Local veterans honored with Quilts of Valor by

Josh Flynn, Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, Ind.
·1 min read

Jun. 22—Two Cass County veterans were honored for their service Tuesday afternoon in a small ceremony at the West Side Diner.

Veterans Dan Turney and Skip Perry were given Quilts of Valor by Donna Geisler, VFW chaplain, and Liz Troxell, president of VFW Auxiliary Post No. 3790.

The presentation was delayed three years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It's been a long time coming," said Geisler.

Turney served from 1974 until 2002 and was stationed in Clovis, New Mexico, Madrid and at Grissom Air Force Base.

Perry served from 1959 until 1980, and served in Vietnam. He was also stationed in England, Morocco, New York, Colorado, Alabama and Washington D.C.

The quilts were presented by Carol Ives and Jane Zook, quilters from Flora, Indiana, representing Quilts of Valor.

Quilts of Valor began in 2003 when founder Catherine Roberts had a dream. She saw a soldier struggle with the trauma of war. Later in the dream, she saw the soldier comforted in a quilt. The dream inspired her to begin making quilts for veterans. Since then, Quilts of Valor has grown into a national organization, and over 300,000 quilts have been presented to those who served. There are 600 Quilts of Valor groups across the country.

Turney said it was unbelievable to receive the quilt.

"Every veteran should be able to go through this, and I know it's an amazing opportunity," he said.

"I had never expected anything like this," Perry said. "I've been out of the service for many years. I don't think about it too much anymore. It's a wonderful honor."

Ives closed the presentation with a prayer and the singing of "God Bless America."