In the fall of 2020, Hands & Heart Quilt of Valor Group was formed and I had the privilege of serving as Group Leader. We are a small group – just five of us, but each with a passion for honoring our veterans.
Our small group has awarded 61 quilts since 2020, including the first Quilt of Valor to ever be awarded to a veteran who retired from the U.S. Space Force. Perhaps our most memorable moments have been making presentations to veterans in their home – Chad battling leukemia from Camp Lejeune, Ralph coming off of suicide watch because he felt that he had nothing to live for, Butch battling Parkinson and dementia and Wayne suffering severe PTSD from his Vietnam nightmares. Each of these amazing heroes were overwhelmed to think that we would take the time to come and honor them in this way.
What I witness during each and every presentation is some form of healing, and for me, as a nurse, it brings a deep sense of satisfaction and comfort to know that wrapping a veteran-hero in a quilt provides them with something they often didn’t even know they needed. Tears are always present and always welcome, as they seem to wash away some portion of a burden that no one knew they were carrying, or maybe they did and just tried to hide it.
My involvement with QOV began about 10 years ago when I began making quilt blocks, and tops for the a local QOV group, but was just not an active member due to my work schedule. During COVID, I still worked full time as I was considered “an essential employee”, but I was given the opportunity to work a 4-day week instead, which opened up the door for me to say YES to a lot of other opportunities, including QOV. And at the same time, the former Group Leader needed to step down, and asked me to take over for her.
Since 2022, I have shared the mission of QOVF with 14 groups, encouraging those in attendance to nominate their hero family members or friends. Once a month I host a sewing day at a local venue where area quilters can come and spend the day working on blocks or quilt tops. And in 2025, two area Girl Scout groups have joined forces with us to make blocks.
I adore quilt making, and while I have not mastered long arm quilting yet, I am in love with the creating process – the “birthing” of quilts. I consider myself a “quilt midwife” and eagerly await the completion of each new quilt top. My absolute favorite quilt to make is a T-shirt quilt. No two are ever alike, and each one, without fail becomes a tangible memory for those receiving it.
Quilts of Valor are so very similar. Each one is a tangible reminder to the veteran being wrapped in it, that they are remembered, valued and appreciated. What greater gift can any of us give to another?
We all have gifts and talents, and personally, I believe that we are meant to use those to show kindness, love and be an encouragement to others. I cannot think of a better avenue to do that than through QOVF. I consider it a privilege to have a part in serving. I live on 43 acres in Campbell County, Virginia with my husband, 3 Boxers, cat, and assorted “pet” deer! We have 3 grown children and 7 grands! I still work full time, but enjoy volunteering at Valor Farms, (a tiny house community for homeless veterans), the local humane society, the shelter for abused and battered women and of course attending QOV events throughout Virginia. And in my spare time, I “birth” quilts!!!