| Michelle Anderson, Hazel McMullin and Reva Fillmore have finished seven quilts for the Quilt of Valor project. These quilts are ready to be shipped to a serviceman or woman who has been injured in defense of this country. |
A Quilt of Valor is a small token of appreciation that is given to each and every wounded soldier who fights for the rights and freedoms of the citizens of these United States of America. At least, that is the goal of the Quilts of Valor organization. With the number of wounded servicemen and women growing every day in the nation’s war on terror, and the amount of time required to make a quilt, more and more patriotic Americans are needed to attain this goal.
Hazel McMullin, Michelle Anderson and Reva Fillmore are a few of the many quilters nationwide who have undertaken this monumental task. As long arm quilters, they can completely quilt a blanket in four-five hours. This does not count the many hours required to piece together the top or the time needed to bind the quilt.
The three ladies have enlisted with the Quilts of Valor organization and are quilting as many quilts as possible. They are sent the quilt top, which has been pieced together by another person somewhere in the US, and they complete the quilt work. When the quilt is completed, binding, matching pillow case, and a personalized label, these ladies send the quilt to a military chaplain. The chaplain, in turn, blesses the quilt and presents it to a serviceman or woman who has been wounded in service to the country.
According to the website for Quilts of Valor, many of the service personnel who have received the quilts have been very appreciative and amazed that so many patriotic Americans really do care about them. This is but one way a person can demonstrate their appreciation to the brave warriors who are giving their utmost for their country.
Making the Quilts of Valor is not an easy or quick solution, but it means an added measure of comfort to our young men and women who are injured in the line of duty. To help these three patriotic Emery County ladies, donations can be made by calling McMullin at 653-2246, Anderson at 687-9445, or Fillmore at 687-2649. Donations of funds for postage and purchasing batting, and donations of good quality fabrics to be used for quilt tops and backs are welcomed.
“Anyone who desires to piece a quilt top, measuring 60 x 80 inches, for the Quilts of Valor project, can do so. Our request is for good quality fabric because all recipients deserve the best we can give. Like a recipe, the finished product is no better than its ingredients,” said McMullin.
She went on to say that several of the quilts they have been finished are being sent to the burn unit at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, while others are being sent to a hospital in Germany for wounded Air Force men and women.