November 2, 2023 - What does a Quilt of Valor represent? Are you interested in witnessing a deserving veteran being honored with a Quilt of Valor? If so, you might be curious about the process of nominating a veteran for this unique and once-in-a-lifetime recognition.
Quilts of Valor (QOV) is a nationwide endeavor that unites individuals in the creation of handmade quilts specifically crafted for our brave veterans and active-duty military personnel. These quilts serve as sincere expressions of gratitude and affection, representing the profound respect we hold for those who have altruistically served our nation.
In collaboration with Quilts of Valor Under Our Wings, Texas 4-H has joined forces to offer Quilts of Valor. Receiving a Quilt of Valor is a significant and patriotic tribute for veterans and active-duty service members. The Quilts of Valor Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to enveloping service members and veterans with comforting and therapeutic quilts.
Here are the steps involved in receiving a Quilt of Valor:
- Nomination: Typically, a service member or veteran is nominated to receive a Quilt of Valor. Nominations can be made by family members, friends, fellow service members, or even self-nominations.
- Verification: The nominated individual's military service is verified to ensure they meet the criteria set by the Quilts of Valor Foundation, which generally includes having served in the U.S. military.
- Selection: Once the nomination is verified, the individual is selected to receive a Quilt of Valor. This can be done at the discretion of the local Quilts of Valor chapter or by the national organization.
- Presentation: The most significant part of the process is the Quilt of Valor presentation. This is a special and often emotional ceremony. The presentation can take place at a formal event, during a military reunion, at a local quilt show, or even in a more personal setting. During the presentation, the recipient is wrapped in the quilt. It is a moment of recognition and appreciation for the individual's service and sacrifice.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in receiving a Quilt of Valor or would like to nominate a deserving individual, we recommend getting in touch with Shelby County 4-H for guidance on the specific process and requirements within Shelby County. Please keep in mind that procedures and requirements may vary, so it's crucial to verify the latest information with the relevant organization.
Locally, we've teamed up with VFW Post 8904 to receive nominations for recipients in our county and to provide support for the quilt presentation ceremony. If you're interested in
nominating a deserving veteran, please reach out to Larry Hume at chiefhume95@gmail.com, and he can send you the nomination form.
If any business or civic organization would like to assist with this project by sponsoring a quilt, please contact the Shelby County Extension Office, Feleshia Thompson, CEA-FCH at 936-598-7744 or by email at Feleshia.thompson@ag.tamu.edu.
