Veterans received Quilts of Valor from Lakeland Quilt Club during a presentation held at North Webster American Legion Post 253 Nov. 11. From left are Don Mort, Virgel Anderson, Brian Vickery (standing in for his father Joe Vickery who was unable to attend), Ken Wilson, Thomas Hoffert, Jack Brazel, Jerry Tomey, Frederick Hunter and Phil McIntire. Another recipient, Denny Kessler, was unable to attend the presentation.

Text and photos by David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — On Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, North Webster Herbert Kuhn American Legion Post 253 hosted the fourth Quilts of Valor presentation. Ten veterans from three branches of the United States military — Army, Navy and Air Force — received handmade quilts created by members of the Lakeland Quilt Club.

The 2021 recipients were Phil McIntire who served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1960; Ken Wilson, Army, (years of service unavailable); Thomas Hoffert, Army, 1966; Don Mort, Air Force, 1957-1963; Virgel Anderson, Army, 1970-1972; Denny Kessler, Air Force, 1966-1969; Jack Brazel, Air Force, 1962-1964; Frederick Hunter, Army, 1953-1955; Joe Vickery, Army, 1968-1969; Jerry Tomey, 1963-1965.

Kessler and Vickery were unable to attend; however, Vickery’s son, Brian Vickery, served as a proxy.

Post 253 Auxiliary President Cindy Kennedy began the presentation with a brief introduction, followed by Lakeland Quilt Club President Lana Dowell, who announced the recipients and gave descriptions of their service before members of the LQC displayed each quilt and wrapped it around recipients’ shoulders.

Dowell explained while several members of the club have been unable to attend regular monthly meetings due to COVID, they were still able to complete 10 intricately designed quilts. Three of the 10 quilts were sewn by Beth Huber. The club meets twice a month in the Tippecanoe Township Building in North Webster.

Following the presentation, Thomas Hoffert, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and farmer, warmly thanked Laura Greig, who made his quilt, and other LQC members. He also contrasted the event with the treatment he and many other Vietnam veterans received when they returned from the war.

“They’re doing an excellent job for military people who have served our country,” said Hoffert. “I accept this on behalf of the people who didn’t come home.”