Recipients of the Quilts of Valor with Robert (BOB) on the right. Photo courtesy of Quilts of Valor

ROSEVILLE, CA (MPG) – “QUILTS = HEALING.” Two words represented a dream of Catherine Roberts.

The dream came about when her son, Nat, was deployed in Iraq. She dreamed about a young soldier sitting on his bed who was filled with despair but then found hope and comfort being wrapped in a quilt. 

Her thoughts about how the model of an organization would look like. The model was its simplicity. Have volunteers donate their time and materials to make quilts. 

This dream turned into a national organization called Quilts of Valor Foundation, which began in 2003. The foundation, a 501-C3, is in all the 50 states and Canada, England and Australia. Since their beginning there have been over 450,000 quilts presented to veterans. In the United States there are 10,000 volunteer members operating across 600 local groups (or units) spanning all 50 states. 

Additionally, the organization is backed by tens of thousands of supporters, hundreds of volunteer leaders and an all-volunteer network of quilters known as the Volunteer LongArmy. I will let you research on your own what the LongArmy does. 

 Being awarded a quilt is a process where a service member or veteran is nominated by another person to be awarded the Quilts of Valor for their service. Photo courtesy of Quilts of Valor

So, this Veterans Day, it is appropriate that we honor are veterans in many ways. My thoughts were to let as many veterans and their families know about an organization that has the word HEALING in what they do. 

The mission of Quilts of Valor is to cover Service Members and Veterans “touched by war” in comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. 

Many of our veterans have been "touched by war" in a direct or indirect way and sometimes with lasting impact. Everyone's experience is different so it is left up to the individual service member or veteran to define. 

The point is not to discriminate, but to honor. Anyone who has taken the Oath of Enlistment has accepted the burden and risk and may be "touched by war" in ways that are not totally apparent. 

Valor describes a person of great courage, bravery and strength of mind, especially when facing extreme danger. 

So, what is a Quilt of Valor? It is a quality handmade quilt, that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to service member who has been “touched by war.” The quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”

 To use the term Quilt or Quilts of Valor or QOV, the quilt must be a specific size, must have a label with required information, it must be awarded (it is not a gift) and it must be recorded. 

 Robert (Bob) Olenczak-Olin receiving his Quilt of Valor; pieced by Janene Malatesta and Quilted by Karen Banta. Photo courtesy of Quilts of Valor

Being awarded a quilt is a process where a service member or veteran is nominated by another person to be awarded the Quilt of Valor for their service. It is not a surprise gift, but a nomination and must be approved by the recipients of the quilt. It may be refused if that is the desire of the veteran. 

To nominate a veteran, go the Quilts of Valor Foundation website and follow the direction. The website will also give you some history, information about clubs or unit locations and additional information about the foundation. 

But most of all, you will also find a number of ways, including donations, to help Quilts of Valor continue what they do. 

In case you are in the area or want to take a trip, there is the America250: Quilt of Valor Traveling Quilt Exhibit now covering the United States and it will be in California Jan. 20-23, 2027 at the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center, Way, Ontario, CA. 

I was fortunate to have been recently nominated and received my quilt and had it draped over me by the quilters who made the quilt. An honor I shall never forget. The unit that was responsible for my quilt was the Piece and Comfort Quilters of Roseville headed by Kaye Allen. 

Catherine Roberts, the founder, expressed these simple words to all recipients of the quilts, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor for serving our nation.”