On Tuesday, July 14th, US Navy Veteran, Neal Gilbertson, Lake Wilson, received his Quilt of Valor in a private ceremony attended by his wife. Neal served two years active duty in the US Navy - 19681970, as a Seaman E-3. After his 2 years of active duty, Neal served 14 years in the reserves achieving the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. While on active-duty, Neal was stationed in Vietnam as a machine gunner on a small boat on the Mekong River. Neal received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal along with other awards. Neal, 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 450,000 quilts have been created and presented to American veterans and active military service members. Quilts of Valor Foundation’s mission: to recognize all living veterans and service members touched by war and to wrap them in the warmth of a grateful nation.
A Quilt of Valor (QOV) is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Living Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
The quilt was awarded by two members of the Patriotic Piecers, QOV group out of Pipestone, MN. Quilts of Valor is a volunteer organization funded solely by donations. If you know of a veteran who should be nominated to receive a Quilt of Valor, or would like to donate, please contact Paula Domena at 952836-4596 or Kerry Cassens at 480-205-0746.
