This has been a busy week with Quilts of Valor. It started with a sew-in in Yorkville, IL on Tuesday. That is one of our regular monthly sew-ins. On Saturday, I rode with Rita (our leader of the
Land of Lincoln Quilts of Valor chapter) to Rockford, Illinois for the first ever sew-in at
Quilter's Haven. While we were there, the local TV news station showed up to report on the sew-in. Here is the story that they did on
WIFR. There was film footage, and we were on the 6 & 10pm news, too. Woohoo! Quilter's Haven is looking forward to having more sew-ins, in the future.
 |
| WIFR news guy shooting footage of the long arm class |
 |
| in the process of cutting quilt kits |
I cut several quilt kits for future Quilts of Valor quilts. There are many ladies who just pick up kits, then bring back the finished top (or quilt) when they are done. Many can't make any of the sew-ins that we have.
Today, I got to make a Quilts of Valor presentation to a returning US Army Airborne Ranger. Here is just a part of his write up.
He has been to Iraq once and just returned from Afghanistan in May (for the 5th time) He plans on continuing with the Rangers in Reconnaissance.
An E-6, Brett has received the Army Achievement, Army Commendation, Good Conduct Medals, 2 Joint Service Commendation
Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal , 3 Campaign Stars, Iraqi Campaign Medal and 2 Campaign Stars.
My oldest son came with me for the presentation. He held a flag while the 'parade' arrived.
 |
| my son (far right) holding a flag |
There were about 100 vehicles of all kinds that were a part of this. They just kept coming, horns honking and people waving. Very moving!
 |
| first cars |
 |
| more vehicles and start of the motorcycles |
 |
| motorcycles |
 |
| more motorcycles |
 |
| the fire department |
 |
| start of the line of tow trucks, too |
The presentations were great! They even gave his daughters teddy bears dressed in camouflage. Here is the family.
 |
| some of the family |
And here is me presenting him with his Quilt of Valor (on a VERY hot, steamy day).
 |
| wrapped in his Quilt of Valor |
If you have never been to a
Welcome Home event, I recommend it greatly. Sign up on their website in your area, and attend.
Rita is attending another Welcome Home event this afternoon. So glad we have the opportunity to thank our veterans!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing! It WAS hot and steamy!
ReplyDeleteIt's so much nicer to thank them for their service. I remember the Vietnam Vets coming home to ridicule.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the QOV that you do...
Hugs
Lovely post. Thanks for sharing (And Terri's reminder).
ReplyDeleteWow! What a wonderful experience Cheryl! That is something you will never forget, and it is certainly soemthing HE will never forget either! How nice to know that your work is going toward making a difference in someone's life.
ReplyDelete