On Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at 8 a.m. in the morning, 13 US Military Veterans received quilts that were made especially for them by ladies of Grove Ridge Estates, here in Dade City, FL.

The vets all in one place. Rachael said it was like trying to take a photo of cats, though - as they were constantly moving around! :)

Spearheaded by Brenda Dean, this tireless group of quilters completed this veteran quilt project, bringing the total to 51 quilts that they have made for veterans in this relatively small, tight-knit park that has about 200 locations for mobile homes.

The breakfast presentation was packed with standing room only as I stood just at the door to witness the gasps of surprise and delight by the crowd, who was watching their friends and loved ones receive these gifts of love and honor bestowed upon them by the ladies who lovingly planned and crafted each quilt.

Some were made with panels and machines, while others were hand quilted. Some were pieced with blocks, but all were put together specifically for one veteran and a label was made for each one stating the recipient’s name and military rank as well as the quilter’s name.

When called, each veteran would come forward and receive the quilt and get a hug from the quilter. It was quite a moving sight to behold.

I was sad to hear that this would be the last year that they’d be doing this, due to the sheer cost of the project. Each quilter paid for the fabric, the batting and the quilting themselves, and even though we know quilters to be some of the most generous people in the world, there are limits to their generosity, and many of these dear ladies have reached their limits.

All in all, 51 very valued veterans and/or spouses have received these beautiful momentos of appreciation.

On this particular Friday, these veterans received quilts -

*Mel Allen, US Navy, was presented a quilt made by Ann Maring.
*Brenda Alltop, US Army, was presented a quilt made by Brenda Dean.
*Rick Alltop, US Army, was presented a quilt made by Elita Grimmett
*Jack Bielicki, US Army, was presented a quilt made by Barb Bort
*John Breier, US Army, was presented a quilt made by Nancy Mathews
*David Clements, USMC, was presented a quilt made by Sheena Rapoza
*Chip Elgas, US Army, was presented a quilt made by Lana Hardman
*Michael Hunt, US Army, was presented a quilt made by Lin Conger
*BillImondi, US Army, was presented a quilt made by Marilyn Sisinko
*Dan Miller, US Aamy, was presented a quilt made by Lana Hardman
*John Nelson, USMC, was presented a quilt made by Donna Leiphart
*Janice Sagle, US Navy, was presented a quilt made by Nancy Melvin
*Ken Seehsen, US Army, was presented a quilt made by Linda Dedenbach.

-

Thank you, Rachael, for sharing your experience! We so appreciate all the servicemen and women who work to protect us! We also appreciate all of you quilters who support them or have supported them!

If some of you would like to support this endeavor, the Quilts of Valor website is here - you can find your local Quilts of Valor representative and find out how you can help.

The specifics on sizes for what they need are found on this page.

Note from me - Becky

I have considered making a few to donate to the group - though I’ll admit not really wanting to do the presentation. That part actually has kept me from actually wanting to participate in this actual effort. (It would be difficult to time it with our visit to the states as well as giving strangers hugs isn’t really my thing though I am sure I’ve done it.)

Maybe someone would do it for me? I don’t know. I am sure I’m not the only one who doesn’t want to stand up there with my quilt and present it.

??

Maybe someone can comment. I have now given two patriotic/Americana quilts to people - both of whom I know. Here are those quilts - they were just my gifts to these two - one my SIL and another a missionary friend here in Poland who served in the military. I didn’t really worry about the size since I was under no restrictions. Probably the one on the right is too big to be an official QOV.

So…I ask you - can a person make a QOV and not actually present it herself? I actually have some red and blue strips on the table right now thinking about making a QOV top. Please let me know in the comments! Thanks!

Be sure to check out what my sis has for you in the store here!

Here’s one of the beauties we have!

Moving Quilts of Valor Presentation at a local park - with Rachael