Originally from Wisconsin, my husband and I have made northeastern Tennessee our home for over 30 years. I am retired from a career in the Information Technology industry, with additional experience teaching computer-related classes at the local Community College and for local businesses. While I have sewn since grade school, I just began quilting only about 10 years ago and now also teach quilting classes and workshops.
My father served in the Army, as did two of my brothers. One brother was a Marine. Being from the Vietnam era, I have many friends who served during that conflict – I witnessed first-hand how our soldiers were treated upon their return, and how they suffered, both physically and emotionally.
I first heard about QOVF in 2012, when a QOVF volunteer spoke at a local quilt guild. Our guild made two QOV Quilts and that began my participation in the Quilts of Valor effort. I realized that Quilts of Valor was a way I could “give back”, and show appreciation and thank our service members and veterans! My priorities changed and I was able to begin devoting more time to Quilts of Valor. This is now my passion and I am committed to expanding QOVF awareness and participation in the northeast Tennessee and southwestern Virginia geography.