How are nominations prioritized?
We organize the nominations by the date we receive the request, then by the capacity of the local group to make the QOV.
As our focus is on those most in need of comfort and healing first, the following factors are also considered: era of service and times of war-conflict, declared or undeclared, (e.g. World War II, Korea, Vietnam, etc.), medical or debilitating conditions related to service. Some areas of the country may have other factors that affect awards, (e.g., areas or states with dense populations of veterans, states with more military bases, and areas in states close to military bases).
Who is eligible for a QOV?
Quilts of Valor ® are awarded only to living individuals. They are not awarded posthumously. The focus of the QOVF Mission is to comfort and heal the living.
Active duty, National Guard, and Reservist members of the United States Armed Forces, being the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Living veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States during declared war, conflicts, police actions, peacekeeping missions, and counter terrorism operations. This would include, but is not limited to; WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Beirut, Granada, Bosnia, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq, Afghanistan, anti-terrorism operations, and terrorism attacks against Armed Forces personnel. Only veterans who have received an honorable or general discharge are eligible.
Any class of personnel determined by the Board of Directors. As of 2019, this only applies to the non-uniformed personnel receiving and processing deceased service members at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO), known as the Port Mortuary, Dover, DE.
Ineligible Individuals, unless they meet the criterion in above: Firefighters, Police officers/ law enforcement officers, Civilian security personnel, Family members, including parents, spouse, children, etc., of Armed Forces service members or veterans (living or deceased), Other uniformed services, (e.g. Public Health Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Military or service animals.
How are nominations prioritized?
We organize the nominations by the date we receive the request, then by the capacity of the local group to make the QOV.
As our focus is on those most in need of comfort and healing first, the following factors are also considered: era of service and times of war-conflict, declared or undeclared, (e.g. World War II, Korea, Vietnam, etc.), medical or debilitating conditions related to service. Some areas of the country may have other factors that affect awards, (e.g., areas or states with dense populations of veterans, states with more military bases, and areas in states close to military bases).
How do I check on the status of my nomination?
To follow up on a previous nomination, please contact us at Nams.help@qovf.org providing the return email and the nomination reference number in your query is helpful.
Can a service member or veteran say ‘No’ to a QOV?
Yes, let them know you honor their choice and that they will always have the option to accept a Quilt of Valor in the future.
Can a QOV be awarded on Birthdays, Anniversaries and other special events?
A Quilt of Valor ® is a Civilian Award for the individual’s service and sacrifice to defend our Country’s freedoms. It should not be presented as a gift or a present (e.g. for birthdays, retirements, or other celebrations). Instead, the award of a Quilt of Valor is similar to a personal award bestowed upon an individual by the military. QOV’s can be awarded privately, at an event or special gathering. Please ensure the award is presented in a separate, meaningful award ceremony during the gathering.
The Foundation does not allow surprise awards out of respect for service members and veterans. There also is the potential for a negative impact such as an unexpected emotional event or medical issue. Some individuals do not like surprises of any kind.
Active-duty service members are subject to Department of Defense policy limiting the monetary value of items that they may accept. As a Quilt of Valor is priceless, it is deemed to have no monetary value.
Can I award a QOV on Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is the National Day to remember and honor those military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is out of respect for those we serve that we set aside this one day when no one awards a QOV.
