Featured photo: Robert Rawls receives a hug from Lynn Lebeck, Michigan QOV coordinator-(left to right) Joyce Mckinnies, Robert Rawls, Lynn Lebeck and Tanya Lane
Story and photos by L. M. Land
Felicia West, Jon Carroll and Robert Rawls were gifted with quilts made specifically for them by the quilters of Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle (CAT) for the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF).
In what was an emotional ceremony at the Greater Flint Arts Council on October 26, each quilt was first unveiled for the recipient, then wrapped around their shoulders in a healing hug. The quilts represent well wishes for any needed healing from their military experience and acknowledgment for their service in the United States military.
Each quilt was presented by Lynn Lebeck, Michigan’s Quilts of Valor Foundation Coordinator. Joyce Mckinnies, of the CAT quilters, worked on each of the quilts presented.
West served in the army, 101st Airborne Unit. Carroll was stationed at the Naval Station in Dallas, 900th Maintenance. Rawls served the army at the Nike-Hercules Missile site, A-Radcom Air Defense Commission in the Bronx, New York.
Each recipient was given the option to talk about their experience. Rawls described how intimidating it was to see all the Nike Hercules W31 nuclear silos all lined up for the first time.
A national program, The Quilt of Valor® Foundation, appreciates the service and sacrifice of those who are serving or have served in the armed forces and protect our freedoms. In 2003, Catherine Roberts, the QOVF Founder, created the concepts that underpin their mission statement: to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Quilts = healing.
Roberts also defined standards of excellence for Quilts of Valor; quilts must be a quality handmade quilt, not a “charity quilt.” It would be “awarded,” and would say unequivocally, with a special label, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation.”
Eligible for nomination is any service member or living veteran who served in one of the following branches: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Members of the activated National Guard and activated or active duty-special work (ADSW) reservists are included. There are other terms and conditions. For more information or to make a nomination, see https://www.qovf.org/.
Thank you, Jon Carroll, Robert Rawls and Felicia West, for your service to all the people of the United States.
