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
Sunday, March 22, 2009
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.
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.
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
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
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
“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
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