Latest news with #QuiltsofValor
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Honoring service with warmth: Austin veterans presented with Quilts of Valor
May 31—By Jed Nelson Memorial Day is a day of remembering and honoring those who have passed away serving our country. It is a day where communities come together to remember those men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is also a day where we show respect, where respect is due. A few weeks ago, a group of quilters from First Congregational Church of Austin made and presented four Quilts of Valor to the Donovan family. The group saw this as a perfect opportunity to honor a local military family as Memorial Day approached. Tim Donovan, of Austin, served in the United States Air Force, while all three of his sons followed suit in serving our country. Tim Donovan Jr served in both the United States Navy and National Guard, while twin sons Phil and Dan Donovan both served in the United States Marine Corps. The Quilts of Valor are made by those with a passion for quilting and a heart for those who have served our country. "We give quilts to veterans to honor them for their service," group member Marlene Hannam said. "Wrapping the veterans in their quilt, it is a hug from us." The group at First Congregational is a part of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, which works to honor any person who has served in a branch of the United States military. The group in Austin has been active for 15 years and in that time has presented numerous quilts to service members. "Our group in Austin started 15 years ago when I retired," member Mari Jo Stanek said. "We've gone on to make at least five hundred quilts for Veterans." The lady's group at First Congregational consists of 12 to 15 members. Each member works to craft a quilt made with love, care, and gratitude that flows from their hearts, into their hands, then finds home within the quilt. "It's really a great thing," Hannam said. "Some vets came home to very little, so awarding them with these quilts is such an honor." Hannam, Stanek, and other group members look to local Legions and high schools holding class reunions when finding groups of veterans to present quilts to. Once the quilt members are made aware of veterans to honor, the quilters get to work, then make the trip to present the Quilts of Valor to the veterans, often in front of their family, friends, or community members that get to witness this presentation of respect and honor. "The happiness on their faces as we wrap the quilts around them is just amazing to see," Hannam added. Regarding the Donovan's, the quilters did not have to worry about presenting in front of an audience. The presentation was done at home in the Donovan's backyard, where they were presented with their very own red, white, and blue Quilts of Valor. Seeing as the Donovan presentation was in their backyard, that did not mean it was any less special to them or the quilters of First Congregational. The presentation did not forgo any of its standard rituals — that being a speech on the importance and history of the Quilts of Valor and a few words on what it means to be a veteran. "It's really neat when a family has a father and three sons that have all served," Hannam said. "They were quite happy with the quilts." The group also makes it a priority to branch out into neighboring communities to honor their veterans. Each year members of the group travel to LeRoy for Pheasants Forever, a nonprofit conservation organization that hosts a DAV (Disabled American Veterans) hunt which started in 2019. "These veterans go out there and hunt pheasants," Hannam said. "Then we present them with their quilts, and they are simply honored." The quilters of First Congregational meet every Wednesday to talk about patterns, family, and friends. "Everybody has their own material," Hannam said. "Usually, we sew at home, but some ladies sew at the church." But no matter where the members sew, the act of creating a quilt that will bring happiness to a veteran will always bring them together. During the creation process, the ladies can't help but discuss how grateful they are that they get to honor local veterans through their quilts. Once the quilts are presented, the group makes it known that each veteran is welcomed as a member to their quilting family. "It's just beautiful that we get to do this," Hannam added. "We all find it to be such an honor."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘She's very special' East Tennessee veteran continues to serve others
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — More than 60 years ago, Kathleen Van Orsdel joined the US Air Force just as the Vietnam War was heating up. Now she continues to serve in different ways. Van Orsdel is a skilled artisan. She designs and creates three-layered textile works of art: quilts. The veteran is one of three female veterans serving in the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard. The unit presided over 300 funerals last year. 'It thrills me that I am able to go and do a final farewell to someone who has served my country. I think that every one of us who goes out realizes that the individual deserves every bit of respect and honor that we as an Honor Guard can give them,' said Van Orsdel. Vietnam veteran helps other vets 'heal' with visits overseas Van Orsdel joined the US Air Force in 1964, at the beginning of the Vietnam War. She was 19 at the time. 'I'm unique, because there are not a lot of women veterans from the Vietnam Era. There are more women in the military today, but back in the 60s, there weren't,' said Van Orsdel. As a former airman and mom, she has a special passion for using her talents to make Quilts of Valor. At an event in White Pine, the recipient was an Iraq War veteran. Kevin Gilliam served in the US Coast Guard, then in the US Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne, where he was deployed to Iraq. Many veterans in the audience were wowed by Kathleen's artistry. 'You happen to have one of the quilts that I made for a veteran and I'm so pleased to be able to present it to you,' said Van Orsdel during the event. 'She's very special, she means a lot to us, everything she's done in the service and after service,' said Gilliam. Van Orsdel and her crew have created hundreds of Quits of Valor, and she doesn't plan on stopping. For Van Orsdel, there is nothing better than making a veteran happy. Veterans Voices: Hear the stories of those who served If you know a Veteran who could be recognized, send Don Dare an email at ddare@ or give him a call at 865-633-6923. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Quilts of Valor: Honoring Kentucky veterans with handmade tributes
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — In communities across Kentucky, a dedicated group of volunteers is working tirelessly to honor veterans through the Quilts of Valor Foundation. These handcrafted quilts serve as tangible expressions of gratitude, wrapping service members in comfort and appreciation for their sacrifices. Each quilt is meticulously crafted, often taking between 30 and 50 hours to complete. Volunteers frequently use their own resources to purchase materials, ensuring that every stitch reflects their commitment to honoring those who've served. Human skeletal remains found in Meade County Lexington crews respond to multiple mobile home fire Quilts of Valor: Honoring Kentucky veterans with handmade tributes The presentation ceremonies are poignant events where veterans are publicly recognized for their service. During these ceremonies, each veteran is draped with their personalized quilt as their military achievements are recounted, providing a moment of reflection and acknowledgment. Carolyn Elliott, Kentucky state coordinator for the Quilts of Valor Foundation, emphasizes the significance of these gestures: 'How do you pay back somebody for the years of their service, the things they have gone through, and the nightmares they have seen? I don't know of a way… but this is our humble way of doing it… and letting them know that people care.' The impact of these quilts extends beyond the ceremonies. For many veterans, receiving a Quilt of Valor is a deeply emotional experience, symbolizing recognition and appreciation that they may not have previously felt. List: 5 Big Lots stores in Kentucky reopening this week Lexington eatery makes OpenTable's 'Top 100 Brunch Restaurants' in the US Study: Kentucky is the toughest state to own an EV in The Quilts of Valor Foundation continues to seek volunteers and nominations to ensure that every deserving veteran receives this heartfelt tribute. With over 270 veterans currently on the waiting list in Kentucky alone, the need for support remains significant. For more information on how to contribute or nominate a veteran, visit the Quilts of Valor Foundation website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hickory firefighters honored with Quilts of Valor
HICKORY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — In conjunction with International Firefighters Day on Sunday, May 4, seven Hickory Fire Department firefighters, who are also Veterans, were awarded Quilts of Valor by members of the Catawba Valley Quilters' Guild. The following men were honored: Andrew Dixion (US Marine Corps) Chris Allison (US Navy) Bo Johnson (US Marine Corps) Brandon Williams (US Army) Jonas Bradshaw (US Army) Brandan Daniels (US Army National Guard) Eric Sprinkle (US Air Force). The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a national, non-profit organization whose mission is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor in gratitude for their military service to the United States of America. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
2025 Remarkable Women Nominee: Debby Dant
PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) — Debby Dant is dedicated to say the least, involved in multiple organizations, but her time giving back stems from her husband. He's a four-year Vietnam Veteran who made her realize the importance of fighting for our country. 'The veterans gave a lot to us, whether they only served a short time, whether they served four to six years, or were lifers. They all gave a portion of their lives to serve the country,' said Dant. Dant has been a member of North Pekin's AMVETS for 40 years and has had a role in every corner of the organization. She does everything there, from organizing dinners to Easter egg hunts, to make sure veterans are seen. She has found a way to recruit community members by hosting large events at the North Pekin AMVETS, like Trunk or Treat, or Veterans Day Luncheons. She has even collected Christmas presents and personal care items for homeless veterans. This last Christmas, she headed a project where she sent $1,000 worth of personal care items, snacks, and more to a local serviceman deployed to the Middle East to share with 40 others in his unit. She has also spearheaded events at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois. Dant was named the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary National Member of the Year back in her work with them didn't stop after that honor, particularly state-wide. 'I've been every officer in the auxiliary. But right now, I'm in like my 22nd/23rd year of secretary-treasurer,' said Dant. Prior to that position, she held all state elected offices with the ladies auxiliary. In 2001, she was even the president. For AMVETS riders, she's been the Secretary and Scholarship Chairman since it was created in 2008, and for the last several years, she's also held the position of Treasurer. She's also a location coordinator for Wreaths Across America at the Tazewell Area Veterans Cemetery and welcomes veterans home from every single honor flight that has landed at the Peoria International Airport, even volunteering as a guardian before. As for self-care, as she doesn't seem to even have time for any, she still finds time for herself, but that time continues to find her giving back. Quilting is what gives her time to relax and rejuvenate. 'I'm involved with Patchwork Pals, which is our local quilting group,' said Dant. 'We do Quilts of Valor.' Quilts of Valor are handmade quilts that are machine or hand quilted, awarded to a Service Member or Veteran touched by war. 'We can't feed them, clothe them, house them. You know, we can't take care of every life essential need, but we can give them support. [We can] let them know that there are still people here who care about them and care about what they need, what they'd like through the AMVETS,' said Dant. Dant said she doesn't give back because it's something she has to do, but because it's a way of life for her. For others looking to give back, she said, 'Just do it, you know, and find your niche. You can't be all things to all people, find what makes you happy first and then just build on that and find the organizations that promote what you like.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
