19 Aug Quilts of Valor

Posted at 16:07h in Newsletter by
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Things are really hopping for Quilts of Valor – by the end of August we will have presented 70 quilts! And I have presentations already scheduled through January of 2027. Keep up the good work!

I don’t usually share details about QOV; but I will share this, keeping the names private:

  • Several months ago, a guild member told me that she was making a quilt and would give it to me for QOV when she finished.
  • About five months ago a veteran and friend contacted me about recognizing one of his friends, a Marine who lost an arm in service to our country, with a Quilt of Valor. I went over what all needed to be done to make it happen and we both got to work.
  • At our August guild meeting, the member showed her quilt at Show and Tell and then (as promised) gave it to me. It was a completed quilt and all I had to do was add a label.
  • Dealing with the constraints of life, my veteran friend and I finally met on August 12. We arranged to meet at O’Charley’s in Franklin, where the other mentors gather for lunch (and they are fantastic). I decided to present him with the quilt our guild member had made. Talker that I am, I shared with the group all that had transpired to recognize this veteran. His friend helped me wrap him with the quilt and the recipient was THRILLED. He kept talking about how much the recognition meant to him and thanked me several times for the quilt.
  • So, guild member, pat yourself on the back! You made this guy’s day. I have received several Thank You notes about how significant this was.

If you want to feel good about yourself, we have lots of kits, quilting and work that needs to be done for Quilts of Valor. Just let me know what you want to do and QOV will be happy to help you meet your goals.

Here are all the things that are in the works:

  • Since it has been so hot, I have been working on tops and labels at home.
  • The ladies at the Maury guild made seven quilts for veterans and sent them to me via Pam DeLong. Carol Stankewicz is making labels, and those quilts are already designated to be presented to deserving veterans.
  • I have secured a QOV booth at VetFest in October and if you want to visit, please come by. I am sure there will be veterans there for you to talk with and enjoy. If you or a family member is a veteran, mark your calendar for October 3rd and come to Granny White Park. You are welcome even if you don’t have a veteran. The vets love visiting with visitors.
  • There is also a car show at the Elks Lodge in Franklin on September 19th. The Vietnam Veterans of America will be there, and the Lodge gives VVA a generous donation. O’Reilly’s Auto Parts supplies the trophies, so the cars and owners do enjoy all the activities. There is also a silent auction. That is where I got my Gary Sinise Foundation book and hat. Gary sent me the picture you saw at our Quilt Show at a later date. If you tell any guys about this, I am sure I will see you there. Guys love old and new cars, so bring them to this event!

Pat McMahon