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
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Article From September's Newsletter - Reg. 3 Thank You's
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!
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!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Catherine Across America
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
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
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
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)