Quil t s to Honor VETERANS
T
he national Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream of Iowa Founder, Catherine Roberts, to share the message, ‘Quilts equal healing.’ Twelve Baldwin City quilters embraced this concept in 2015 and created a program which responds to local community needs. Since then, Quilts for Baldwin City Veterans has wrapped 116 local veterans in love and appreciation for their service. Each quilt is sewn from the heart by their members which currently include Karen Kohn, Sandy Ralston, Jo Cornelius, Sharon Vesecky, and Cathy Miles with Angie Hightree serving as photographer. “Many of us have relatives who have or are serving in the military. We consider our quilt-making as taking care of family. Some veterans may hesitate to receive a quilt saying, ‘I didn’t fight in a war.’ The truth is that all who serve in the military gave up time away from family, whether stateside or overseas to serve our country,” Quilter Karen Kohn said. During the first year of the program, Karen gathered veterans’ names from the American Legion. Lifelong Baldwin resident, Marvin Jardon, provided substantial help with identifying local military personnel. Quilts for Baldwin City Veterans presented seventeen quilts that first year. Many of the recipients
were World War II veterans. Finding local veterans is often a word-of-mouth endeavor. Current or former military personnel are encouraged to leave their names at Quilters’ Paradise. Quilters’ Paradise supports the valor program by supplying batting and fabric at minimum cost and graciously doing the quilting. Owner, Sharon Vesecky, sews and donates three quilts a year to the program. The Quilts for Baldwin City Veterans group meets from January through October creating two to three quilts per month. Each quilter selects a pattern, fabric, and pieces their own quilts during their joint gatherings. The annual November 11th presentation to veterans was first held at Baldwin Intermediate Center, then relocated to the Lumberyard Arts Center in 2021. The 2024 presentation welcomed veterans, families, and community members to honor fourteen recipients: Michael Oehlert, Air Force, received by his wife, Shellney; David Trowbridge, Marines and National Guard; Dexter Gratts, Army; David Crites, Army; Ruthie and Glenn Rodden, Army; Perry Fletcher, Army; Olon Olson, Marines; Adam Trybom, Marines; Janet Olson, Army; Charles Kriha, Army; Anna Lichtenberger, Marines; and unable to attend and accepted on his behalf was
COMMUNITY
Quilts for Baldwin City Veterans
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Stitching Gratitude: Honoring Local Veterans with Handmade Quilts Story by Ilene Kimsey Photographs by Kayla Kohn & Pitts Photography
Nick Lichtenberger, Marines. John Roller, Army will also be receiving a quilt. In addition to the annual Veterans Day presentation, Quilts for Baldwin City Veterans has presented quilts at retirement, nursing, and memory care homes. In 2024, a valor quilt was part of the surprise 80th birthday celebration for Clarence Raymond Johnson, Army. Just as the quilts are pieced together and
“Many of us have relatives who have or are serving in the military. We consider our quilt-making as taking care of family." -Karen Kohn unfolded with care, the many stories of each veteran are pieced together, and memories unveiled with a wide range of emotion. David Trowbridge served in the Marines and National Guard and receiving a quilt this year stirred up fond memories. “My Grandma taught me a little bit about quilting, growing up. I have an appreciation for all the stitching.