By Cindy Gladden Record Staff Writer It takes the dedicated hands and hearts of many to complete the hundreds of quilts presented to servicemen and -women each year by Quilts of Valor (QOV) of …
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Marines receive Quilts of Valor
Posted
By Cindy GladdenRecord Staff WriterIt takes the dedicated hands and hearts of many to complete the hundreds of quilts presented to servicemen and -women each year by Quilts of Valor (QOV) of Eastern Missouri.The local group has handmade more than 1,700 unique quilts since 2005. Meeting twice each month from January through October, more than 100 quilters join together to complete as many quilts as they can.In addition to quilters who travel to various locations to work “quilting bee” style, others donate unfinished, pieced quilt tops, fabric or other supplies.Quilts of Valor recently teamed up with another dedicated group of volunteers who conducts camps for Marines attempting to transition back to civilian life. According to Quilts of Valor volunteers, FOCUS Marines Foundation is a perfect match to receive the unique gift.Many of the Marines attending camp suffer from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury or other physical disabilities. FOCUS Marines Foundation helps Marines confront challenging issues and focus on their futures.“These are the ones who we really want to help,” said Jean Jaeger, representative of Quilts of Valor. “These guys haven’t adjusted. This is our top priority.”After a week of reflecting on their military service, gaining new tools to help make the next step, and spending time with retired Marines and other support agencies, every Marine attending FOCUS receives a quilt, each stitch sewn by complete strangers.Jaeger said the men and women at FOCUS are very touched by a gift from someone whom they have never met. Each one quickly opens the bag containing their quilt, displaying it to fellow Marines. Jaeger says the smiles they see are worth all the work.Also representing Quilts of Valor, Jackie Heggemann said she only requires a hug from each person before they receive their quilt.“They need to know that somebody outside loves them,” she said. “It’s a perfect ending for their week.”In 2014, quilts were presented to more than 300 people who have served in the military. Each quilt is fashioned of thousands of hand stitches and at least one heart to show the depth of concern the group has for those who serve in the military.The National Quilts of Valor organization reports that as of August 2014, more then 100,000 quilts have been presented to service members and veterans. For information visit www.QOVF.org.
Quilts of Valor of Eastern Missouri recently gave nearly 40 quilts to U.S. Marines attending the FOCUS Marines Foundation Camp, an organization dedicated to helping Marines acclimate to civilian life. Ticiane Ward proudly displays the quilt presented to her at the close of the camp.
