SPOKANE, Mo. — It was a full house at Gateway Cafe in Spokane on Tuesday, and the guests of honor were 11 United States Veterans. Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks presented each veteran with a quilt made especially for them.

The veterans on hand were of all ages, ranks, and tours of duty. Veterans from WWII to Iraq were in attendance and honored. Three brothers also received quilts.

"It made for a great day," says event organizer Shirley Haskins. Haskins has been with the club since May. She knew how to sew when she joined the club, but that was about it.

"After my husband passed away, I needed something to fill the time. A friend was a member and invited me to come with her," says Haskins.

As Haskins began making her first quilt, she knew immediately who she wanted to give it to. Long-time friend and childhood neighbor, George Thomas. Thomas served in the Navy in the early '70s.

"I'm extremely honored that I got to receive the first quilt she put together," explains Thomas, "Shirley and I grew up together in a century farm near Monett. We went to church together, went to school together and were lifelong friends."

One by one Veterans received their quilts, as family, friends and strangers cheered them on. It was an honor that Thomas won't soon forget, "Such a valuable service to recognize people like me."

Haskins says their next event is on the calendar for Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks plans to give away 14 quilts to veterans. The event will be at Scramblers at 8:30 a.m.

Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks meet on the first Monday of the month at the Presbyterian Church in Kimberling City, Mo. Since they formed in April, Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks has given away 64 quilts.

News Source : https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/quilts-of-valor-honors-local-veterans-by-gifting-11-quilts/