Quilts of Valor chapter honors local veterans with handmade quilts

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - For 23 years, quilters across the country have been covering service members and veterans touched by war with Quilts of Valor.

“It really is a work of art,” said Deborah Agee, a member of Quilts of Valor. “I love red, white, and blue. And just putting the colors together. Just picking up one color after the other and matching them and seeing the beauty that they bring.”

The Stars Over Mobile chapter part of the Azalea City Quilters Guild of the National Quilts of Valor Foundation provides more than 70 quilts per year to veterans who have defended freedom.

“Being able to see the smiles on the faces and the warm hugs that this gives the veterans to thank them for their service, especially those who came home from Vietnam,” said Joyce Reed, a member of Quilts of Valor.

The chapter recently awarded quilts to two Vietnam veterans, Ruben Miller and Terry McIntosh.

“Is that not the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. That’s really nice. It’s going on my bed, where I’ll be reminded every day,” McIntosh said.

Miller said he was honored to receive the quilt.

“I am so appreciative. And the patience that went in to doing this — I am honored. And I accept in on behalf of the rest of the veterans,” he said.

Veteran quilter honors fellow service members

Karen Gordon is both a quilter and a veteran. She served 15 years in the Air Force and was in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield Desert Storm in the 1990s.

Gordon was surprised with her own Quilt of Valor about a year after joining the group in 2021.

“There was about 6 motorcycle vets there and I wasn’t expecting mine — and they did mine last and it just shocked me. Very emotional. I was in tears,” she said.

Nancy Williams helped make Gordon’s quilt.

“Very heartwarming that we were able to do something very special for her,” Williams said.

Williams said honoring veterans made her think of her father, who served during World War II in the Pacific theater.

Gordon is inspired by all the veterans who have served, including her son, who is currently deployed in the Middle East.

“He’s over in the Middle East right now as we speak. I’m very proud of my son right now,” she said.

The chapter continues working on quilts for more veterans.

Quilts of Valor was founded in 2003 and now has more than 11,000 quilters.