FIVE MURRAY COUNTY VETERANS RECENTLY AWARDED QUILTS OF VALOR

On August 4, 2025, US Army Vietnam Veterans, Kenneth “Kenny” Bassett and Dennis “Denny” Johnson, E-5 were each presented with a Quilt of Valor (QOV) following the meeting of the American Legion Post 322 Currie, MN. On August 11th US Army Korean Veteran, Henry “Hinie” Magnus was presented his QOV prior to American Legion Post 318 Fulda, MN. On August 13th US Army Korean Veteran Melvin Johnson was presented his QOV at the Murray County Fairgrounds. On August 14th US Army Korean Veteran V. Mike Kuehl was presented his QOV at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Fulda. The quilts are given in honor, appreciation and thanks for their service; and to bring comfort, peace and healing to the veteran.

Kenneth “Kenny” Bassett, entered the US Army November 1967. He completed 8 weeks of basic training at Ft Lewis Washington, then off to Ft. Sam in Houston for AIT, then to Ft. Campbell KY for Medic School. He served as a medic in a MASH unit in Vietnam. He still cannot believe all the wounded soldiers he took care of. He was honorably discharged November 6, 1969, with the rank of E5 Sergeant. Kenny, we thank you for your service.

Dennis “Denny” Johnson, entered the US Army, completing basic training in January 1968 at Ft. Lewis Washington, then to Ft. Knox KY for AIT (recon). Came home briefly, then off the Europe, Frankfurt and Würzburg, Germany, serving as an MP at a prison, then later, a secret mission in no-mans-land Czechoslovakia where Russia was trying to invade. He slept in a fox hole for over 9 months. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal, the Combat medal, and should have received a Purple Heart, but did not, because at the time, the US did not want to admit our troops were there. Denny was honorably discharged with the rank of E5-Sgt in April of 1970 after 27 months of service. Denny, we thank you for your service.

Henry “Hinie” Magnus, entered the US Army in 1951. He completed boot camp at Camp Stewart, Georgia, completing additional training at Fort Devans and Fort Banks Massachusetts. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and returned to Avoca to farm. Hinie, we thank you for your service.

Melvin Johnson, entered the US Army in 1953. Following basic training, he went by ship to Korea where he worked in the supply department – guns, ammunition, shoes, clothing, anything the troops needed. He recalls spending two Christmases in Korea. He did not see his brother for 4 years as his brother was heading back to the US when he was heading to Korea. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of E5-Sargeant. Melvin, we thank you for your service.

Mike Kuehl, entered the US Army in 1955. Following basic training, he was assigned as a launch helper in Bedford Massachusetts and Fort Devins Massachusetts. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1957 with the PFC T. Mike, we thank you for your service.

Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF), was established in 2003 by Catherine Roberts to “cover Service Members and living Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor”. Since 2003 more than 419,000 quilts have been created and presented to American veterans and active military service members.

Pieces for Heroes, Quilts of Valor group meets at the American Legion, 411 W. Lyon St. in Marshall on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 8:30 AM to 12 (some days longer). All are welcome. Anyone can submit a QOV application for a veteran or active military service member to receive a QOV quilt.

If you have questions or would like assistance with an application, or would like to help sew or quilt, please contact Kerry at kerrycassens@yahoo. com or phone 480-205-0746 or Nancy McClain at 812-2990268. Monetary donations are always welcome, and are used to purchase fabric, batting and other supplies to make the quilts. Mail donations to Pieces for Heroes QOV, c/o Eileen Fuhrmann, 705 Lawrence St., Marshall, MN 56258.