Friends and family crowded into the Soule-Shuman VFW Post in Waldoboro June 24, as the Lincoln County Quilters honored local veterans with their 2012 Quilts of Valor presentation.
The Lincoln County Quilts of Valor effort is modeled on a national program in which volunteer quilters present handcrafted quilts to American veterans as tokens of the nation’s esteem.
In the national program some quilts are donated to the program to be awarded to any living combat veteran.
According to Lincoln County Quilter Lu Archer, with all due respect and honor to veterans across the country, Lincoln County Quilters are focusing their efforts on presenting quilts to local living veterans.
“We decided we want to take care of our own, first,” she said.
Archer said the quilters have an ever growing list of veterans who are eligible to receive quilts. Veterans are usually contacted to ask if they would accept a quilt. Almost everyone the quilters contact expresses some interest, Archer said.
Currently the quilters are hoping to make a quilt for each and every living World War II and Korean War veteran before moving on to veterans of America’s more recent conflicts.
Sometimes the Lincoln County Quilters find eligible veterans through more formal channels, like the local VFW or American Legion Post, or town office, and sometimes through word of mouth.
Lincoln County quilter Kathy Alley said the organization is always on the lookout for eligible veterans.
“I would just like to spread the word,” Alley said. “If anyone wants to get in touch with us and give us names, that would be wonderful.”
The quilters usually meet once a month, except during the summer months.
During their meetings, the quilters share tips and tricks and work together on various projects. Taking on the most elaborate, intricate details in assembly line fashion, quilters usually turn out the pieces for the elaborate facings in one evening of work. Members add the finishing touches on their own time in between meetings.
Designs can be suggested, copied in part from a magazine or other source, or originate with a member, Archer said.
Veterans who received the quilts described themselves as very touched by the gesture.
Vietnam veteran Solomon E. Orff said this quilt was the second time in his life he had received an honor for his service in Vietnam. The other time was when Rep. Michaud’s office helped Orff obtain a medal that was on his record.
Gulf War veteran Angela Nelder said her quilt will likely hang on her wall. “I was very surprised that someone would take the time to do that,” Nelder said.
2012 Lincoln County Quilters Quilts of Valor honorees include:
Gary A. Delano, Army, Vietnam 1966-1967: E-5 Delano served as aircraft armament repair technician and as a door gunner. His military honors include a National Defense Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Aircraft Crewman’s Badge (One Overseas Bar); Vietnam Service Medal and Air Medal First OLC “V.” He received the quilt “Rail Fence.”
Solomon E. Orff, Army, Vietnam, 1967-1969: SP-4 Orff was a Rifleman Team Leader, and machine gunner with the 25th Infantry Division, 4/9 Manchu’s Co.; Motor Sgt. for A-Company.
His military honors include Expert Rifle, Machine Gun, and 45 Pistol Medals, Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, State of Maine Certificate of Appreciation, Silver Star Honorable Service Medal. He received the quilt “Patriotic Spider Web.”
Wayne Johnston, Navy, Vietnam, 1969-1970: Johnston served as a cook aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy. He was awarded an Outstanding Performance of Operational Equipment commendation. His quilt was created by his wife, Pat.
Angela Nelder, Army, Operation Desert Storm, 1990-1991: 1st Lt. Nelder was a supply officer with 1st Cavalry Division. She received the quilt “Patriotic Pinwheels.”
Joseph V. Lepak, Army, Vietnam, 1968. Specialist E-4 Lepak served as a field medic, ambulance driver and corpsman at Battalion Aid. His military honors include a Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster (the Oak Leaf represents a second Purple Heart). He received the quilt “Disappearing 4-Patch.”
Wayne Northrup, Air Force, Vietnam, 1968-1969: E-5 Staff Sergeant Northrup was a key-punch operator with the 485 Geeia Squadron. His military honors include a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Small-Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Special Operations Group Ribbon and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He received the quilt “Log Cabin.”
Frank C. Elwell, Army, Vietnam, 1970-1971. Frank Elwell, assigned to the 1099th Transportation Co., provided fuel delivery to helicopters and served as a landing craft operator. His military honors include an Army Commendation Medal. He received the quilt “Blocks & Stars.”
Jerry A. Elwell, Army, Vietnam, 1966-1972: Jerry Elwell served during the Tet Offensive in 1968 and a tank and Armored Personnel Carriers operator with the 5th Infantry, 60th Battalion, 9th Division. He also served as a Combat Medic with 9th Medical Co. His military honors include a National Defense and National Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharp Shooter Badge, Combat Medic Badge, Silver Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal and three Purple Hearts. He received the quilt “Bars & Stars.”
Charles Martin, Army, Vietnam; 1968-1969: Sgt. Martin served as a radio operator with Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry. His military honors include a Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. He received the quilt “American Eagle.”
Joseph F. Gray, Army, World War II, 1942-1947. Capt. Gray served in North Africa, Italy, Casino, Anzio, France, Germany, and Austria. His military honors include a Good Conduct medal (North Africa, Middle East Campaign), WWII Victory, and Army of Occupation Medal. He received the quilt “Lu’s Squares.”
Jolene Cunningham, Air Force, Vietnam. Cunningham served during the Vietnam era as an Aerospace Systems and Warning Control Operator, stationed in Duluth, Minn. She received “Hearts and Stars.”
Pete Souza, Marines, Vietnam, 1969-1971: Gunnery Sgt. Souza earned a Purple Heart. He received the quilt “Spinning Star.”
Arthur E. McFarland, Navy, Korea: McFarland was attached to the 7th Fleet, serving as 2nd class Damage Control. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and a Performance of Duty Medal. He received the quilt “Liberty.”
Frank Greenleaf, Army, Vietnam, 1966-1967: Sp-4 Greenleaf served in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division. His military honors include a Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal, Parachute Badge, Air Assault Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross, Presidential Unit Citation and a Valorous Unit Award. Greenleaf’s quilt was created by his wife, Karen.
