By Dewey Terrill
The goal of the Quilt of Valor program is to recognize service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts..
In this area the Central Kansas Flint Hills Area Quilts of Valor project has been under way for 10 years. During a luncheon program Monday at the United Methodist Church in Chapman one service member, James Woody Jr., Abilene, received a Quilt of Valor.
Woody served 23 years in the Army and was deployed much of that time. Among those tours were four stints in Iraq. He received two Purple Hearts.
Woody stated, "I was surprised. I kind of knew a little bit about it but I didn't know anything about Willie or anything like this, or this many people being here that cared."
There was a good turnout of central Kansas residents for the luncheon. Some of those included members of the Chapman High School volleyball team who led the audience in singing and dancing to the Wabash Cannonball.
The volleyball team members helped serve the meal to those in attendance.
The Coordinator for the event and member of the original committee for the project, Donna Martinson, said approximately 500 quilts made by more than 100 quilters have been presented during the 10-year period.
Donations totaling more than $20,000 have been received to help provide supplies to make the quilts.
Some longtime quilters were honored.
Woody. thanked the audience for their support and the quilt, He noted following his marriage because of tours of duty it was five years before he was able to be home for Christmas.
James Woody Jr. retired in 2012. His longest stint in the military was spent in the 1st infantry Division.