Community

Quilts presented to six local veterans

KINGWOOD - As of Aug. 31, there have been 457,107 Quilts of Valor awarded across the United States. Recently, six local Preston County veterans were added to that list.

B. Miller, Sergeant, Army, 2023 to present.; T Miller, E4, Army, 1966-1968; R. Williams, Senior Airman, Air Force, 1986-1990; R, Shrout, E2, Navy, 1969-1970; M. Miller, Sergeant, Army, 2000-2014; N. Bolyard, E4, Army, National Guard 1981-1987.

Quilts of Valor does not allow the full names of the veterans receiving the quilts to be published due to identity theft, according to Regina Letherman who read of the names of the veterans during the presentations. Carol Kiger was on hand to help with the quilts.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a literal dream. Founder Catherine Roberts’ son Nat was deployed in Iraq. According to Roberts, whose dream is posted on its website, called it as vivid as real life.

"I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into the emotional gutter. Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was: quilts = healing."

A quilt of valor is made of three layers, each layer has its own special meaning:

— The top with its many colors, shapes and fabrics represent the communities and the many individuals we are.

— The batting, the filler, is the center of the quilt, its warmth. It represents our hope that this quilt will bring warmth, comfort, peace and healing to the individual who receives it.

— The backing is the strength that supports the other layers. It represents the strength of the recipient, the support of his or her family, our communities and our nation.

Each stitch that holds the layers together represents, love, gratitude, and sometimes the tears of the maker.

Lois Foster, who made all six quilts, said she made each quilt specifically for the veteran who was to receive it. Each quilt given represents a three-part message from the givers to recipients.

— First, we honor you for your service. We honor you for leaving all you hold dear and to stand in harm’s way in a time of crisis, protecting us from the effects of war.

— Next, we know freedom is not free. The cost of freedom is the dedication of lives of men and women, and this quilt is meant to say thank you for your sacrifice.

— And finally, this quilt is meant to offer comfort to you, and to remind you that although your family and friends cannot be with you at all times, you are forever in our thoughts and our hearts.

To find out more about Quilts of Valor Foundation, go to www.qovf.org.