“We want to recognize our veterans for their bravery and sacrifice,” said Marshall area Quilts of Valor group member Eileen Fuhrmann. “This quilt represents our nation’s gratitude.”

This weekend, the Marshall area Quilts of Valor group presented veterans Mike Lamfers, Brian Besse, Jes Mellenthin, Ron Sussner, Hal Meyer and Don Kor with their own patriotic-patterend quilts.

“We are very honored to be here today, to award these Quilts of Valor,” Fuhrmann said.

Quilts of Valor is a national organization that was founded in 2003 by a mother whose son was deployed in Iraq at the time, Fuhrmann said.

Photo by Deb Gau Presenters wrapped a quilt around Mike Lamfers' shoulders during Saturday's program.

“That provided the initial inspiration, and her desire to see the returning troops were welcomed home with love and gratitude,” she said. Since 2003,

the Quilts of Valor Foundation has presented quilts to more than 430,000 veterans nationwide. The local Quilts of Valor group, Pieces for Heroes, has made and presented a total of 509 quilts since 2018.

Saturday’s presentation ceremony included short biographies of each veteran’s military service. Presenter Bruce Fuhrmann said getting to interview veterans and hear their stories was one of the things he enjoyed about the event.

“It’s always interesting, the stories that I get to share,” he said.

The most recent group of quilt recipients included veterans from the Army, Navy and Marines, who served in conflicts including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and in Afghanistan.

Photo by Deb Gau Veteran Brian Besse received a quilt from members of the area Quilts of Valor group on Saturday.

Lamfers served in the Marines form 1965-69, and was assigned to an infantry battalion that provided security for an artillery unit.

“They traveled all over Vietnam. They usually spent about six weeks in an area and then would move again,” Fuhrmann said.

Kor served in the Army from 1966 to 1967. He was assigned to the combat engineers and served around both Saigon and the northern part of South Vietnam. After completing his tour overseas, Kor also served for six months in a transportation unit in Fort Carson, Colorado.

Meyer served in both the Marines and the Army, Fuhrmann said. Meyer served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, first as a clerk typist, and then as infantry. Meyer is a Purple Heart recipient, Fuhrmann said.

Sussner served in the Army from 1969-72 and then in the Army National Guard until 1995. Sussner was assigned to the 63rd Engineers, and served in northern Vietnam along the Cambodian border. In Vietnam, Sussner’s unit worked on building roads, bridges, “or whatever else was needed,” Fuhrmann said.

Photo by Deb Gau Quilts of Valor members wrapped Jes Mellenthin in a quilt in honor of his military service.

Besse served in the Navy from 1988 through 1992. Besse was sent to Naval Air Station Oceana at Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he worked on F14 Tomcat fighter jets attached to the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy. Besse served a tour in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Fuhrmann said.

Mellenthin served in the Marines, and worked on CH53 Stallion heavy lift helicopters, Fuhrmann said. Mellenthing was stationed at different bases during his service, including in California, Japan, and Afghanistan.

As each veteran was wrapped in a Quilt of Valor, Eileen Fuhrmann reminded them that the warmth and comfort represented the thanks of their nation.

“Your bravery has helped secure the freedoms we enjoy every day. We are honored to recognize you with a symbol of our appreciation,” she said. “We hope your quilt provides healing, peace and comfort.”

Photo by Deb Gau Ron Sussner was honored with a quilt from the area Quilts of Valor group.

Photo by Deb Gau Veteran Don Kor was wrapped in a Quilt of Valor during Saturday's program.