Local Veterans Recognized At Threads Of Valor Ceremony
WARSAW — Kosciusko Community Senior Services and the Liberty Sewing Circle teamed up once again to offer thanks to local veterans. The Threads of Valor quilt presentation was held Wednesday, Nov.15, at the Kosciusko County Senior Center in Warsaw.
Liberty Sewing Circle consists of a group of ladies from the community who create quilts, lap robes and other items of comfort. Their specialty is items for local veterans, which they present during Threads of Valor ceremonies.
The event began with a performance by the Kosciusko County Purdue Extension Chorus, followed by an opening prayer given by Pastor John Lowe of New Life Christian Church of Warsaw. At 10:50 a.m. there was a presentation of flags by the Honor Guard.
Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer attended the event and gave a brief speech. “This reminds us all of how important the sacrifices are that were made for all of us,” Mayor Thallemer said. The mayor spoke of how he has watched this event grow.
“It used to be held in the smaller room. Today I went to that room and no one was there. I thought, ‘Well, maybe they’re trying to ditch me or something,’ but then I realized they had moved it to this larger area,” Thallemer said, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
KCSS Executive Director David Neff thanked Mason Heath Care and the Warsaw American Legion for providing lunch for the event. Neff spoke of his father, a Navy veteran, who passed away in May.
“When you see that flag on your dad’s coffin and the Navy guys fold it up and hand it to you, that flag means something,” Neff stated.
Neff said he also wanted to give thanks to the Warsaw Parks Department, specifically Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer and Parks Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner.
“They are so awesome in assisting us with this building,” Neff said, “If we ever have any sort of issue, they’re here within fifteen minutes to fix it.”
Russ Jehl, district deputy director for Congressman Jim Banks, also spoke at the event.
“It’s a real honor to be here,” Jehl said. Jehl read a letter from Congressman Banks, who was unable to attend the event. The letter read, in part, “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Liberty Sewing Circle for this great event. It is our duty to recognize the men and women who have fought honorably to defend our freedoms.”
Veterans who received Threads of Valor quilts today were Mike Davis, who served in the U.S. Air Force; Harold Gunkel, who served in the U.S. Marine Corp.; James Henderson, who served in the U.S. Army; Neal Lang, who served in the U.S. Army; Neal Meloy, who served in the U.S. Army; Roy Norman, who served in the U.S. Army; Bob Savage, who served in the U.S. Army; Dave Sisk, who served in the U.S. Army; and John Stull, who served in the U.S. Navy.
Terry Mauzy, who served in the U.S. Army, was not in attendance due to health reasons. His wife accepted his quilt for him. Justin Anderson, who served in the U.S. Army, was not able to attend the event. His quilt will be presented to him at a later date.
At noon a meal was provided, with veterans being served first as recognition for their service and sacrifices.