Quilt of Valor Presentation #3

The special label

At the end of September, I was honored to wrap a QOV around the shoulders of Butch. When I asked Butch if I could nominate him for a quilt, he immediately replied that there were other more deserving veterans. I told him that I would like to honor him. Then I asked if he would like to see the quilt that I had stitched for him.

Quilt pattern: Indigo Way 2023 Bonnie Hunter mystery

He replied, "You made me a quilt?" His eyes were wide and his normal loud voice was so soft. I showed him the quilt. He touched it like he was thinking... for me? He looked at me and said "YES!" So we completed the nomination form. Later, I arranged to pick up the label that the area QOV group provides for each presented quilt.

Butch served in the navy during the Vietnam war. He said he was based in California; but, most of his deployment was spent aboard one of three ships.

Butch wrapped in his quilt

He wanted to have the presentation in the presence of his coffee buddies so that was what we did. There were a couple wives in attendance too! I love the smile on his face because it is an actual smile. He wanted a photo with his buddies so of course that happened!

The "Boys" and me

Seeing him so tickled will stay with me a long time. He does so much for others and asks for nothing. Having this ceremony just for him did honor him. He was amazed to learn that the lifetime number of veterans comforted at the end of August was 421,941. The rest of the boys also were surprised at the number of quilts awarded! Documenting this presentation was goal number eleven on my October list.