for asking.

Janet M

Hunt the Good Stuff

2011-09-10T12:28:00.000-06:00

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO

To Whom This May Concern,

My name is Master Sergeant Anthony G.

Recently, I was at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, staying at the Hampton, Inn. It was 21 Jun 2011, during breakfast, when I meet one of your volunteers, Elaine Z., South Florida, and she thanked me for my service. We had a conversation and then she proceeded to share with me what she and 23 other ladies were doing from South Florida. I was totally humbled and thanked for her “Gratitude” towards our service members.

The next day in my 2 week class I shared it with everyone. It is called, “Hunt the Good Stuff.” We are to look for the positive things that happen to us on a daily basis.

I just wanted to say, “Thank You.” Thank you for your organization and taking care of Wounded Soldiers. Meeting Ms. Zahn was truly a blessing that day for I had never heard of “Quilts for Valor.” I am not sure if you are able to relay my thanks to her but please relay to her again my thanks to her and all she does to support us Soldiers.

v/r

MSG Anthony G.

Pennsylvania QOV'ers

2011-09-10T12:25:00.000-06:00

Local Quilters Piece and Donate a Quilt of Valor to a Local Veterans

During the month of May, six local quilters met at Super Stitch of Warren to create their first Quilt of Valor. The Quilt of Valor expresses gratitude for the most honorable and selfless actions of serving our county in the armed forces. The Quilts of Valor Foundation was started by Catherine Roberts of Seaford, Delaware. Roberts was inspired to start a program that honors veterans after her son was deployed for a year-long mission in Iraq. Over 37,000 quilts have been awarded by Chaplains to wounded veterans at the VA, individual service men and women returning home from service, or to entire units as they return from combat deployments. Pieced in the shape of our American flag, the beautiful top incorporates various patterns and shades of our faithful red, white, and blue and is quilted by a longarm quilter.

On May 19th, Lynn Rossey, Sue Papalia, Cheryl Frye, Priscilla Powley, Carol Songer, and Sharon Graham met to piece together the quilt-tops. The fabric used to create the quilts was donated by Super Stitch. Sue Papalia, professional longarm quilter, Gammill sales rep., and owner of Zany Kreations, donated her time and talents on her longarm quilting machine. Her intricate designs personalized the quilt, making each one unique. Lynn Rossey worked with Warren's Veteran Association to select recipients for their quilts. They were presented to Veteran Ed Collins, who served in the United States Navy, and Veteran Nathaniel Williams, who served in the United States Marines Corp. The presentation took place at the Rouse Suites on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. Everyone involved enjoyed creating the Quilts of Valor and look forward piecing another quilt to present to another deserving veteran.

Thank Yous

2011-09-10T12:20:00.000-06:00

I asked my sister to send me what she is doing with her quilting. She belongs to a group that call themselves – Quilt of Valor Foundation. My sister name is Suzanne and she has been retired for a few years and now lives in CA. She moved from the East coast for her retirement and started up her second group using her quilting skills. If you have time check it out below. There is a short note from Brigadier General Richard Simcock II . This is an example of some of the quilts they make for our armed forces.

The "Wall South"

2011-09-10T12:17:00.000-06:00

Veterans Memorial Park located in Pensacola, Florida, is the site of the only known replica of the National Vietnam Memorial which is called "Wall South." For the past 12 years Memorial Park directors hold its annual observance of Memorial Day. Over the years many dignataries have participated in these ceremonies honoring our great Nation's fallen sons and daughters. This year we were honored with the presence of Sergeant Major Robert Patterson, U.S. Army, retired, recipient of the Medal of Honor, our Nation's highest award for bravery against North Vietnamese forces.

This year's observance included representatives of a local chapter of "Quilts of Valor". Ms. Roberta Speh presented this quilt to Sergeant Major Patterson in honor of his sacrifices and services to our nation. The presentation was quite emotional as the detail pictured in this outstanding quilt was eminent.

Mr. John E. Pritchard, current president of Veterans Memorial Park, stated, "This presentation was a great gift to a great American and was received by Sergeant Major Patterson with a deep sense of humility and appreciation."

92 year old QOV Recipient

2011-09-10T12:14:00.000-06:00

Beth G. Culp with her father, Jack Harvey Garrison, when she presented him with his very own QOV. Mr. Garrison is a WWII veteran and was wounded in the hand (and is now left handed instead of right handed) and his hearing is very diminished. He is 92 years old and lives in an assisted living facility. He was so excited to receive a QOV. He said that everyone at "his place" was going to want one.

Opportunity Knocks in Alaska

2011-09-09T08:18:00.000-06:00

I took one of the quilts I recently finished for show and tell at our local guild meeting tonight. At the break a lady who came as a guest came up and said, "I was just admiring the quilt you showed tonight and wonder if there's a website where I might go to request a quilt like that. My husband is being deployed for the 3rd time to Afghanistan in November, and I know he'd love to have a little bit of 'home' to take with him." I told her yes, I could give her information, but I could also offer her that particular quilt if she'd like it. After all, a soldier heading out on his third deployment certainly deserved it. I showed her the label and said she could add his name and the date to it when she got home, and told her what kind of pen to use. After the meeting she came up again and asked if she could bring the quilt back to the meeting next month for me to sign because she'd like to have his name written in my handwriting, just as I'd written the
makers names. I quickly found someone with a Pigma pen and quickly added his name and the date. Then, after we chatted a bit about her family, I asked her to do one favor for me.......would she take a picture of her husband with the quilt......and include the whole family if they'd like to join in. She said she definitely would. "I won't let him take his uniform off tomorrow until I have that picture for you." She said that each deployment gets harder and harder. "He can use this on his bed and know that there are people back here at home that care." Yes.......this is what QOVF is all about! Opportunity knocked tonight and I was so happy I could answer! The longarmer, Nancy Rowland, was there, too, so she was also able to talk to the wife after the meeting. I think the conversation with this soldier's wife made the whole evening more meaningful for us. The beautiful lady was *so* appreciative it was a joy to hand that quilt to her.

Linda Kau, Alaska Regional Coordinator
Quilts of Valor, www.qovf.org
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h_and_l_kau/

Gold Coast Quilters present QOVs

2011-09-06T11:09:00.000-06:00

Delaware Senator helps recognize mortuary personnel

2011-09-06T10:56:00.001-06:00

6/10/2011 - Col. Thomas C. Joyce, (left) Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations commander, presents Senior Airman Dayra Rodriguez Rodriguez, a Quilt of Valor June 10, 2011 with the help of Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware and Chief Master Sgt. David Fish, AFMAO chief enlisted manager. Airman Rodriguez Rodriguez is an X-ray technician deployed to the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. She is completing a 6-month rotation. The senator paid a visit to the mortuary to thank the men and women for the work they do in honoring America's fallen heroes. He compared the symbolism of the quilts pieced together to the team at the mortuary, explaining how although they may vary in age, ethnicity, branch of service and may come from different parts of the country, they all work together professionally to provide dignity to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Quilts have been long-standing American tradition during times of war. The quilts are made from volunteers for the Quilts of Valor Foundation whose mission is to provide quilts to individuals who have been wounded or touched by war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Michael Stewart)

http://www.mortuary.af.mil/pressreleases/pressreleasearchive/story.asp?id=123259588

Georgia Commits to Quilts of Valor in a Big Way

2011-08-15T17:18:00.000-06:00

Elsie Dixon, Macon Georgia, (the woman being interviewed with the tiara), turned 88 that very day and was made Queen QOV'r for the Day.

Elsie is a long arm quilter and quilted the first quilt and the last quilt that we quilted on a Gammill Professional Longarm Quilting Systems during the weekend. Susan Gordan, Regional coordinator for North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia for the Quilts of Valor Foundation, stated the group quilted 16 quilts during their recent gathering and completed 78 more tops and backings to go to long armers across the state for final finishing.