Veterans honored with ‘Quilts of Valor’ by local guild

For the Enquirer

The New Beginning Quilt Guild in Hartselle had its annual Quilts of Valor ceremony this past Thursday at First Christian Church in Hartselle.

Quilts of Valor are made for and presented to active-duty military of all branches of the American armed forces, as well as veterans with an honorable or general discharge status. Quilts of Valor began when founder Catherine Roberts’ son was deployed in Iraq in 2003. Roberts had a dream in which a young man was despondent sitting on his bed.

Roberts, according to the organization’s website, said she “could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter … then, I saw him wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being.”

Guild member Colleen Crocket, who organized the local chapter, said, “It’s an honor to make the quilts to honor them. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it to show our appreciation.”

Crockett said a few years ago they considered discontinuing the Quilts of Valor ceremony but before long so many names of honorees had been collected that the guild knew they needed to go forward with the ceremony.

Recipients this year were Larry Dutton, Don Nelson, George Popdan, Lonny Long, Jerrilove Crockett and Mike Miller.

New Beginnings Quilt Guild meets on the second Thursday of each month at First Christian Church from 6:15-8 p.m. For more information contact newbeginningsquiltguild@ gmail. com.