A native of Alpena, he currently resides in suburban Detroit. He frequently writes feature stories and op-eds for Michigan publications. Strong and the Quilts for Valor representative both stressed the award program is to recognize all veterans.įor more information in becoming involved or supporting the Quilts of Valor’s mission located in Winterset, Iowa, review their informative web site at or call 51. With a multi-year, COVID-19-related pause, this past August, 21 Korean, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans received quilts.Ī common remark given by the recipients was they felt there were much more deserving veterans. A number of years back, he was the Quilts of Valor recipient.Īs the Northeast Michigan’s Tunnels to Towers 5K race was preparing to occur, he approached their leadership about awarding veterans quilts after the race. Strong is a graduate of the West Point Military Academy. He cherished it and put it into frequent use.”īryan Strong, financial advisor with an Alpena Edward Jones office, sponsors the region’s Tunnels to Towers 5K run. “The veterans were deeply appreciative in receiving a quilt, especially in that each quilt had their name and related information stitched into fabric - truly a personalized tribute,” he said.Ītkinson added: “I recently visited a veteran who had his quilt placed near his favorite recliner. In a conversation with Tony Atkinson, Alcona County Veterans Affairs officer and former Army paratrooper, he reflected on a presentation to Alcona County Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf War recipients. This past July 4, Rigato traveled to Lake Michigan’s Beaver Island (population 600) and awarded 18 quilts to Vietnam-era veterans. Arrangements are made to meet the recipient and award them a quilt. After the review, Rigato or another guild member contacts the veteran. In addition, they connect with possible recipients through houses of worship and veteran service organizations. At that venue, they become aware of possible recipients. The guild appears every two or three years at the Harvest of Quilts show. Periodically, quilts are presented to newborn infants, individuals experiencing abuse, foster children, and women facing breast cancer. Since the guild’s founding, they have awarded veterans over 300 quilts. She added: “A quilt can take 100 hours plus to create and are valued at over $300.” Rigato commented: “The guild members offer their expertise and funds to produce quilts which traditionally are 55-by-75 inches or 72-by-95 inches.” She stated they meet the third Tuesday of every month at the Oscoda United Methodist Church. For a nearly 20-year career she was associated with the Michigan Department of Community Health.Īt any given time, her quilting guild has up to 70 members. In Northeast Michigan, the Quilts of Valor has the Quirky Quilters Quilt Guild.ĭianna Rigato, of Harrisville, has been engaged with the guild’s mission for seven-plus years. “As a country we failed horribly to separate feelings about the war from feelings about those who have served,” she said. Lebeck is especially thankful in recognizing and awarding Vietnam-era veterans. Her most memorable recipients were a 105-year-old veteran and a Canadian military member receiving hospice care in Port Huron rather than in Ontario because of the COVID-19 restrictions at the time. She stated she has awarded quilts to Afghanistan veterans and to those from World War II. Lebeck commented there are 19 official Quilts of Valor groups across the state. As a retired doctorate registered nurse anesthesiologist, she has been associated with Quilts of Valor for 10-plus years. Lynn Lebeck is the Michigan coordinator for Quilts of Valor.
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