BP program awards 11 new Quilts of Valor
Three recipients of the Quilt of Valor during ceremonies at the Blooming Prairie Veterans Day program last Friday represent three generations: Don Matejcek, Troy Matejcek, and Troy Matejcek. Staff photo by Howard Lestrud
The candle on the cake, so to speak, not only describes a crowning event but also the pride felt by the 11 veterans who received Quilts of Valor during Veterans Day ceremonies at the BP Servicemen’s Club.
Joyce Johns, president of the VFW Post 878 Auxiliary, emceed a very emotional program. The 11 new honorees bring the total of Blooming Prairie quilts delivered to 230.
Johns introduced the veterans and their families by groups. She also explained the mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, which is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream of founder Catherine Roberts. Her son Nat was deployed in Iraq at the time. The first quilt was given to a Minnesota soldier who lost his leg in military combat.
The message of Roberts’ dream was quilts equal healing.
Each of the quilts was presented by the seamstress who quilted and pieced the quilt.
20 hours invested
Each local quilt takes about 20 hours to make, said local program originator Chris Butler.
As each quilt is given at the BP Servicemen’s Club, VFW Auxiliary President Joyce Johns offered these powerful words: “Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation.”
She added, “Remember this: May this quilt keep you safe from harm, may it be your good luck charm, what you hold in your arms is a quilter’s embrace.”
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Blooming Prairie Quilt of Valor recipients
James Yanke - Jim’s quilt was pieced by Carol Gatlin and quilted by Pat Mitchell.
Bobby Wilderman - Shirley Greeley pieced Bobby’s quilt, and Chris Butler quilted it.
John Kaiser, Jr. - John’s quilt was pieced by Diane Anderson and quilted by Chris Butler.
Melissa Goodnature Stoltz - Melissa’s quilt was pieced by Marilyn Meshke and quilted by Bev Wacek.
Bill Goodnature - Bill’s quilt was pieced by Marilyn Meshke and quilted by Bev Wacek.
Richard David - Bev Hoveland pieced Dick’s quilt, and it was quilted by Bev Wacek.
Victor Dvorak - Chris Butler pieced and quilted Victor’s quilt.
Donald Matejcek - Donald’s quilt was pieced by Carol Gatlin, and Pat Mitchell quilted it.
Troy Matejcek - Nancy Peterson pieced Troy’s quilt, and it was quilted by Bev Wacek.
Eric Matejcek - Diane Anderson pieced Eric’s quilt, and it was quilted by Chris Butler.
Steven Boysen - Diane Anderson pieced Steven’s quilt, and it was quilted by Chris Butler.