Local quilters meet veteran challenge

Veteran Phillip Sumpter, center, receives a Quilt of Valor, held by VFW Post 4345 Commander Kelly D. Messerli, left, and Past Commander Jim Hamilton, right. He was recommended for the honor by his niece by marriage, Carey Schoeneberg, in the photo with her daughter Avery. The quilt was by Judy Scott.
Veteran Phillip Sumpter, center, receives a Quilt of Valor, held by VFW Post 4345 Commander Kelly D. Messerli, left, and Past Commander Jim Hamilton, right. He was recommended for the honor by his niece by marriage, Carey Schoeneberg, in the photo with her daughter Avery. The quilt was by Judy Scott.

A local quilting group has joined in the efforts of the Quilts of Valor Foundation in its mission to honor veterans.

The quilters group, which meets on Tuesdays in the upstairs of Wood Place Public Library, has been quilting for three years. A sewing group has been meeting for about five years.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation, found on-line at www.qovf.org, has as its mission the goal to "cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor." It emphasizes its concern of people over politics.

On Saturday, Nov. 10, the quilters presented several of their creations to veterans.

Larry Fletcher, veteran, author and former California R-I Superintendent, spoke about veterans and the need to record the events of the service of each individual.

Quilts were awarded to veterans in appreciation of their service.

A quilt by Judy Scott was awarded to Phillip Sumpter. Two others, by Kathy Shoemaker, were awarded to her brothers-in-law Charlie Shoemaker and Kelley Shoemaker. All are Vietnam veterans. Two others who were not present also were awarded quilts. A Marine emblem quilt by Carol Woehrer was awarded to retired Marine David Hunter. Another by Marian Gish was awarded to Cecil Wood, World War II veteran.