Finding Local Recipients

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Some suggestions for finding LOCAL recipients for your Quilt of Valor.

There is nothing more inspiring to witness
than to see a warrior’s reaction to the awarding of their very own
healing and comforting Quilt of Valor.

You may be asking, 'How can I find our war wounded or those who have been touched by war?'  In all actuality, they are standing, sitting right next to you.  If they have deployed "downrange" or to Iraq/Afghanistan, then you can wager that they've been touched by their wartime experience.  Warriors rarely admit to being wounded much less being psychologically affected.  So we have learned to simply ask, "Have you deployed downrange?"  If the answer is "yes" then there's your recipient.  You don't need to know details nor do they have to divulge what happened. 

Finding QOV Recipients Locally

There is no secret way to finding those deserving of QOVs. It is not hard or mysterious. You just have to ask.  There are a multitude of resources. Once you make the mission of The Quilts of Valor Foundation known you will be amazed how the doors will open.  If you're really having a hard time, find a Vietnam vet.  They are deserving potential recipients.

Some of the sources are:

  • Contact your state representative from the Family Assistance Center (FAC) (Google--> Family Assistance Center + your state.)
  • FACs are considered "One Stop Shopping" for Military members and their families.  They are intended to simplify the process of accessing needed services and support for families of service members.  The primary mission of any FAC is to inform and emotionally support families of all Military families so the military member can perform his or her mission.  Yvonne explained that she personally contacts all of the Military families in her territory after veterans return from the War on Terror.  She follows up with each of them, identifying any problems that may exist.  It has become a wonderful way for us to access these veterans.
  • Veteran’s groups Like VFW, American Legion, (lists may be available through your Chamber of Commerce)
  • Veteran’s Services & support groups like your local VAMC (Veteran's Adminsitration Medical Center) and ask to speak to the Director of Voluntary Services.
  • National Guard Armories
  • Churches/local clergy (check local directory)
  • Local newspaper and recent articles on local warriors
  • Ask friends, co-workers who they know has been deployed
  • Local service groups Like Rotary, Kiwanis (Check with the Chamber of Commerce for a listing)
  • Local high schools and community colleges
  • Medical Facilities
  • Mental Health Facilities and Counselors through the VAMC
  • *If you are networking with Medical or Mental health facilities there will be privacy issues you will have to overcome. However your contact person can present QOVs for you and protect the privacy of the recipient.
  • You can also network with local miltary recruiters
  • If you have a local Armory or Military Facility or Base more resources for networking

A little imagination and creativity on your part and the list can go on and on.

On a personal note, finding recipients and recruiting volunteers is an all consuming commitment. It is something I do every day. I am almost obsessive. I am constantly seeking others to support the QOV mission. I am constantly seeking and encouraging others to sew for the cause or to help me find those who should receive QOVs. I take the message with me where ever I go. There is no fancy way to do this…I just keep asking.

I hope these suggestions are helpful. If I can be of further help please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Lori Kutch

Deputy Director