Nancy McClain talked about the quilts area residents made for a trio of veterans at a Quilts of Valor presentation at the Lyon County Fair. Three Vietnam War veterans, including David Hubbard (at center), Don Senden and Wayne VanMalegham, were wrapped in quilts in thanks for their military service.

MARSHALL — Area veterans were in the spotlight at the Lyon County Fair on Saturday morning, as three Vietnam War vets were awarded Quilts of Valor.

“We want them to feel very special today,” said Nancy McClain, of Quilts of Valor.

In a short program, Quilts of Valor were presented to David Hubbard, Don Senden and Wayne VanMalegham.

There were also some surprises in store at Saturday’s program. Bruce Fuhrmann, a member of the Marshall American Legion post who has also worked with the local Quilts of Valor group, was presented with an Outstanding Veteran award. The Marshall area Quilts of Valor members were also recognized as Hometown Heroes by the Modern Woodmen.

In the program, McClain explained the group’s mission. Members of the Marshall unit of Quilts of Valor, which is called Pieces for Heroes, meet twice a month in Marshall to work on quilts with patriotic patterns. These are presented to U.S. military service members and veterans, to help provide warmth and comfort in hard times.

McLain encouraged people in the audience to nominate veterans and service members to receive quilts. Since 2017, the area Quilts of Valor group has presented around 400 quilts to veterans and service members.

“We need everybody’s help out there,” she said.

Fuhrmann shared a little bit about the background of each of Saturday’s quilt recipients. Hubbard served in the Navy from 1969 to 1971. During that time, he was sent to Vietnam, where he worked in equipment operations and as a truck driver. Hubbard delivered supplies to all branches of U.S. military service in the area around Tu Lieu, Vietnam, Fuhrmann said.

Senden served in the Army from 1969 to 1971. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion/35th Artillery as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, and was later reassigned to the 2nd Battalion/32nd Artillery near Long Binh.

VanMalegham also served in the Army, but from 1969 to 1972, Fuhrmann said. Van Malegham trained as an artillery mechanic and served with the 24th Corps Heavy Artillery in Vietnam. After completing his tour, he was sent to Germany and finished his military service there.

“We are so thrilled to be able to provide quilts to our special veterans,” McLain said. “Our goal is to cover every current service member and also our veterans who have been in a war or associated with it, and helping those that come back.”

The ceremony wasn’t over after that, however. Both Fuhrmann and the Quilts of Valor members were surprised with additional honors for their work supporting veterans. Glenda Vizecky presented Fuhrmann with the second annual Outstanding Veteran of Lyon County award.

“I didn’t know that I was going to get this, but I really appreciate it,” Fuhrmann said. “I really enjoy working with Quilts of Valor and with the Legion, and working with the veterans.”

The local Quilts of Valor unit was also presented with a Modern Woodmen Hometown Heroes award.

“I am kind of surprising this group today. They turned me down once, because they didn’t feel they were heroes,” Vizecky said. “We recognize your achievements and appreciate your contribution to your community.”