Patriotic Quilt Books Now Available

Thanking Our Troops--God Bless America Touring Quilts
By Judy Howard and Nationwide Quilt Artists

“Like a mother's loving arms, this quilt is our hug for our hero—a gift of thanks for protecting America. It expresses our gratitude, love, respect, and honor to forever hold and comfort you.”

This is the greeting sewn on the back of the quilt that Staff Sergeant Logan Ballew received upon arriving at the Bethesda Military Hospital in August of 2006. While disarming a roadside bomb in Iraq, Logan received the impact of the exploding bomb. The local military hospital personnel waited to notify Logan’s parents for three days, not knowing whether they would be sending the boy back home in a body bag or to a hospital.

Logan’s mother, Joan Ballew from Edmond, Oklahoma, entered a portrait quilt of her son, incorporating his uniform with buttons and zippers, in Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America touring quilt exhibit, Thanking Our Troops.

“How do I love America—let me quilt the ways” is the theme of these 200 twenty-two-inch and larger patriotic quilts that are blanketing America for four years with “Hugs for our Heroes” and are featured in this full-color gift book along with their heart-warming stories of patriotism and gratitude.

All profits from the exhibits and books go to provide quilts for wounded troops and the families of our fallen heroes—those most in need of God’s loving touch and comfort these quilts represent. See www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com for quilt photos, sample stories, entry and rental forms and to order books. Judy Howard, 405-751-3885.

Calendar of God Bless America Patriotic Touring Quilts

October 2-4, 2009, 10:00-6:00 Friday, 11:00-6:00 Saturday, Sunday 11:00-4:00, The Red River Quilters proudly features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit in their Quilt Show at 600 Clyde Funt Parkway, Shreveport, LA, 222.redriverquilters.com

October 3, noon-2:00 p.m. Judy Howard and Quilt Artists sign their books, Thanking Our Troops—God Bless America Touring Quilts and exhibit patriotic quilts at Hastings Books, 2300 W. Main, Norman 329-5529 Trina.

October 9-10, 9 am-8 pm Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday, The Watonga Cheese Festival Quilt Show proudly features the God Bless America Patriotic Touring Quilts at the Blaine County Fairgrounds, Foley (Yellow) Building, north of Main on 7th Street, Watonga, OK. Award winning author Judy Howard will sign her newly released books Thanking Our Troops—God Bless America Touring Quilts from 9:00 am-1:00 p.m Friday The Watonga 33rd annual Cheese Festival also includes an Art Show at Oasis Church, two stages of live entertainment, Rod and Hog Show, Craft and gift vendors, fun foods, cheese tasting, cheese food contest at the Fairgrounds, carriage and pony rides, parade, $5, under 12 free.

October 9-11, 2009, 10 am-5 pm Friday and Saturday, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday. The Foothills Quilters Guild proudly features Buckboard Quilts God Bless America Patriotic Quilt Exhibit at their "In Stitches" Quilt Show at the Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Shelby, NC. $3. 704-692-1105, www.foothillsquiltersguild.org

October 24, 2:00 p.m. The Bethany Public Library proudly presents Judy Howard’s “Under the Covers with Granny Reveals Oklahoma Secrets” Quilt Trunk Show Program. Judy and quilt artists will sign their three books: Heavenly Patchwork I & II & Centennial Stitches—Oklahoma History in Quilts. She will also exhibit her God Bless America Patriotic Quilts that are touring the US for 3 years to inspire patriotism and thank our troops. 3510 N. Mueller, Bethany, OK, 789-8363

October 23-24, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Blount Country Quilt Guild proudly exhibits Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Touring Quilts in their Quilt Show at 1225 Palisades Pkwy, Oneonta, AL, $3, njfoster@windstream.net

October 23-25, Friday and Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-4. The West Sound Quilters proudly present Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Touring Quilts at their annual quilt show, Quilts from the Cabin at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds, Presidents’ Hall, Bremerton, WA, $5 Admission, Vendors, Demos, Raffle Quilt, Wearable Art, Community Build A Block, Café, Quilt Turning, Harpist Bronn Journey, Featured Artist Delaine Gately. www.WestSoundQuilters.org, Christinakgs@comcast.net, 360-337-1830

October 28, 11:00 a.m. OETATV for Oklahoma City Metro program interviews Judy Howard about her new book, Thanking Our Troops—God Bless America Quilts.

November 10-12, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The GHS Beta Club of Greenwood High School, 440 E. Gary, Greenwood, AR proudly exhibits the God Bless America Touring Quilts in their Veteran’s Day Assembly, JoElla Skaggs, 479-996-2294

Veteran's Day Fayetteville, ND Ann Flaherty VD

November 11, 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Judy Howard and quilt artists sign their books, Thanking Our Troops and honors our troops and veterans with a special salute and exhibit, God Bless America Patriotic Quilts, at the 45th Infantry Division Museum, 2145 NE 36th St, Oklahoma City, OK, following the Veterans Day ceremony at 10:00a.m. 405-424-5313.

Nov. 13 & 14 , 9 to 3, The God Bless Amercia Touring Quilts will be exhibited at the 9th Annual Quilts and Tea Festival in the Historic District, Davenport, Florida 33837
FREE ADMISSION. Quilt & Tea Boutiques, Displays and Demonstrations located in historic buildings and along historic walkways in Davenport. Located just off the I-4 corridor between Orlando and Tampa

November 16, noon, July Howard will present a quilt trunk show program and show a few God Bless America Patriot quilt at the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army luncheon at 50 Penn Place, top floor in Oklahoma City, Linda Wright 405-728-3263

December 3, 9:00 am-4:00 pm The Happy Homemakers OHCE proudly exhibits the God Bless America Touring Quilts at the Kingfisher County Fairgrounds, 215 E. Broadway, Kingfisher, OK at their Winterfest Show, 405-375-4051

December and January, Camp Striker Stables, Baghdad, Iraq

2010 Calendar


January 8 & 9, 2010, 9 AM to 5 PM, the Southwest Florida Quilters Guild proudly features the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit in their show FLORIDA CELEBRATES QUILTS 2010 "QUILTING: THE ORIGINAL GREEN" at the LEE CIVIC CENTER, 11831 BAYSHORE ROAD
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA. $7.00 www.swfqg.com Nancy Jones sarahobbs@aol.com

January 13-16, 9:00 a.m.-7:30 pm, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.Saturday. The Quilting, Stitches and Craft Expos proudly presents the God Bless America Patriotic Quilt Exhibit at their Expo at the Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK

January 22-24, 2010,The Quilts Limited Gallery and Arts Center proudly present the God Bless America Touring Quilts at their Patriotic Quilt Show/Freedom Festival at the Quilts Limited Gallery at 7 Camino Otero, Tubac, AZ, 520-398-9001, Trish Ambrose

February 10 Lexington Hi School hosts Judy Howard in two programs, “Under the Covers with Granny Reveals Oklahoma Secrets and God Bless America Touring Quilts.

March 4-6 Indiana Heritage Quilts Show, Bloomington, IND

March 10, noon, Judy Howard will present her “Under the Cover with Granny” quilt trunk show program, and exhibit the God Bless America Touring Quilts at the Checotah Public Library, 626 W. Gentry, Checotah, OK

March 18-21, 2010, 9:00-5:00 Thursday-Saturday and 10:00-4:00 on Sunday. The Once Upon a Quilt Guild proudly features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit during their Quilt Show by the Sea at the War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE 8th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL. $4. Lisa Stevens, ovaq@bellsouth.net, www.onceuponaquilt.com

April 10, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Stashbuilder Quilt Guild presents the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit at their show at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 12663 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA, $1. QuiltRoomNOR@cox.net, 225-673-9847

April 23-24, 2010, Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Odessa Quilt Group proudly features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at their Odessa Quilt Show held in the Odessa High School Gym at 2nd Street & 4th Avenue, Odessa, WA. 509-982-2825

May 15, 2010, 11 am-4 pm the American Legion Auxielary Unit 353 proudly exhibits Buckboard Quilt's God Bless America Patriotic Quilt Exhibit at their " Armed Forces Day Celebration" which includes children's face painting, ball tournament, etc, entertainment by local bands, Seniors' Bake Sale and Silent Auction and Taco Dinner $7 or $4 for children. Boy Scouts will fold flags for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to wear near their hearts in their pockets. Mustang Town Center, Banquet Hall, 1201 N. Mustang Road, Mustang, OK, 405-376-5157

June 24-26, 9:00 am-7:30 pm and 8:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday,. The Quilting, Stitches and Craft Expos proudly presents the God Bless America Patriotic Quilt Exhibit at their Expo at the Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 East 2nd St, Reno, NV

September 9-11, 9:00 a.m.-7:30 pm, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.Saturday. The Quilting, Stitches and Craft Expos proudly presents the God Bless America Patriotic Quilt Exhibit at their Expo at the Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Rd, Cincinnati, OH

October 4, 2010 Summit at Capital Center, Diamondal, MT

Veterans Day Fort Bragg/Pope AFB Ann Flaherty Fayetteville, NC

Patriotic Books Available for Christmas Gifting

Great news! "Thanking Our Troops is now available on www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com at a special $5 publisher's discount for only $14.95. Containing the heart-warming stories of the 200 patriotioc quilts that are touring the US and Baghdad for four years with all profits from the books and $100 exhibit fees going to provide quilts for wounded soldiers. You can see photos, entry and rentals info and calendar of exhibits and programs on www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com. I’d like to tell you about one of these soldiers:

Edmond resident Jack Hayes was setting up a cannon to defend an airstrip when North Vietnam Regulars burst from the rubber trees twenty feet away, guns blazing. Jack spun around and returned fire before a bullet from an AK47 pierced his stomach and exited through his back. Medevac airlifted Jack to the Saigon Field Hospital where officials quickly honored Jack by pinning on his uniform a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and V for valor. Then they ceremoniously pulled a sheet over his head pronouncing Jack Hayes dead.

Only by God’s grace did Jack survive that injury which fractured his back, and the Agent Orange that poisoned his organs. During the ensuing years he underwent thirty-five major abdominal operations to remove his stomach, appendix and gall bladder, and endured countless complications. Nonetheless, Jack still radiates the joy of the Lord and praises Him each morning for the blessing of life.

For his last birthday October 17, 2008, I presented Jack with a replica of a Civil War quilt with an appliqué of an American eagle holding an olive branch in its beak. Mary Chenoweth, great-great-great grandmother of Kristen Chenoweth, created an eagle quilt top for her son Benjamin Franklin Chenoweth after he left for war in 1862. She prayed that he would return home safely and for peace in America with every stitch she took.

Benjamin brought his cherished quilt top, his wife and sons and their families from Missouri in a covered wagon caravan to join the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. They homesteaded farms near Hinton in Indian Territory. Benjamin’s wife and daughters in-law quilted the top with their names, dates and family history documented in the threads for future generations.

That Civil War eagle quilt, which recently appraised for $8,000 to $12,000, now adorns the cover of Oklahoma Heritage Quilts, and I featured it in my Centennial Stitches—Oklahoma History in Quilts book. I made a smaller version of the quilt to tour with the God Bless America Touring Quilts that benefits our soldiers. A reproduction of that Civil War Eagle quilt made by Connie Heffron, a Chenoweth cousin hangs behind me in the photo.

When Jack received his appliquéd eagle, he cried at the thought that someone would take the time to express gratitude for his military service. The quilt follows him in and out of the hospital as he valiantly fights for his life. “Jack curls up in his colorful red, gold and green quilt for comfort,” his wife Sue shared. When the pain becomes too intense to bear, he strokes the trapunto three-dimensional wings as if the eagle gives him energy to soar to a higher level of faith. When Jack’s spirits need lifting, he traces the quilt’s embroidered “Thank You Jack” with his fingers and realizes that his suffering for his country was not in vain, but documented in this tangible memorial.

Jack delights in telling the history behind his quilt. To him, the mighty eagle is the personification of American freedom, strength and bravery. When asked how he has survived the last forty-one years, Jack answers, “When storms and tragedy strike our lives, we can decide to be like a rooster who hides wet and shivering in the corner of the henhouse, and eventually dies. Or, we can rise above the storm on wings of an eagle to soar to new heights. I’ve chosen to live each day through God’s promised strength like the eagle.”

Jack loves to remind his family and friends that we have the power to choose whether we live in freedom or captivity; to live triumphantly or in hopelessness and defeated by our circumstances. Jack recounts the story of the boy who tried to test the wise old man by capturing a tiny sparrow in his hands. The boy held his cupped hands out to the old man and asked, “What do I hold in my hands?” Said the wise old man, “It appears that you have a tiny bird.”

Hoping to trick the old man, the young lad asked, “Is it alive or dead?” The lad planned to prove the old man wrong by crushing the bird if he guessed it was alive, or releasing the bird to fly away if he said it was dead.

The wise old man said, “You hold within your hands the power to determine whether the bird lives or dies—just as your choices determine whether you live free or in captivity.
To Jack Hayes, his eagle quilt was a visual declaration that he has chosen to rise above his suffering on the winds of adversity to live free in victory.

Six months after his birthday, wrapped in his eagle quilt, Jack soared on eagle’s wingsto even great heights, triumphantly above all pain, right into His heavenly Father’s awaiting arms to receive his ultimate reward—the shiny stars in his golden crowns.

Jack’s inspiring story of courageous sacrifice on our behalf to keep our nation free is but one of many recounted in "Thanking Our Troops—God Bless America Touring Quilts" with all book and exhibit profits providing more of these comforting quilts for our wounded warriors—our unsung heroes. Won't you help support this worthwhile project by ordering this book for your friends and family for Christmas on www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com.

Patriotic Quilt Show Calendar

Reserve sixty 22x22" patriotic quilts for only $100 for your next quilt show today by emailing me at BuckboardQuilts@cox.net

March 21-22-09, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Seaway Trail Foundation proudly presents the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit at their Great Lakes Seaway Trail Quilt Show, Ray & West Main Streets, Sackets Harbor, NY, 315-646-1000, www.seawaytrail.com Discount admission for active or retired military families.

April 17-19, 2009, Friday & Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 9 am-4 pm. "God Bless America" Quilts will be featured at the Best of the Valley Quilt Show at the McDermott Field House 365 N. Sweet Briar, Lindsay, CA www.botvquilts.com psaada @aol.com, $8

April 18, 2009 9:00 am-4:00 pm the Seabreeze Quilt Guild proudly features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at their show, The Cooperative Middle School, 100 Academic Way, Stratham, NH 03885, $5 Pat 603-436-3509

April 30-May 3, 2009, 10 am-6 pm. The Mancuso Denver National Quilt Festival IV proudly features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at the Denver Merchandise Mart, 451 East 58th Avenue, Denver, CO. $12 www.quiltfest.com 215-862-5828


May 2-3, 2009, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Sinnissppee Quilters proudly feature Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at their show at the Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, ILL

May 7-9, 2009, (10:00-5:00 Thursday, 10:00-9:00 Friday, 10:00-5:00 Saturday) “God Bless America” Quilts will be featured at the Home Machine Quilting Show at the South Towne Expo Center, 9575 So. State Street, Sandy, Utah. 801-298-3844

May 16th, 9:00am-4:00 p.m. The Nowata County OSU HCE sponsors Buckboard Quilts' God Bless America Quilt Exhibit at their Arte Festival at the Nowata Fairgrounds. Antique Appraisals, Children's Arte Workshop, Art and Craft Market, Car Show on Hwy 169 South at Jck Gordon Park and the Country Music Show at 7:00 p.m. at 123 N. Maple, Nowata, OK 918-273-2301

May 16th, 9:00am-4:00 p.m. Judy Howard will curate her God Bless America Quilt Exhibit and present "Under the Covers with Granny Reveals Oklahoma Secrets" in a special quilt trunk show program during the Nowata Art Festival at the Nowata Fairgrounds, Nowata, OK

May 18, 10:30-1:30 The Calico Cut-ups Quilt Guild proudly presents Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit May 18 at the Wesley Methodist Church, 107 Trafalgar Rd, Bella Vista, AR and Judy Howard’s Quilt Trunk Show Program at a luncheon/lecture.

May 18, 7:00 p.m. The Little Balkens Quilt Guild of Pittsburg, KS proudly presents Judy Howard’s Quilt Trunk Show Program at 6th & Pine, Pittsburg, KS, 620-231-4941

June 1, 2009, 10:30 a.m. Judy Howard presents her “Under the Covers with Granny” Quilt Trunk Show Program at the Pioneer Area Quilter’s Guild at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at the corner of Hartford & Pecan, Ponca City, OK 620-782-3749

June 4-6, 2009, 9 am-6 pm the “God Bless America” Quilts will be featured in the Needles and Friends Quilt Guild Affair of the Heart Quilt Show in Liberal, Kansas at the Seward County Activity Center, 810 Stadium. $5, 620-624-4379

June 5-6, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild proudly presents Buckboard Quilts’ “God Bless America” Quilts in their Prescott’s Gone Quiltin’ Show at the Prescott High School, 1050 Ruth Street, Prescott, AZ, $5, www.tbqguild.com

June 11-13, 2009, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. The Alabama Quilt Symposium proudly features Buckboard Quilts' God Bless America Exhibit in their “New Beginnings in Quilting” show at the St. Bernard Retreat Center in Cullman, AL, $5, www.qsai.org

June 19-21, Friday 1:00-9:00, Saturday 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00-4:00 p.m. The Annevar Quilt Guild and Ravenna Chamber of Commerce proudly feature Buckboard Quilt's God Bless America Quilt Exhibit at their free "Annevar" Festival at the Ravenna City Auditorium, 112 West Genoa, Ravenna Nebraska. 308-452-3668

July 4th, 2009 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit at the Olive Hill Historical High School, Tom T. Hall Boulevard, Olive Hill, KY, free, Jo Raney, 606-286-6151


July 4-11, 2009 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., The Three Rivers Museum, 220 Elgin, Muskogee, OK proudly presents Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit in their Celebrating Freedom in the USA event. 918-686-6624, www.3riversmuseum.com.

August 1, 2009, 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m., The Eureka Mountain Quilt Show proudly features the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit in Eureka, MT, 405-297-7746

September 11-20, 2009, 9:00 am-9:00 pm, The Kansas State Fair features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at the State Fair, 2000 N. Poplar, Hutchinson, KS, www.kansasstatefair.com

September11-12, 2009, 10:00 am-5:00 pm. The Union County Night Quilt Guild features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at their Patriotic Quilt Show at South Arkansas Art Center's Lobby Gallery, 110 E 5th Street El Dorado, Arkansas. Linda Fitts 870-864-7087. Free

September 26-27, 2009, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sunday. The Endless Mountains Quilt Guild proudly exhibits Buckboard Quilts' God Bless America Patriotic Quilt Exhibits in their "Quilts and Friends - Bound Together" Quilt Show at Lynch-Bustin Elementary School, 253 Pennsylvania Avenue, Athens PA 18810. $5 entrance fee. 200+ quilts, members' boutique, Hoffman Challenge exhibit, vendors, raffle quilt, handicapped accessible. For additional information, email info@emqg.org or visit our website www.emqg.org

October 2-4, 2009, 10:00-6:00 Friday, 11:00-6:00 Saturday, Sunday 11:00-4:00, The Red River Quilters proudly features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit in their Quilt Show at 600 Clyde Funt Parkway, Shreveport, LA, 222.redriverquilters.com

Quilts for Wounded Troops

“Like a mother's loving arms, this quilt is our hug for our hero—a gift of thanks for protecting America. It expresses our gratitude, love, respect, and honor to forever hold and comfort you."

This is the greeting sewn on the back of the quilt that Staff Sergeant Logan Ballew of Norman, OK received upon arriving at the Bethesda Military Hospital in August of 2006.

Disarming a roadside bomb in Iraq, Logan Ballew received the impact of the bomb when it exploded. The local military hospital personnel feared Logan might die. They waited three days to notify Logan’s parents, not knowing whether they would be sending him back home in a body bag or to a hospital.

Logan arrived two days later in Bethesda where a quilt made by a Quilts of Valor volunteer welcomed him. Arnold and Joan Ballew flew from Edmond, Oklahoma to Bethesda to keep bedside vigil.

Marine Mom Joan had made many quilts through Quilts for Injured Soldiers. “We created these quilts as ‘Hugs for Our Heroes’ to give them hope and peace for their road ahead. A little piece of me goes out with each quilt I make,” Joan explained. Joan’s reward for her many hours of volunteer work comes from the Thank Yous received from wounded soldiers like this one: “When I get scared with the memories of war, I curl up in my quilt and the nightmares go away. It makes me proud to be a soldier, knowing Americans really care. There’s so much love and a prayer in every stitch.”

One of the first questions Joan asked Logan was if he had received a quilt. When Joan asked what he thought of the gift, Logan expressed how humbled, honored, and encouraged he felt to receive such a treasure. “ It was a source of strength and comfort that lifted my spirits and warmed my heart. I knew my service was appreciated and not in vain.”

Joan excitedly unfolded Logan’s bright quilt and caressed the stitches of comfort some volunteer quilter had lovingly taken. When Joan emailed the guild to thank them, she instantly bonded with the woman who made Logan’s quilt. “She became my new buddy when I most needed a friend to share my feelings of loneliness and fear while sitting at my son’s bedside.”

After fourteen months of painful physical therapy, progressing from wheel chair to walker to cane, Logan now walks with a slight limp with the help of a leg brace. Permanent nerve damage in his leg shattered Logan’s career dreams of spending his life in the Marines. When he gets discouraged, Logan finds comfort and hope for his future by snuggling up in his quilted hug. Logan is now adjusting well to civilian life with his part-time job in cabinetry in Norman, Oklahoma.

Joan’s 22” portrait quilt of her marine son, using the zipper, fabric and buttons from his uniform, won a blue ribbon in Buckboard Quilts' God Bless America Quilt Exhibit which is touring the U.S. for three years with profits going to provide more of these healing quilts for soldiers.

Memorial Quilts for Families of Fallen Troops

Independence Quilt Comforts Soldiers in Iraq
As the nation celebrated Memorial Day and July 4th with bands and parades, Kaye Vicars Hansen, State Coordinator for the Oregon Home of the Brave Quilt Project, was stitching comforting commemorative quilts for families of U.S. soldiers killed in action.
In 2005, Kay’s brother Don Vicars volunteered to serve in Iraq to train the Iraqi police officers. Don sent photos of his new quarters, with a glimpse of the dismal blanket on his bed. Immediately, Kay felt compelled to create a colorful quilt to make his new surroundings feel more like home. But to overcome this tough ex-marine’s protests, she suggested he use the quilt until he came home and then pass it on to other soldiers in Iraq until the mission was completed, in that way reminding each man that we’re grateful for their service and covering them in prayers.
Kay sent a blank journal along with the quilt, asking those who slept beneath this blanket of love to write about themselves in the journal. Don awoke Christmas Eve morning with the name of the ideal recipient of the quilt—Gunny Larry Sizemore, a retired Marine and decorated Viet Nam veteran, the Supervisor in charge of The Stables. Camp Striker Stables in Bagdad, Iraq offers a sanctuary for the weary, a place of rest for the tired, and a touch of home away from home for U.S. and Coalition forces.
Kaye’s “comforter” now adorns one of the couches waiting to cheer and warm our troops far from home and missing their loved ones. Every American soldier, press or dignitary who passes through the Stables take turns wrapping up in Kaye’s quilted stars and stripes. As the daughter of a proud Marine veteran, Kaye is honored that her Independence quilt takes a little piece of her where she cannot go to touch lives a world away to comfort and reassure each soldier of our deepest support and gratitude for their dedicated service in the name of freedom and Independence for all.
On behalf of the Oregon Chapters of The Hugs Project and The Home of the Brave Quilt Project, Kaye recently received a donation of $1000 from advance profits from Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit that is touring the U.S. for three years to benefit troops and help heal our torn nation.
Kaye submitted a 22” quilt entry for the GBA exhibit replicating her Independence Quilt and also a miniature of the 48”x84” memorial quilts created by HOTB volunteers. Started in 2004 by Don Beld of Redland, California, HOTB quilts replicate the Civil War-era bedroll quilts given to wounded soldiers by the U.S. Sanitary Commission, now known as the Red Cross. Kaye’s quilts were included in the GBA exhibit that recently cheered troops at Camp Striker Stables.
Children and adults are invited to enter their 22x22” patriotic quilts that pay tribute to our unsung heroes, depicting “liberty and justice for all” and their flag-waving loyalty to our “one nation under God.” Deadline is June 30, 2009. Mail your quilt to 12101 N. MacArthur, #137, Oklahoma City, OK 73162.
All profits from the $100/week-end quilt exhibit rental (free to military and veterans) along with possible publication of the patriotic quilts go to provide quilts for wounded and the families of the fallen. See quilt photos, entry and rental forms on www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com. Email BuckboardQuilts@cox.net to reserve the Patriotic Quilt Exhibit. See www.homeofthebrave.org for more about volunteer opportunities.

Quilt Artists Cheer Troops in Baghdad

“The troops here in Baghdad are overjoyed to have your patriotic quilt exhibit. This quilted tribute to the troops boosted their morale and spirits when they were forced to spend Christmas thousands of miles away from home. Please thank each quilter for honoring us by creating these beautiful quilts.”

Larry (Gunny) Sizemore
Supervisor, Camp Striker Stables

What an honor to receive this e-mail from retired Gunnery Sgt. Sizemore. I sponsored the God Bless America Quilt Contest and Exhibits which are touring the nation for three years. The project pays tribute to our brave military heroes, helps mend our torn country and inspires patriotism. It was my objective to donate all profits from the $100 exhibit rental fees–which are free to military and veterans groups–to supply batting and fabric for the volunteers who provide quilt to wounded soldiers. I had no idea the exhibit would travel all the way to the battlefront.
Gunny went on to share that some of the men stayed for hours examining the quilts and taking pictures of themselves posed in front of the display. They loved reading the accompanying stories which thanked them for their service. Many soldiers shared their own foxhole tales, or the heroic acts of fathers and grandfathers who served in Vietnam and WWII. One colonel and several others even shed tears as the quilts evoked memories of our brave troops and lost loved ones. The VIPs thought it was a wonderful gift of heart-warming patchwork.
Since Camp Striker had been a 45th Infantry Division, Alma Johnson’s bold red and gold “Thunderbird” quilt touched the hearts of the artillery soldiers. By creating quilts to donate as fund-raisers for the veterans groups, this Chickasaw Native American from Shawnee, Oklahoma, honors many 45th Infantry veterans such as her husband and grandfather.
Gunny placed the POW flag above the “Peace Be With You” quilt made by Robin Corvin of Oklahoma City, and “Praying Hands” quilt by Barbara Freed of Okeene, Oklahoma. Kaye Hansen’s 22 inch copy of the full-sized “Independence Quilt,” which she made to permanently comfort the troops at the Stables, also told about her “Home of the Brave” quilts. These memorial quilts are gifted to the families of the fallen troops and replicate the 1860s bedroll quilts issued to Civil War soldiers.
Joan Ballew created a portrait quilt of her wounded marine son, Logan. He received a quilt from a Quilts of Valor volunteer honoring him when he was airlifted from Iraq to the Bethesda hospital. Joan incorporated zipper and buttons from Logan’s uniform, and used a fabric collage to replicate his brave facial features.
Gunny e-mailed me almost one hundred photos of the troops admiring the patriotic quilts. Following are a few of the comments penned by the troops in his journal.
Major Mick Kerr, Camp Striker Mayor wrote:
“I was in the office when the quilts arrived. As I helped unpack the precious package, I was captivated by the beauty of the quilts and the stories they told. Each quilt is unique and original. And each story is a “once in a lifetime memory.” Taken together, there is no better testament to the blessings bestowed upon our nation through the valiant service of its men and women. Looking at the quilts, it’s evident that “freedom is not free,” but no sacrifice is too enormous to keep our great nation free. I am proud to have served with this country’s finest—the American soldier.”
Major Mitchell N. Moss, Chattanooga, Tennessee, wrote that the quilts transported him back home to the hills of Tennessee. “Each quilt tells a story and reminds me of why we’re here and what we’re fighting for. None of us wants to be here. But the Lord directs the paths of all and there’s a reason for everything. Thanks for bringing a little touch of home to us during the holidays.”
SFC James Hine, Ashland, Kentucky wrote:
“Coming from the hills of Kentucky where Grandma’s quilts meant comfort and love, I feel the heart and soul that went into each and every quilt.”
Jennifer Fisher CPT/CRMF, 86th, Baghdad, Iraq:
“Thank you for your heartfelt efforts in preserving the memories of our fallen soldiers, and creating and displaying these quilts that artistically express the heart of our free nation.”
From SFC Thanus:
“Last night as I examined the quilts, a quote came to mind. ‘The love in your heart was not put there to stay, love is not love ‘til you give it away.’ Your quilts are just that—from your heart to ours. Thank you for caring.”
GySGT Sizemore, USMC, Retired and staff at Sizemore Stables:
“Your patriotic exhibit delighted thousands of troops passing daily through our transit facility at Camp Striker. They also gave much pleasure to the VIPs in the Victory Base Complex and the hundreds of the newly deployed and re-deployed troops. These troops came in and shared their stories and talked for hours as they viewed the display. I came from a military family of five generations who have always been proud to stand and serve Old Glory. Thanks so much for honoring us with these beautiful quilts. God bless you and yours. God bless America and our military family.”
When Gunny returned the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit, he included a surprise for me—a United States flag that had been flown in my honor over Camp Striker Baghdad, February 12, 2009. With it was a signed certificate authenticating the honor, along with commemorative coins from the Marines and Navy for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed or humbled by such a gracious thank-you gift. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I touched the precious flag that had flown in the face of the enemy.See quilt photos, entry and rental information on www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com . See slide show from Baghdad on: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=BuckboardQuilts&target=ALBUM&id=5281553323262410081&authkey=4U722QWNaGs&feat=email and http://picasaweb.google.com/BuckboardQuilts/GodBlessAmericaQuiltExhibits?authkey=cj1iToKbu9c

Patriotic Quilt Contest and Exhibits

22” Patriotic Quilts Tour US 3 years to Benefit Wounded Troops
Inspiring patriotism, paying tribute to our American heroes and troops and helping mend our torn nation is the purpose of Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America 22” Quilt Contest with extended entry deadline of June 30, 2009. Quilts are touring the U.S. for three years with profits from the $100/week-end exhibit rental (free to military and veterans) going to provide quilts for wounded troops. Reserve your exhibit today by emailing BuckboardQuilts@cox.net. Please mail your quilts to 12101 N. MacArthur, #137, Oklahoma City, OK 73162 ASAP. See www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com for quilt photos, entry and rental forms and slide show at http://picasaweb.google.com/BuckboardQuilts/GodBlessAmericaQuiltExhibits?authkey=cj1iToKbu9c

A special thanks to the 140 quilt artists who submitted 22x22" quilts to the God Bless America Patriotic Quilt Exhibits that are touring the US for 3 years with all profits from the $100 rental going for quilts for wounded troops. See slide show at http://picasaweb.google.com/BuckboardQuilts/GodBlessAmericaQuiltExhibits?authkey=cj1iToKbu9c

We've received rave reviews from the nearly 50 showings of the quilts since they made their debut nearly a year ago. Our quilts even cheered the troops at Camp Striker Stables in Baghdad this winter. Here are special thanks from them and the slide show:

Quilt Artists Cheer Troops in Baghdad

“The troops here in Baghdad are overjoyed to have your patriotic quilt exhibit. This quilted tribute to the troops boosted their morale and spirits when they were forced to spend Christmas thousands of miles away from home. Please thank each quilter for honoring us by creating these beautiful quilts.”

Larry (Gunny) Sizemore
Supervisor, Camp Striker Stables

What an honor to receive this e-mail from retired Gunnery Sgt. Sizemore. I sponsored the God Bless America Quilt Contest and Exhibits which are touring the nation for three years. The project pays tribute to our brave military heroes, helps mend our torn country and inspires patriotism. It was my objective to donate all profits from the $100 exhibit rental fees–which are free to military and veterans groups–to supply batting and fabric for the volunteers who provide quilt to wounded soldiers. I had no idea the exhibit would travel all the way to the battlefront.
Gunny went on to share that some of the men stayed for hours examining the quilts and taking pictures of themselves posed in front of the display. They loved reading the accompanying stories which thanked them for their service. Many soldiers shared their own foxhole tales, or the heroic acts of fathers and grandfathers who served in Vietnam and WWII. One colonel and several others even shed tears as the quilts evoked memories of our brave troops and lost loved ones. The VIPs thought it was a wonderful gift of heart-warming patchwork.
Since Camp Striker had been a 45th Infantry Division, Alma Johnson’s bold red and gold “Thunderbird” quilt touched the hearts of the artillery soldiers. By creating quilts to donate as fund-raisers for the veterans groups, this Chickasaw Native American from Shawnee, Oklahoma, honors many 45th Infantry veterans such as her husband and grandfather.
Gunny placed the POW flag above the “Peace Be With You” quilt made by Robin Corvin of Oklahoma City, and “Praying Hands” quilt by Barbara Freed of Okeene, Oklahoma. Kaye Hansen’s 22 inch copy of the full-sized “Independence Quilt,” which she made to permanently comfort the troops at the Stables, also told about her “Home of the Brave” quilts. These memorial quilts are gifted to the families of the fallen troops and replicate the 1860s bedroll quilts issued to Civil War soldiers.
Joan Ballew created a portrait quilt of her wounded marine son, Logan. He received a quilt from a Quilts of Valor volunteer honoring him when he was airlifted from Iraq to the Bethesda hospital. Joan incorporated zipper and buttons from Logan’s uniform, and used a fabric collage to replicate his brave facial features.
Gunny e-mailed me almost one hundred photos of the troops admiring the patriotic quilts. Following are a few of the comments penned by the troops in his journal.
Major Mick Kerr, Camp Striker Mayor wrote:
“I was in the office when the quilts arrived. As I helped unpack the precious package, I was captivated by the beauty of the quilts and the stories they told. Each quilt is unique and original. And each story is a “once in a lifetime memory.” Taken together, there is no better testament to the blessings bestowed upon our nation through the valiant service of its men and women. Looking at the quilts, it’s evident that “freedom is not free,” but no sacrifice is too enormous to keep our great nation free. I am proud to have served with this country’s finest—the American soldier.”
Major Mitchell N. Moss, Chattanooga, Tennessee, wrote that the quilts transported him back home to the hills of Tennessee. “Each quilt tells a story and reminds me of why we’re here and what we’re fighting for. None of us wants to be here. But the Lord directs the paths of all and there’s a reason for everything. Thanks for bringing a little touch of home to us during the holidays.”
SFC James Hine, Ashland, Kentucky wrote:
“Coming from the hills of Kentucky where Grandma’s quilts meant comfort and love, I feel the heart and soul that went into each and every quilt.”
Jennifer Fisher CPT/CRMF, 86th, Baghdad, Iraq:
“Thank you for your heartfelt efforts in preserving the memories of our fallen soldiers, and creating and displaying these quilts that artistically express the heart of our free nation.”
From SFC Thanus:
“Last night as I examined the quilts, a quote came to mind. ‘The love in your heart was not put there to stay, love is not love ‘til you give it away.’ Your quilts are just that—from your heart to ours. Thank you for caring.”
GySGT Sizemore, USMC, Retired and staff at Sizemore Stables:
“Your patriotic exhibit delighted thousands of troops passing daily through our transit facility at Camp Striker. They also gave much pleasure to the VIPs in the Victory Base Complex and the hundreds of the newly deployed and re-deployed troops. These troops came in and shared their stories and talked for hours as they viewed the display. I came from a military family of five generations who have always been proud to stand and serve Old Glory. Thanks so much for honoring us with these beautiful quilts. God bless you and yours. God bless America and our military family.”
When Gunny returned the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit, he included a surprise for me—a United States flag that had been flown in my honor over Camp Striker Baghdad, February 12, 2009. With it was a signed certificate authenticating the honor, along with commemorative coins from the Marines and Navy for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed or humbled by such a gracious thank-you gift. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I touched the precious flag that had flown in the face of the enemy.See quilt photos, entry and rental information on www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com . See slide show from Baghdad on: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=BuckboardQuilts&target=ALBUM&id=5281553323262410081&authkey=4U722QWNaGs&feat=email