How was your Armed Forces Day???

Well thanks for asking. Elaine and I had the honor and privilege of awarding two Quilts of Valor Saturday. So right off you know it was special.

The first award went to the sister of one of the members of the motorcycle association Elaine and I belong to. It was he who made the request directly. Like most awards we weren't supplied much information about the recipient. We knew she had served in Vietnam as a nurse and it was learned she held a position with Vietnam Veterans of America. You might be familiar with their logo…

  

Well as it turns out that’s not quite all of the story.  Wouldn't  you know we would find ourselves standing in the presence of yet another hero, another patriot, another individual that would relate how humbled she was to be awarded a quilt and not quite sure if she was deserving.  I’m going to let you decide.

Marsha Tansey Four served in country in 1969-1970 as an Army Nurse with the 18^th Surgical Hospital then located in the Quang Tri Province south of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Here she would work with the assigned doctors and staff dealing directly with wounded from the battlefields. For what was described as exceptionally meritorious wartime services she was awarded the Bronze Star. End of story? Go home and settle in to family life and leave the burdens of war behind? You don’t know Marsha.

She has been appointed twice to the Veteran’s Administration’s Secretarial Committee on Women Veterans and served two years as the committee’s chair. For the last 24 years she has devoted her time working with and advocating for veterans. Her contributions include authoring articles, delivering testimony on issues relating to veterans at local, state and federal levels. Sounds like quite a lot. Time to retire to a quiet family life. You don’t know Marsha.

In 1983 she initiated the Philadelphia Stand Down for Homeless Veterans. She just recently retired as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Services and Education Center. It is a non-profit that provides free, comprehensive services to regional veterans. Well at least she has retired. You don’t know Marsha.

Another STQOV finds a very deserving recipient.

In 2013 she was recognized by the White House as a “Champion for Change” for women veterans. I guess I should mention she was selected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs with induction into the Pennsylvania Veteran’s Hall of Fame. Of course this was all going on during the 14 year period where she sat on the National Board of Directors of Vietnam Veterans of America. Quite a resume of accomplishment. Oh you thought I was done…you don’t know Marsha.

In 2013 she was elected Vice President of Vietnam Veterans of America at their National Convention. That position she holds today. Let me assure you…Marsha is nowhere near done. You can also be assured her efforts do not stop with Vietnam Veterans.

Her concerns for the current generation of military members, veterans and their families are as important to her as any other commitment she has made. I’m betting she is like the pit bull when she gets a hold of something; she is not letting go. She is immersed in following the research and findings relating to the toxic exposures of our current military, the effects those toxins, like Agent Orange of my era, has and will have on the offspring of those exposed and what lies ahead for their offspring. Really glad she is on our side. 

Her brother, foreground, back to camera, was the requester...and a very proud brother. 

So for Elaine and I to Award her a Quilt of Valor was quite the honor and privilege. What an inspiration.

Speaking of inspiration. Our next award would take us on this May 17, 2014 Armed Forces Day to base housing and the current home of Brendon O. Currently serving in the United States Marine Corps as a Sergeant, married, two children, and I'd be amiss not to mention the Boxer and Bulldog (you expected a Toy Poodle.) He has served in Afghanistan and Iraq. A Purple Heart recipient and member of 3/5…3^rd Battalion/5th Marine Regiment (Darkhorse) in Afghanistan. “Darkhorse” sustained during their tour from October 2010 to April 2011 25 KIA along with more than 230 wounded. The largest and heaviest sacrifice any combat unit has suffered in the 10 year war in Afghanistan.

Believe me when I say this is one motivated Marine, Marine Family, Marine Sgt and Patriot. Once again the recipient was uttering that he is honored to receive a Quilt of Valor but not certain that he is deserving. His enthusiasm, joy of life, acknowledgement of the sacrifices, those that have been made and those yet to be made influence him daily. He spoke of what keeps him motivated and how what we have is so cherished throughout the world. Is without question or hesitation that at all costs defending this country is his priority. Okay I got goose bumps...big deal.

Okay...go ahead...Ask Us Why We QOV...


Quilt till you wilt...we do. 

It's almost May!!!

So with few words here is what has been going on.

A little 10K Escort Ride @ Ft. Eustis with CVMA

At the Dedication from the event staff at the Scope where The Wall That Heals will be displayed.

Drivers and Truck waiting for us to arrive for escort from Richmond Area to Norfolk

At staging area in Norfolk waiting for Police Escort and other riders.

There are four travelling walls currently. This is the only one directly connected to VVMF.

Even got in a little longarming and QOVing. 

This one is for Elaine's sister and has a lot of family meaning.

Loved the way it came out. 

First time I used this pattern.

I get to do the easy part.

Elaine does all the stuff that makes it a quilt. 

I even got down to Outer Banks for Bike Week. There were a couple of folks at the Harley Dealer.

We got in an Award Presentation or two. This is Josh...he just returned home from a desert community in Afghanistan.

At least while all of this was going on Nikee was taking care of my pillow on the couch. 

Quilt till you wilt...we do.

So Elaine says...

"You know you haven't made a blog entry since March 17th." Well you know she's right...again.
Honestly I haven't had anything to blog about. Not certain anyone wants to know I fought a head cold, have been fighting allergies, worse than ever, for the last two weeks and I kind of figured telling everyone that I shot one over Par on the back nine the other day would probably get about as much reaction as Elaine had. "Oh that's nice." The first time ever in my life I close out nine holes of golf at one over Par and I get "Oh that's nice." So yes, it's been quiet.

That was until yesterday. We set up yesterday, and will be there through Saturday, at the Naval Station Norfolk Main NEX (Naval Exchange). This one is the largest in the world. I think you could put two Target's inside and it makes a Super Walmart look like a Five and Dime. It's huge.

 We are set up just inside the Main Entrance. Which is the entrance under the NEX sign on the left in the above photo. Yes it is a two story facility. Did I mention HUGE.

As mentioned we are just inside the Main Entrance and next to Starbucks. So foot traffic is abundant.

Okay, sorry Diane, oops, didn't see that rack smack dab in front of your face. Here are Elaine and Diane B. manning, oops, womaning the booth. As you can see "Lucy", the Red Eye Singer has made the trip again. The Raffle Quilt is proudly displayed up front, sadly blocking the face of it's maker. The quilt "Don't Tell the Snowman It's Spring" will be drawn for on Saturday afternoon.

Once again we set up the area where people can write Thank You notes that we include with our quilts when awarded. It is always a big hit...at both ends, for those that make them and those that receive.

 You have no idea how much this young women reminded both Elaine and I of my family. She is only one short. I have four brothers. I can tell you without question she rules with an iron fist, reminded me of someone I knew growing up. You won't find these young boys walking around with their pants half way to the floor. I heard "Yes ma'am" more than once.

One of the many that stopped to work on "Lucy." She also signed up for Sew Days. This block was finished about an hour later...each sewer adding a strip. The novelty of a 'hand crank' machine is like magnetic.

So with everything in it's place our week long adventure begins. We are thrilled with our location, they supplied the tables and covers making our load much lighter and with a full candy basket we are off and running. If anything exciting happens we'll let you know. We will be there through Saturday and if you are local hope you get the chance to stop by. If you would like to volunteer, we would love the help. Especially Thursday...I'm feeling really guilty about leaving Elaine alone all day. Well give me a break, it's golf day.

Quilt till you wilt...we do...

Spring Festival Recap

What worked and what didn't I think is going to be the theme.

I'll start with what didn't, it is the shorter of the two lists.
The 2014 QOVF Pins - Taking into consideration this was not a quilter's event but an event full of other crafts the sale of pins was not considered to be a mover and shaker. It wasn't. I even tried giving them away to folks that made donations of $5 or more. No takers.

What did work...everything else

Sign Up Sheet - for attending QOV Sew Ins. We pulled in 29 new Names, phone numbers and emails that all had an interest in sewing for QOV. Almost all were experienced quilters and a few new to quilting but wanted to be more involved.

Brouchures, Pattern Sheet and Bare Bones Handouts - Huge success. Generated a lot of interest in QOVF, what it does and how it does it. I'm betting Elaine will get some request from this. The pattern was a big hit with sewers that don't quilt. Very interested in making blocks sending to Elaine and having them made into quilts. The Basic Requirements (Bare Bones) also drew interest. I would say the majority went to quilters or friends of quilters that didn't know just exactly how to go about making a QOV. They know now as well as the friends were going to pass them on to others they knew that had the same questions.

Thank You Cards - We got 50 cards completed. Some were from the kids but the majority were adults. It was nice to see.

Raffle Quilt - We sold 150 tickets for Moon Over Miami. Elaine was quite pleased. The Winner was drawn at 4 PM on Sunday. She happen to still be in the building so we were able to get her photo. Pat C. was very excited. She was thinking of using it for a new grand baby's crib. That was until Elaine mentioned it had a sleeve for hanging. The baby will be getting something else. If time allows we will get another raffle quilt in the works.

Donations - We took in $148 in donations. We were very pleased. Not sure how that would work out. We were going to 'stuff' the container on the first day. It had like $10 in it before Elaine got to it. Too cool. Next time we set up we will eliminate the "pin" verbiage and the "check" information and elaborate more on the cash donation opportunities they have while visiting our booth.

Photo Display - As shown below, far left. We will be increasing the size from 4X6 to at least 5X7. We have another display board we will be using for more photos. They drew a lot of interest.

We had some candy as well...Thanks Marianne. That lasted about an hour and a half. We went out an bought some to finish the other 2.75 days. There was a candy vendor several booths from us. He was selling his stuff for $30 a pound. Yours cleaned his clock. He didn't have one piece with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor on it. What a dud. 

Visitors - A lot. When she wasn't sewing on the Red Eye she was talking. And there was a lot of talking. We even got some help from Susan. She is in one of the Bees Elaine belongs to and was a tremendous asset. You'll find this particular Bee to be very QOVF active. 

The talking with the Festival attendees will go down as our biggest success. There are several hundred, probably more, that now know about QOVF. Our opening line when someone walked up was, "Are you familiar with Quilts of Valor?" I have to admit the number of "No's" was shocking. We are the home of the largest Naval Base on this Earth, a Master Jet Base, Oceana,  minutes from Langley Air Force Base and numerous other installations including the home of Seal Team 6. Their gonna know now...them not knowing was a huge motivator. 

More sewing and more talking...led to some very rewarding contacts. 

Elaine made two exceptional contacts. One was the Branch Manager of the Norfolk Public Library, Little Creek Branch. You know the one across the street from the home of Seal Team 6. She has offered use of the Conference Facility for Sew Ins and other events we may like to put on there. 

The other was quite a shock. She knew about us (QOVF) but hadn't met anyone that was associated with QOVF. She was more excited than Elaine about QOVF and that's hard to be. She wants us to set up booths just like this one several times a year in her little facility. Lynn is the Service Operations Manager for the Navy Exchange (NEX) on that little base I mentioned, you remember, the largest Naval Base on this planet. And wouldn't you know it, one of her bestest of buddies is the NEX Service Operations Manager on that Master Jet Base. Well don't that beat all. Darn the luck. 

So to say we had a good week end is like thinking the ice visible above the water line is all there is to an iceberg. We didn't have a good week end...we had a fantastic, humongous and exceptionally rewarding week end. I guess it was just your standard QOVF week end when all is said and done. Of course I'm not done...

It was a success, huge success but it wasn't just Elaine's planning and execution. She had some help from some very special people. Yes they are associated with QOVF. Elaine spent some time on the phone with both Betsy P and Marianne E. Their input, experience, willingness to share falls into the Master Card category of PRICELESS. 

Lastly, but most certainly not the least of importance at all.,we made a presentation to a WWII veteran, Ernest. No pictures as we have not received them. Naturally it was special, they all are. But in this case it was the grandfather of the EMG Manager, Steve, that runs the Festival. Well not only did the grandfather not know he was getting awarded a Quilt of Valor, but neither did the grandson. Steve's Event Director, Denise was Elaine's contact. Elaine explained what we did during their numerous phone conversations. Well Denise, in passing, ask Steve if his grandfather was a veteran. He confirmed he was and that was it. All about a month ago. So when he escorted his grandfather to our booth under Denise's direction when we went into the presentation he was as shocked as his grandfather. Steve would come by later to tell us his grandfather was a little 'lighter in step' for the rest of the day. And you could tell Steve was too. Go ahead ask us...Why do we QOV? 

Quilt till you wilt...we do. 

Another Great Quilt's of Valor Day

Any day that we have the opportunity to award a Quilt of Valor is a good day. But just like some steak dinners are good, others are great. This was a Saturday that falls into that great category.
We started Saturday at Station 10 in Hampton, VA. The son of one of our friends and fellow guild member, Diane B., works out of this Station. His service was with the US Army. His tours would have him serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.

The Ladder Truck, Squad and Engine had been moved out for daily cleaning and maintenance so we took up the Bay. Looking on were Joshua's coworkers, his mother, wife, brother and friends as I read the presentation message. We moved outside with the equipment to get a couple of photo's.

Me, Elaine, Joshua and his mom Diane.

Okay so I had a pretty good time. What kid could resist an offer to climb up on a Ladder Truck. Certainly not this one.

Just having too much fun. And it's like only 9:00 in the AM.














From here we would be headed back to the Hampton Convention Center and day three of the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Fest. As a result of this years event and being in the right place at the right time I got to meet two fellow Marines. As it turned out with Peter M. we had quite a few similarities in life. Marines, month and year of birth, Vietnam, same places, same time, different units. We both have a brother named David, we both are retired law enforcement, he NYPD while I spent a career with the CHP. While members of our respective departments we became involved in training and spent time at our Academies as instructors. And the unknown crossing of paths for these two 19 year old Marines, that would be three before the show was over, would cross again 48 years later. Pete and I got a pretty good laugh out of this crossing.
Pete, "Would you have guessed 30 years ago we would be involved in quilting?"
Me, "Not in a million years."
Pete was working the streets of New York and I the highways of Los Angeles 30 years ago and I can assure you quilting was not in our vocabulary.
Also roaming the halls of the Mid Atlantic Quilt Fest, the one managed by Pete's company, was Jose C. Jose had made the Marine Corps his career for 30 years, not only would he find himself in harm's way in Vietnam but Iraq as well. He was now working as a Technician for one of our local Quilt Shops and was doing duty in one of the many classrooms, diligently watching over the many quilters and machines to keep things running smoothly. That's what Marines do. It would be on the first day of the show that he, I and Pete would meet up. I had met Pete the day before. As it turned out Jose was also in Vietnam at the same time. I don't even want to try and figure out the odds of three Marines, serving in Vietnam at the same time in different units hooking up 48 years later at a Quilt Show. But it happened. So what is Marine suppose to do.
Improvise, adapt and overcome. Not to mention scramble to get two quilts ready for an impromptu and very surprising Award. With the help of Pete's brother David we were able to get Pete into Jose's classroom just prior to the classes lunch break. We had told Pete we were presenting a Quilt of Valor to Jose and it would really be good if he and his wife could make it by. They did. I would be lying through my teeth if I didn't say this was the absolutely hardest time I've had trying to keep it together for any Award. I made it, barely. It was capped off with Pete saying, "I'll cherish this forever." Go ahead...Ask Me Why I QOV.

Some of the onlookers. The lady kneeling in the center of the photo was the class instructor and key to all of this coming together. Her allowing us some of her class time goes in that priceless category.

To my left Peter M. and Jose C. Two Marines I've known a lifetime that I met over the last two days. If that doesn't make sense just chalk it up to it's a Marine thing.

I'm here to tell you this was special...I personally know the quilters that crafted these and I longarmed them both. It made it all the more special that I had something to do with the making of these quilts.
Are they all special. Yes each and everyone. Do some come along that pull just a little harder on the heart. Yes, yes they do.


Quilt till you wilt...we do.