Letters – American Hero Quilts

Some of the letters and e-mails we’ve received (please note that we wish to honor the privacy of our brave service men and women so we do not show pictures or names of our quilt recipients). . .

“We received one of your beautiful quilts from Franciscan hospice. We are both veterans and honored to receive one of your quilts. My husband was completely honored and in awe of your incredible work. The quilt is beautiful. It helped provide both him and family comfort and warmth as we naviaged this unfortunate journey. My husband lost the war to cancer in 11/10/24. Thank you again.”
“Today, my Dad was given one of your beautiful quilts from the CHI-Franciscan Hospice. This was a complete surprise and so very much appreciated. My father served thirty yeaars in the Navy, including time during the Vietnam War. He flew many missions overseas as a pilot and always considered himselt the fortunatee one to be able to do this military service. His quilt is now draped on his bed, where it will keep him warm as he transitions to “the next deployment in heaven.” (My Mom, who has dementia, wrote that phrase on the box of all dad’s service medals and Navy hats.) Thank yllu for using your talents to provide this comfort to our heroes. On behalf of my Dad and our family, Thank you.”
“I wanted to drop you a line and relay the appreciation of the Soldiers of the Soldier Recovery Unit on JBLM. Your quilts have been a great comfort to our Soldiers. Last year, my CSM and I visited a terminally ill Soldier at Madigan. We witnessed something truly heart felt and touching. As they were crying, two young nurses presented ______(cancer patient) with one of your quilts on her last day on Earth. _____’s parents were in the room also. We alll watched in silence as this quilt was unfolded to show her the pattern. _______ held onto the quilt, held out her hand and hugged the nurses. It was a moment I will remember the rest of my life. I want your group to know that your hard work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”
“I just wanted to thank you and the volunteers of your organization. I was medically evacuated from my deployment and I don’t have much here with me. With the recent cold weather, this quilt is now keeping me from feeling like I am freezing at night in my barracks room. The folks at SFAC here at JBLM speak very highly of your organization. Also, everyone I have met here that has one of these quilts, just loves them. I see people walk in with them with a smile on their face. From all of us, THANK YOU!”
“My name is ________. I am a service member in the US Army. I wanted to send this letter to say thank you so much for the time you take to make such a beautiful quilt.”
“My name is ________ and I am currently deployed to Al Udeid in Qatar. I am assigned to the En-Route Patient Staging Facility (ERPSF) and our misssion is to care for wounded American warriors who are in the process of being evacuated out of the area towards a higher level of medical care. About two months ago, we received 180 handmade quilts from the American Hero Quilts and we are so incredibly thankfull for your generous donation.. Every patient at our facility is offered one of your gorgeous quilts. We have received numerous comments from the patients stating how much they love the quilts and how excited they are to keep one as a reminder of their deployment. For some of them, your quilts are one of the only positive things they receive during this difficult time period. . .One of the members of our unit is on her second deployment here. Her first time was in 2016 and she still has the quilts she received at that time. Her family loves them! Her six year old son has one of quilts on his bed right now, keeping him warm while his mother is deployed. The last two months have been very busy at the ERPSF and we are down to only a few quilts. If is it possible to receive additional donations of quilts from the American Hero Quilts we would highly appreciate it. Thank you for everything you do for our military!” (***Per Sue: “Will be shipping 100 quilts to Qatar in early December, 2023.”)
“Tremendous appreciation for you and your teams across our great USA!! My daughter received a quilt in Qatar where she is currently deployed Air Force Base. Those quilts really mean alot to our soldiers! Please continue making them available to our troops. Much thanks and prayers for you!”
“I received one of your quilts at a recent Wounded Warrior Project Alumni, Women’s event with AMVETS in Tacoma. . .I just want to say thank you. I appreciate you making such a beautiful quilt. It was an unexpected surprise. It fills a void in my life and triggered me remembering something positive from my childhood. I love the quilt. Thanks to your volunteers for making them.”
“I attended the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Retiree Appreciation Day yesterday, 19 May, and entered my name in a drawing to receive a quilt. I won! The quilt is beautiful, so well made, and love the patriotic colors. I am a 31-year Army veteran who retired in the Puget Sound area and greatly appreciate all the time, effort, and love that went into making the quilt. I will cherish and treasure this gift. Thank you!”
“I wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for the gorgeous homemade quilts put together by your organization. I arrived at my deployed location in Qatar in April and received one quilt a few days after I got there. I was deeply touched to receive the quilt being a quilter myself and immediately felt that I was back home. The workmanship of the quilt, the patriotic colors, the attention to detail, and the love put into the quilts blew me away and is astounding. I had limited room in my checking bag and was unable to bring any other blankets other than my sleeping bag. When I got to my dorm I had brought a blanket because the air conditioning unit made the room chilly; and the quilt I received bolstered the bedding that I already had. The quilt has kept me warm since I have been here and it is so nice to know that there are Americans back home who care about the military mission and devote time to making quilts. Thank you so much!”
“To start off, Merry Christmas to you and all your wonderful volunteers! About two years ago when I arrived to my deployed location, I was scrounging through the linen tent to get my bedding and that’s where I first saw your beautiful quilt. It was a nice reminder of home amongst sheets and blankets reminiscent of a hospital. When I was headed home, I decided to bring it with. The following year I was asked on short notice to deploy again and brought it back out with me. The most recent deployment saw us shutting down Afghanistan and airlifting over one hundred thousand refugees from Kabul, which I personally had a hand in, along with many others of the Air Force’s finest airmen. The days were long and grueling, but I could sleep tight with my quilt. Its size and light weight make it perfect for travel and despite its packability it keeps me very warm on cold plane rides! I can safely say my wife and two daughters are grateful for it as well. So thank you again for our lovely quilt; I want it to be with my family for as long as it can last. And thank you for doing it for so many others over the years as well.”
“Hello Sue and all the wonderful people at American Hero Quilts. I had a wonderful surprise today at the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 53 meeting. I was presented with one of your fantastic quilts. I am so gratefully appreciative of all your thoughtfulness and effort making such a wonderful gift. Thank you everyone for remembering those that proudly served our country.”
“Thank You for the beautiful quilt you made for my late husband, ___________. I am so touched by this kindness, and I know he would have been thrilled at the recognition of his service to our country. I can feel the love in every stitch. I am sure he is looking down from heaven with gratitude for all of your quilters, thanking them for honoring the Viet Name veterans and welcoming them home. Bless you for making these symbols of love and caring. It means so much to all who receive them.”
“I want to thank you so much for all the efforts by the American Hero Quilters for the “Hug” I felt when I received my Hero Quilt. After returning home from Viet Nam I never got the welcome home feeling. Now I have it from you”
“My name is ____________. My wife and I received a quilt made by you. We are very grateful for your time and effort and love put into this quilt. My wife, _______, is the service member in my family. Although I am very proud of my wife for her service in the military. . .that is not the purpose of my letter. Two years ago in March, my brother lost his fight with PTSD. After two tours in Iraq, my brother was not the same. Two more tours, four in total, the man I knew as my brother was gone. In March 2019, I got the call that my brother took his life. Today is December 16, 2020, as I sat on the couch with my brother on my mind, the quilt was on the couch beside me. As I wrapped myself with it I felt the love that was put into it. At the same time I felt my brother’s love too. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“Hello! My son who is in the USAF just returned back to the United States with a beautiful quilt that someone made from your organization. I just want to thank you for this beautiful quilt. It was useful to him while he was deployed but he really needed it when he returned. My son returned home with nothing except his quilt. He didn’t have a pillow, towels or even a blanket but he did have his quilt. I just want you all to know how valuable this quilt was to him and to this mom who knows there are good people who really care about our men and women who serve our country. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving my son something to wrap his tired self with. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!”
“I would personally like to say Thank You for the quilt I received during my Medical Evaluation Board process. I have served twenty years in the Army and have been to various different states and countries. It is always a blessing and morale booster when you know organizations in the community support what out service members do. Its organizations like yours that have allowed me to continue serving in our Armed Forces. When I have days that have been tough or I feel like I have no more to give to our Armed Forces its organizations like yours that give me the strength to power through. Please continue the great things that you have done. It does not go unnoticed. God Bless America, your organization and all the volunteers.”
This is from a Hospice group in Tacoma, Washington. From the grandmother: “Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt! Our grandson is a hero and like all the other boys deserves our love and caring. What a wonderful tribute to our “wounded warrior”!” From the grandson: “I am a little overwhelmed still by this quilt and the history behind it. Thank you for such an amazing gift. Enclosed is one of my unit patches worn during one of my tours of service during Operation Enduring Freedom–Afghanistan, 2006.”
“I received one of your quilts a few days ago and I wanted to let you know how much it meant to me. I was deployed to Afghanistan the past six months and with less than a week left, I tested positive for COVID. I was sent to Germany, where I am today, to recover before I can be sent home. Before getting on the plane to Germany, the hospital staff in Afghanistan gave me one of your amazing quilts. I absolutely love it and it brought a little warmth to a cold and uncertain situation. Thank you so much for doing what you do and for all your support, the troops truly appreciate it!”
“Just wanted to drop you gracious people a note to say a big THANK YOU. We received a box of the quilts a few months ago, and now that it has gotten cold here in AFG, they are a huge hit! First, they’re lovely and second, they’ve been a God send for a number of our folks who didn’t bring additional bedding. I can’t thank you enough and on behalf of those who are recipients of your gifts, “YOU ALL ROCK!” Peace and joy this holiday season!”
“My husband was given one of your beautiful quilts and he and I could not let things go without giving you all our heartfelt thank you. It must have taken many hands, many hours to get your oh so lovely finished quilt. My husband was a Marine from 1965-1972 and I don’t think he has ever been recognized for his service. Therefore, this quilts means more to him, maybe, than others. So we both thank you for your thoughts and many hours you had in making of his quilt.”
“I received one of your beautiful quilts through Hospice. Thank you for all the hard work and love you put into your quilts.”
“I would like to thank you for taking the time to create such a wonderful gift for soldiers wounded from deployment. I was lucky enough to acquire one of the quilts that your company made. It is a great reminder of how strong the American people are in showing patriotism and support to military personnel. Again, thank you and God Bless!”
“I just wanted to take a moment to say hello and thank you for the service and support that you all provide to us service members around the world. I’m currently on deployment in the mid east with the Navy aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Recently I spent some time ashore in Qatar on an Air Force base and came into possession of a quilt made by American Hero Quilts and it’s so nice and comfortable. Really felt like a small piece of home while serving so far away. Thank you again for the support and all that you do.”
“I am currently deployed to Afghanistan and I was lucky enough to receive one of your beautifully hand made quilts. Being thousands of miles from home and having your quilt to wrap up in every night makes me feel like home isn’t that far away. I appreciate very much your thoughtfulness and generosity.”
“My daughter,______________, passed away at Hospice House on June 17th. She was given a most beautiful red/white/blue quilt which her 15 and 11 year old children now have at their home where they can wrap themselves in a thing of beauty that will forever remind them of their mom. Thank you for your beautiful gift.”
“Thank you so very much for the beautiful quilt that you provided my family in honor of my husband _____________, who served our country more than twenty seven years in the military service.”
“What a surprise I got today when your package arrived. I am deeply honored that your group chose me to receive one of your quilts. You can rest assured that it will be cherished for many years to come. Many thanks to you and all those who helped to make the quilt for me.”
“Thank you soooo much for your beautiful quilts!!!! Each one of them is GORGEOUS! I am currently in Bagram. Your quilts are simply amazing! I made one quilt myself a few years ago; It took me three months! I know how much work, effort and love was put into making them. I am grateful for your support and love! People like you make me want to do so much more every day! I love you. I love the United States. Million times, THANK YOU! GOD BLESS.”
“My Father passed away last month. He was transported from the Hospital to Franciscan Hospice House. A few hours later a beautiful quilt arrived and I laid it over my Dad. He passed the next evening and I stepped out of the room for a bite. When I returned, the quilt lay over him and all I thought was that he looked Regal. It made my saying goodbye easier as I felt he had been honored. Thank you for honoring my Father with this beautiful quilt and for all you do for our service members and veterans.”
“On behalf of the many heroes who have seen served by Franciscan Hospice, we thank you for blessing and honoring them with American Hero Quilts. May this next year be a blessing. . .May we all get a little closer to peace on earth.”
“I’m writing on behalf of my son, _____________, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, JBLM. Thank you so much for the warm and beautiful quilt my son received when he was wounded in combat in Afghanistan last month, it was a great comfort to him, and it truly was like a hug from home. He received his quilt at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan just before he was evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany, enroute to his home base, JBLM in Tacoma, WA. It took almost a week to get him to the States but the quilt was with him every step of the journey and beyond. He suffered a severe gunshot wound to his right dominant hand (that’s why I’m writing instead of him). He still has all his fingers and his thumb but the damage has meant 7 surgeries to date, including a skin graft, with the 8th and final bone graft surgery to be completed in mid-January. He has about 10 months of rehab ahead of him before he can return to his former duties. He is extremely lucky to be alive; one of his team leaders serving under him in the same engagement was not so lucky. When his dad and I finally arrived at his bedside at Madigan Medical center, we were overwhelmed by the beautiful red, white, and blue quilt. We want to thank everyone involved in this wonderful organization for all the time, effort, and love that goes into these quilts, they mean so much to the soldiers and their families! Our son was wrapped in his quilt the entire time he was hospitalized, now it’s on his bed at his apartment. He wanted me to tell you how grateful he is and how much he loves it, and that it provided him so much comfort in the midst of the shock and uncertainty of his injury and subsequent evacuation. He sends a big “thank you” for your kindness!”
“I am SSG ___________, and I just wanted to say thank you for what you do from not only myself but all my fellow comrades in arms. I received my beautiful quilt about 2 months ago from the SFAC that’s part of the WTB at JBLM, WA. I chose one with K9s on it and MPs and dig handlers on it because it meant a lot to me and it’s what I do in the military, so it’s close to home. Thank you again for this lovely art. It means a lot and brings a great comfort to home.”
“I want you to know how very special the beautiful quilt was that was given to my Hero of 56 years, _________, at Hospice House. He was never aware of it, but it meant so much to our family. Thank you so very much.”
“A week before my father, __________, passed away on Sept. 14th 2018, ________, a social worker with Hospice had a small ceremony for my dad honoring his military service during WWII. One of the items he received was a beautiful handmade quilt. He was quite moved by its patriotic theme and beauty. Unfortunately, due to the warm weather he was never able to use it. Dad passed peacefully with his loved ones by his side. Because he did not have the opportunity to use the quilt when he was living, we decided to cover him with it after he had passed away. It was only for a few hours. I now have the quilt on my bed. It gives me great comfort, not only for the military significance that it carries but because I know it was the last item that touched Dad. My family and I want to thank everyone who had a hand in creating the quilt. It is one of our most treasured possessions!! Thank you so very much.”
“My husband and I would love to thank you so very much for the gorgeous quilt that was given to him. You are blessing so many people! You all are heroes and so very gifted to share your talents! God bless you all for the many hours you spent creating beautiful quilts.”
“I would like to thank you so very much. The quilts means a lot to me. I have not written a letter since I used to write my mom when I was in Vietnam, so please bear with me. It brought tears to my eyes. I show it to every one and am very proud of it. Please tell every one involved Thank You and God bless to all.”
“Hello. I just wanted to tell you thank you so much for the beautiful quilts that we are able to cover our patients in as they transition to home. We are an Aeromedical Evacuation Flight Squadron–so we take the wounded from a hospital down range to Germany and then to the United States. We love being able to put a beautiful American quilt that is handmade on them to keep them warm and provide them the comfort they need. They are able to keep these beautiful keepsakes also. I am just amazed at how many quilts we have for the patients and that are provided to the hospital here in Afghanistan. It is unbelievable the work that you all do. Thank you so much from all of here that care for the wounded. You bless us and you bless our patients.”
“Thank you for everything American Hero Quilts does for our service members. I volunteer at my local VA Community Living and Rehab Center and see on a weekly basis what wounded and recovering service members go through. Knowing that someone cares enough to think about what they need off the battlefield means a lot to them. Keep up the good work!
“I’m currently in the US Army and have a combined US Marine and US Army Career lasting over 31 years. I have eight combat deployments along with countless other theater operational engagements and multiple medical issues that I’m currently being treated for. I have just completed the TBI MIST IOP here at JBLM Washington. One of the counseling sessions got us in contact with a representative from the SFAC. This gentleman was kind enough to offer some of your quilts to my group and I just want to say we are very appreciative of what you are doing and that each of us will enjoy the quilts as if each one was made specifically for us. We all appreciate the service you are doing for those of us who have been blessed to be a part of our country’s defense. I do hope that your hero quilt venture continues to reach all of those who are in need even if it’s just to show your appreciation. Thanks again and good luck in your continued service.”
“Thank you for the amazing quilt you made. It felt like you customized to my liking.”
“Three years ago my husband was injured in Afghanistan. I did not send you a thank you note on my husband’s behalf. I am sorry for that and hope you will forgive me. These years have been very, very difficult for us. Certainly this is not a good excuse for not writing sooner. Therefore it goes to our daughter Beatrice to tell you about the quilt. She has asked that I be her secretary to write to you. Please excuse me for not typing all her rambling. I will give you the short bits here. Do you have children, do you play games with them, do you know any jokes and did you read her favorite book the “Velveteen Rabbit,” do you like ballet and would you like to come and see her? She just turned six and is forever chatty. Now I will tell you the very important things she wished me to type for her: Dear Quilter Ladies, Thank you for my daddy’s blanket. It is very, very nice. It is red, white and blue. We have a special way when I read my daddy my books. The red and those yellow squares go under my daddy’s chin. Then there is red and blue and it goes down. The bird, my mommy says it is an eagle, goes over me folded up. The rest of it covers us all up. It is very cozy. I read my daddy many books. I think his favorite is good night moon. I have a rabbit and a book call “The Velveteen Rabbit.” I don’t think my daddy likes it that much because I can’t remember all the words. My mommy has a video she showed me about when I was born. My daddy is laughing and smiling I don’t know about that cause he doesn’t do that with me. Mommy said we can watch the video over and over and we can always hear him laugh. I love my daddy and his blanket. It makes me happy. Beatrice ——- My husband was injured quite badly. He has had a serious head injury and as much as we would all love to see it, there is no hope for his recovery. I do think that Beatrice and her book reading is something that brings him peace. Certainly it is important to her and to me. It is the time we can all be together. Thank you for honoring us all.”
“Thank you so very much for the quilt you sent my husband. He received the quilt last year when a blast near Kandahar took out several cars and a tank. Many of the men in my husband’s unit were hurt. My husband left Afghanistan with a lovely red, blue and white quilt covering him. It had the label from your organization on the back of it. I wanted to let you know that he loves the quilt and it is with him almost all the time. The most wonderful thing about it is the comfort it brings to my husband and the rest of out family. My husband had so many surgeries and my mother in law and I have covered ourselves waiting for him to come back to us. I read somewhere that you call the quilts metaphoric hugs. Our whole family has had the good fortune to feel the love and hugs you have sent to our family. Thank you ladies, you are so wonderful.”
“I thank you for the beautiful quilt. Many thanks for your kindness.”
“My father, __________, was a United States Navy WWII veteran. He passed away at the _________ Hospice House on 5/8/2017. He was 96 years old. On behalf of him, I’d like to THANK YOU for the beautiful quilt that you so lovingly made for him. What a great honor it was to receive it. How wonderful it is to know that there are such caring people in this world. The quilt is exquisite!”
“I am writing you to tell you how much I am grateful for my warm quilt. It means a lot to me to have one and thank you for taking the time to make such beautiful works of art for service members.”
“Dearest American Hero Quilt Ladies: Thank you!!! My husband was presented one of your “precious quilts” this month by a hospice worker named ___. She formally presented it on behalf of all of you who appreciate the sacrifices made by my husband during his two tours in Viet Nam and his 21 years of military service to our country and her people. My husband, who is near death from many cancers, was deeply touched by your kindness–as am I!! We thank you! May God bless you for your labor of love to his children. With deeply felt thanks.”
“My name is _____________and I’m currently serving at Joint Base Lewis McCord in Washington. I am a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. I am currently going through the medical separation process due to injury I have sustained from combat. I was given a quilt from your organization from the SFL-TAP center located near the WTU. I would like to thank you and the many volunteers and workers of your organization. The quilt is amazing and very patriotic, not to mention how warm it is. It’s amazing to see how much your organization loves and appreciates veterans. Once again, thank you so much for everything your amazing organization has done and will continue to do. From the bottom of my heart I’m thankful for the gift. Please thank the hard workers and volunteers and tell them job well done. Your organization is the reason I feel proud to say I have served and protected these great United States of America. American Hero Quilts you are the true American hero. Thank you again. I will always have this quilt with me.”
“My name is _________ and I recently returned from deployment in October (just in time for my 1st child’s birth) and today at our tree lighting ceremony here at Naval Hospital Bremerton, my colleagues and I received your beautiful quilts as part of our welcome home celebration. Everything from the fabric, design and patterns displayed in each quilt was nothing short of amazing and awe inspiring! From my family to your’s, Merry Christmas and may you all be blessed this holiday season. Take care and again thank you for the wonderful quilts you made.”
“My name is _______ and I am the Chief Nurse of a busy Aeromedical Evacuation unit in Afghanistan. We have your quilts in our warehouse and proud to take them out on every mission. I was sent out on a mission, for NATO troops evacuation. The flight was cold and I gave one of your quilts to one of the NATO troops. With broken English, he stated. . .”It’s too nice. . .no” and pushed it away. One of the other NATO troops spoke better English and told him that is was made “by mothers in America for soldiers” and he smiled and wrapped himself in it. During the flight he was looking at the colors of the quilt and tracing the embroidery with his fingertips. At first it worried me. . .then it dawned on me…this probably calmed him and he was probably thinking of his family tracing the outlines. At the end of the flight, the NATO troop folded the blanket with great care and placed it on the seat. I told him, “You can take the quilt. . .it was made for you. . .” Again, English being bad, it was translated. . .he stammered “It’s too perfect for me. . .” The translator stated it again, and the troop stated “God bless you and the maker.” He rolled the quilt up and exited the plane. So. . .American Hero Quilt makers. . .thank you. . .for making his flight a little better and my heart a little lighter that day. My utmost respect, HOOAH!”
“We just received eight boxes of beautiful quilts yesterday. Thank you so much! We put these quilts in our blanket packs and give them to patients we transport. Patients make it to their final destination with their very own Hero Blanket. They love them! We really do appreciate your kindness and generosity. You are very special people! Thanks again!”
“Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt. On my own behalf and on behalf of all my family members, friends and neighbors who served alongside of me during the Vietnam war our heartfelt thanks for remembering us. It has been almost fifty years since I returned home from Vietnam and last year I was deemed 90% disabled from my service. The quilt is on my bed and provides me with a warmth, comfort and peace that I have not known for so long.”
“My name is SFC _______ and I just wanted to thank you for the beautiful quilt that I received from the WTU at JBLM on your behalf. It’s people like you that make this great nation worth defending!”
“Thank you so, so much for your beautiful, considerate, creative donation! I received one of your beautiful quilts yesterday. After a nearly 3-week process of being air evac’d from Korea, I was completely floored and moved by such an incredible item being given to me. I am simply overwhelmed by your kindness. My mother is a quilter, so I understand the kind of time, patience and energy that went into this. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart!”
“I was wounded July 2nd 2013 in Kabul Afghanistan. I was sent to Landstuhl Germany. While there my wife and I received one of your beautiful quilts. Since we’re now back stateside, we wanted to email you and thank you for this wonderful and caring gift. Reminded me of my grandmother who used to make quilts and it made me feel like home when I received yours.”
“Thank you so much for the beautiful American hero quilt that our father received while at Hospice House. He was a very proud American and it would have meant so much to him as it did to us.”
“Thank you for the awesome quilts. . .I forgot to pack a blanket and yours are so much softer than the military issued ones. We also use some of the blankets for our patients on flights out of Afghanistan. They enjoy them and love the feeling of “home warmth.” Thank you for your dedication and support.”
“I recently received a quilt from your organization and wanted to extend an incredible thank you for the hard work, time, and effort that was put into my quilt. . .After a very long plane ride, a difficult and busy first week, I received a quilt and was blown away by the generosity. I cannot express enough thanks, for the quilt brightens up my room, and is comforting.”
“Thank you so very much for sending us such lovely quilts. They are very pretty and its nice to know people are thinking of us. Its always nice to hear from friends and family at home. Thank you for the encouragement and support. We are proud to serve our country but most of all the people. Praying that God blesses each of you.”
“Good afternoon. I recently came home from my overseas deployment due to a knee injury. While I was here at the WTB on Ft. Lewis, I received a beautiful and comfortable quilt. I was told the story about how these quilts came about. I just wanted to say thank you very much for a such a thoughtful and beautiful quilt.”
“I just wanted to say “thank you” to everyone involved in the creation of this BEAUTIFUL quilt. Moving here from Arizona in late November was quite a “cold shock”. This wonderful piece of art will help warm my body as well as it has my heart. Thank you again, so much.”
“My name is CSM _______ and I am a recipient of one of your quilts while attached to the WTB at JBLM. I want to thank you for your dedicated service to us service members by donating such beautiful and well made quilts; the quality is unbelievable! I hope you know that what you do and contribute does not go unrecognized. God Bless!”
“I just wanted to say how grateful I am for the beautiful quilt I received today when I inprocessed the WTB at JBLM. I will truly treasure such a wonderful gift and am so thankful that there are still people in this world who are touched by our sacrifice. It is not easy being a Wounded Warrior and the struggle takes a great deal out of me everyday but upon seeing the beauty, time and effort that went into this gift, I was renewed in my spirit to keep going. It is something I will always treasure and I hope one day to learn to do this myself so I too may give back. Thank you.”
“We were fortunate enough to receive one of your beautiful quilts for our brother who is being treated for pancreatic cancer. He has enjoyed the quilt very much and proudly tells his visitors how nicely it is made. Thank you so much for the thoughtfulness.”
“I recently became part of Wounded Warriors. (I’m getting medically discharged from the Coast Guard for PTSD.) I got taken into a little room filled with quilts and they let me choose one. I picked out the one I have because the entire back side of it is purple and covered in planets and stars. I love space and it looks pretty magical. Also, maybe a bit like a garish 90’s sweater. . .but in a good way. I curl up in this quilt (space side up) every morning now while I drink my tea and read. I love it and when the nights got a little colder I laid it on my bed for extra warmth. After all the lights were turned off, I found out the quilt’s planets GLOW IN THE DARK! Thank you so much for the quilt and for all the others as well. I really appreciate it and it’s brought some good vibes into my life. THANK YOU!
“I just wanted to take the time to send a heartfelt thank you for the quilts that you provide to the service members of our nation. The craftsmanship and work that go into each of the quilts is much appreciated and evident in their quality. The red, white, and blue of the quilt that I have is a reminder of the nation and its people that we are sworn to protect. Without the continued support of people like you, I am afraid we may be forgotten. Keep up the fantastic work and thank you once again.”
“Thank you for the quilt. It’s very thoughtful of you all. It will be my comfort and will reside on my chair.”
“I just left my quilt at Ben Franklin today for them to send it with the ones they will send to your group to finish. I want to send you a donation to cover batting and backing. This is such a wonderful project and I enjoy participating in it. When I am sewing I always pray that every stitch will let the recipient feel healing and hope. God bless your efforts to let our heroes know we love them and are thankful for their service.”
“I would like to say THANK YOU for the quilt and all the hard work you put into making the quilts. . .”
“Thank you for the beautiful quilt. It was such a comfort to him. He was so excited to show it to me when he came home! I wanted you to know your loving work is appreciated. God bless you all. *Beautiful Work*”
“To be thought of by someone I’ve never met–in such a caring beautiful way. I thank you. May you always have balance and good things in your life!”
“Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. The quilt is so beautiful–reminds me of the ones my grandma used to make. I wasn’t given one. It is so precious to me. Thanks.”
“I received one of your quilts and I wanted to thank you for your great work and donation to the military. I can imagine how much time was spent sewing each quilt. I am currently an Air Force Flight Nurse serving in Afghanistan. I serve as a part of the Aeromedical Evacuation squadron and our mission is to provide medical transport to injured and sick soldiers throughout Afghanistan. We provide transportation to higher level of medical care we soldiers can get the healthcare they need to get better. The mission here has been exciting because every day is different and we never know what type of patients we are going to transport. We hand out your quilts to the injured soldiers on our missions and they are very appreciative. Your generous support and contribution truly makes a difference here.”
“Thank you so much for the wonderful quilt. As a quilter myself, I recognize the care and work you have dedicated and given to us. I thank you so much, because I have made many, but never received one before. And thank you for recognizing my service. I am a disabled Vietnam era veteran. Sometimes I feel I served in the forgotten conflict and it’s nice to be remembered. Thank you!”
“Thank you so very much for all you have done, are doing, and, I expect, will continue to do. The quilt is beautiful! I cherish the quilt.”
“Amazing! I have never felt so much gratitude for a blanket. Thank you so much!”
“Thank you for the gift of the quilt and for the recognition of my service. It is a welcome addition to my home.”
“It is always encouraging to get the support from the local community. I appreciate what you do. What may seem not much actually feels a great deal. I loved the quilt. The time and effort put in it shows. I am practicing making one. Again, thank you.”
“Thank you for the lovely quilt. The craftsmanship is supurb and the care taken when created. This will be treasured.”
“I want to thank you for a wonderful gift. The quilt is not only gorgeous but it is also filled with a special type of patriotism and warmth!”
“Thank you so much for your generous donation of these beautiful quilts. I have had the pleasure so far to provide quilts to 30 Veterans at Federal Way Vet Center. My colleagues have been offering quilts to their clients as well. Most of our clients are combat Veterans and have the “invisible wounds” related to this. I also work a lot with Veterans who were sexually assaulted in the military, and it has also been very meaningful to present them with these quilts. . .I think this was very meaningful for these Veterans to be recognized for their service and to receive a “warm hug” from the community.”
“While stationed in Afghanistan in 2013 I was given one of your BEAUTIFUL quilts at Craig Joint Hospital. I tried to write an email at the time but believe it or not, your website was blocked by the military internet server. Upon my return home I forgot to write a letter and just now upon looking at the quilt realized the tardiness of my thank you. Please know how much I enjoyed it while there and how much it means to me and ALL service members to know that kind folks back home are doing such an amazing act of love for us. Thank you.”
“I want to thank you for the beautiful quilt you made for my son ____, he couldn’t respond, but I know he could hear what the ladies said. . .I know families of our veterans appreciate some one besides the family cares.”
“Thank you so much for the wonderful and amazing quilt. The joy it will bring to our patients as they journey back home. They are so grateful for everything. The work and detail that was put into the quilts amazes me! The smiles and joy brought to everyone’s face was beyond words. Thank you!”
“Thank you for the quilts. We were able to distribute them to the hospital to be given to our wounded warriors as well as some of the military deployed here in Afghanistan. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
“I received the beautiful quilt you sent and am so grateful — and humbled. . .I want to say “Thank You” and to acknowledge the incredible work you and your organization are doing. The quilt was a generous, unexpected gift. . .”
“I am the Superintendent of the Aeromedical Operations here at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. (For this rotation of troops.) We wanted to say thank you and express our sincerest appreciation for the quilts we just received from your organization. I’ve been out and about at several deployed locations, during numerous locations, and have seen your handiwork on many of our patients. Fortunately, we aren’t as busy as in past years, but are still moving warriors out of theater. So your blankets, as always, will go to good homes. . .Thank you again for all of the time, effort, and thoughtfulness that your group puts into the quilts. I can tell you they are a treasured item out here.”
“My name is ____. I am the mother of S.Sgt._____, a patient here at Madigan Hospital, Ft. Lewis. May I extend to you a very warm and grateful expression of thanks for the lovely quilt we have been presented with. It will remain in our family as a tribute to my son’s service to his country. What a wonderful thing you are doing!”
“I would like to thank you all for your continued support and prayers to all of our military services members. I would also like to thank you for the quilts you have provided for us at WTB, JBLM. I am humble and grateful for your generous gift. I will treasure this quilt, because it was made and donated from the heart.”
“My son was injured in Afghanistan last year. He has had a long and arduous road toward recovery. From the time they sent him to Germany he has had his American Hero Quilt with him. He is now here in Washington state at the WTB at Fort Lewis. He has his beautiful quilt with him. It looks as wonderful today, after many washings as it did when it was first given to him. It is inspiring to see the lovely quilts here and the beautiful, beautiful quilts I see here at the WTB. It would appear that each of the quilts are different and so beautifully rendered. I cannot begin to thank you for the honor and love you have bestowed up on our son. He sure does love his quilt. I hope you would also like to let you know we all have had the opportunity to cuddle under the quilt with our son. It has brought comfort to ____, his girlfriend and our family. . .”
“I really wanted to thank you. What you do for the veterans is special. I know this from first hand experience. While I was on active duty and working at MAMC I had to be sent to the psychiatric unit. . .as a patient. I suffer from PTSD and depression. I am mentioning this because it was hard enough just to deal with that fact; however, you made it a little easier for me. Someone actually brought down quilts to the unit. I was one of the recipients. I was initially shocked that anyone bothered to come down there because more often than not, soldiers without visible wounds from war are overlooked. My shock quickly changed to a mix of relief and happiness. For the first time since returning home from Iraq, I felt like I hadn’t been forgotten. . .”
“I did my last tour of duty as a nurse in a field hospital in Afghanistan. Often as we would load our patients for transport and put American Hero Quilts on them I would think about you. I would include you in my prayers at night and wonder if you realized the impact of your gift to our brave men and women. Instead of an itchy wool military blanket, our wounded got beautiful quilts with a label letting them know that you know they are heroes. I would imagine you at home getting together in groups picking out patterns, thinking about our service people and stitch by stitch putting love into a quilt that we wrap around them, I can remember thinking that you all are amazing and that I would write to you when I got home. Imagine my surprise to wake up in a plane headed for Germany wrapped in one of your creations. I have no recall of the explosion in which I was injured. I also do not have any memory of being stabilized in the hospital in Afghanistan. My first memory is waking up hurt but warm and looking around to see a sea of red, white and blue quilts. First I have to tell you that these quilts mean much more than I thought they did. I will treasure my quilt forever. Having spent so much time wrapped up in it I can tell you that I think I know each and every one of you. I know the woman or women who must have spent hours cutting up little squares to make this quilt. Every square is perfect. I know the women who picked out the perfect country colors to make this quilt so lovely to look at. I know the women who sewed all of these squares together with each one matching perfectly. I know the women who sewed the eagle on top with such tiny little stitches as well as the quilter and person who put the edges on to seal it. I know this quilt so well because I have run my hands over it more times than I can count. I know all of you because you are all angels. I do not have an adequate way to express my gratitude to you. I am not articulate enough to express what it means to all of us or the lump I get in my throat when I think of how generous and giving you all are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My parents wanted to send you a picture of me with my quilt. I am afraid I do not look very presentable right now. I will send you a picture after I have more reconstructive surgery and get my new eye.”
“I would like to say thank you for the quilt, it was so pretty and warm. It means alot to me. . .”
“I just wanted to drop a little note to tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity in giving my son ____ the gift of a wonderful homemade quilt. It is beautiful! Many thanks for all your hard work and dedication.”
“My name is ____. My husband ____ is the commander of ____________. Last friday we had the privilege of presenting five of your beautiful quilts to the widow and children of ___, who had been killed while serving in Afghanistan last month. His widow, ____, was so touched that people who had never met ____ would be so kind to do something like that. It truly meant alot to her. It also means alot to us and I just wanted you to know that what you’re doing is making a difference both to those who receive the quilts and those of us who are now aware of what you’re doing. Thank you for caring and offering some combfort to those who are grieving. . .”
“I wanted to truly thank you for the beautiful quilt that you gave to my fiance at Madigan. He was admitted with an injured knee and infection that spread down his leg. He was hurt, alone, and 2600 miles from home. . .thank you for all that you do and for being there when families can’t be.”
“Thank you so much for the quilt my son ___ received while at Madigan Hospital. It is just beautiful!! I’m a seamstress too so I know how much work went into it–we will always treasure it. Please know that the quilts you make really tough lives and are so appreciated.”
“I want to thank you for the quilt. It’s a great honor to receive a gift for my service in Viet Nam. . .The 1968 Tet Offensive may seem like it was a long time ago but it is still very clear in my mind and it seems like it was yesterday. I often think about being shot and medevac’d out of country and the things that happened. I still think about Viet Nam but now the first thought that comes to my mind is the quilt and all the work that went into it. I just want to thank American Hero Quilts and let you know that all your hard work and beautiful talents are greatly appreciated.”
“Thank you so much for the quilt. I know how much work and love goes into one of these and I want to make sure you know how much it means to me and my family. The patriotism you and your organization show, is what makes this country great. Thank you for your support.”
“I recently had jaw surgery at Madigan Hospital and was fortunate enough to get one of your great quilts. . .You are making a difference and I appreciate the generous gift. . .Thank you so much, you lifted my family’s and my spirit.”
“I was completely ovewhelmed that I would get a quilt. It makes me even more proud that I had the opportunity to serve my country. God Bless the USA.”
“I cannot begin to express the level of sincere appreciation for your staff at American Hero Quilts for their work with wounded warriors. Our surgical floor at Madigan Army Medical Center serves wounded soldiers returning from war. Often, beneath a layer of courage, they are in pain and lonely. Our nurses and medics work to relieve those feelings but the hospital is not home or family. There is that one niche we cannot fill. However, you have stepped forward and regularly cover this niche with crafted care. Your hand sewn quilts frequently warm the soul of those in need. . .I see these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines keep your quilts close to their hearts. You make a difference in someone’s life with each quilt you create. . .”
“I served from Feb. 1968 – Feb 1970. I was in Germany for 11 months and Viet Nam for the year of 1969. For the things I did in Viet Nam, I received the Bronze Star. This quilt makes me prouder than any number of medals I could have received. Thank you so much. I will smile every time I sleep under it.”
“. . . As I told you there is not one part of ___ which is not injured in some way. We did not recognize him at all! We found when we got here that ____ and many in his humvee were injured by an IED and then sniper fire. . .Imagine my shock when they ushered us into ___’s room and there he was covered in the most beautiful red, white and blue quilt. When we read the label we wepted. They told us that he was covered with the quilt as he was airlifted out of Bagram. . .I have to say that as we have walked the halls we have seen a sea of red, white and blue quilts on such injured young men. There really are no words to describe how it feels to see that people took the extraordinary care and love to make sure our son, and so many others were warm and to let them know you think they are heroes. . .Perhaps we will have the blessing of bringing our ___ to meet the lovely people who have wrapped him in warmth and love.”
“My name is ____. Last week at the Warrior Tranasition Battalion you presented my son with a hero quilt. I am writing to tell you about my son and that quilt. My son did not want to come and get a quilt. His Sgt. said they had to make it an order that he come down to the common room. He was one of the last to receive a quilt as you were packing up. Perhaps you remember him, he is the very quiet man with the haunted eyes. On Friday he had rather extensive surgery with several bone grafts and skin grafts. My husband and I were stunned when he appeared at the hospital with his quilt. He has not shown an interest in anything or anyone since he was injured. The last thing he asked before they wheeled him away was that we keep his quilt with us and make sure nothing happened to it. When he woke up his first words to us were not how glad he was to see us, it was “do you have my quilt?” He asked that it was immediately put on him, he said that he was cold. I have been thinking a lot about that quilt and my son. We thought we had lost him emotionally and we despaired of ever getting him back. He was not connecting with anyone in our family, not even his nephew who he has adored since our little guy was born. This quilt seems to give him confort, warmth and is the first sign that maybe our son will come back to us. This quilt is clearly something that you spent a great deal of time on. I just wanted to let you know that to us, this quilt is hope and to our son it is priceless. Thank you so much for the honor you have done to my son. From our family, thank you for helping bring our son back to us.”
“My name is ____. I was so proud to receive my quilt today. It is very beautiful. I feel very honored and very happy to receive it. I called my sister and she was pleased. She is my only living family. I have over the years worn out two quilts. I use them like a child uses a blanket for comfort and security. I rub the quilt between the thumb and first two fingers for comfort at night and to help me fall asleep. Without my quilt at night my terror dreams and plain old night mares are much worse. Again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.”
“Thank you for honoring me with an American Hero Quilt.”
“We just want to let you know how much we appreciate the quilt that was sent to my husband, ____. ____ was just 17 when he joined the Navy during the Korean War and he was on a small ship in the Pacific that participated in Operation Castle. Operation Castle was atomic bomb testing. I’m sure this contributed to his many health problems. I know how long it takes to make a beautiful quilt like the one ___ received and how many of you gave of your time to get it done. It will be a family treasure.”
“My name is _____ and I am a Medical Service Corp officer who served with the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. While I was there, I had the honor of coordinating the Quilt program for all AE patients coming through Bagram. I wanted to send you my sincerest appreciation and admiration for the program you run–the work that is put into the quilts is absolutely amazing and means the world to our wounded warriors.”
“Thank you very much for your generousity and hard work. I aprreciate my blanket very much. God Bless you all.”
“We are astounded by your generosity. Thank you again for the “hugs” you give every day to complete strangers.”
“On behalf of my husband, _____, many, many heartfelt thank-yous for the beautiful quilt presented to him a few days ago. It truly was an honor for him to receive it.”
“I wanted to give you an update since it’s been a while since our Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron last corresponded with you. You continue to provide these men and women the most beautiful quilts I’ve ever seen. What a wonderful way to wrap them up with warmth and love from your group!. . .I want to say thank you for taking so much time from your daily lives to bring warmth and love to others. On behalf of the men and women of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, please accept our continued sincerest appreciation and heartfelt admiration to you for your outstanding contribution to our Wounded Warriors!”
“My husband, ____, received the beautiful quilt from your group via Tucson Medical Center Hospice. . .The quilt is not only treasured by ____ but will be treasured for generations. Many thanks for honoring old Vets as well as young ones for all your time, skills, and money”
“Thank you so much for honoring me with the fantastic quilt!! It’s beautiful!! I can only imagine how much time it took to sew and I see a high degree of craftsmanship in the work. I will treasure it always!”
“I am the mother of a wounded Marine. His name is ______, who was deployed to Afghanistan in June, 2012, only to get injured August 1, 2012. Upon arriving at his room at the Balboa Naval Medical Center, I was so overwhelmed by the showering of gifts of appreciation from all of the different groups out there supporting our troops. . .”
“Our son was critically injured in Afghanistan in September. We spent those first three days just praying that he would live, praying that he would make it to Walter Reed. He did and when we walked into his room at the hospital late on that third night, he was wrapped in your quilt. We were told that the quilt had come with him from Germany. Even now I cry thinking about the love and caring the quilt represents, from someone we will never know, to a soldier that will never know, keeping him warm on that long cold plane flight, a beautiful statement of support from “home”. The quilt itself is extraordinary. The colors and patterns are beautiful, many squares are patriotic, but some are homey, some bold, some almost whimiscal. The quilting and workmanship are superb. He has it daily. I imagine the quilt and its story will be passed along for generations. Thank you.”
“Tomorrow we will move our son from Madigan Army Medical Hospital to a rehabilitation center. As our son is loaded into the ambulance we will know he is warm and comfortable under his red, white and blue quilt. This quilt was given to him the day he checked into the hospital and has gone everywhere with him. We think it is his touch stone as he does not want to leave it behind when he goes for tests or procedures. We wonder if you could have possibly known when you made this quilt that you would be hugging and helping to heal a very broken young man. Could you have known that we can feel the love and prayers you put in this quilt and your wishes for his recovery? Do you know how you have transformed hospital rooms into bright cheerful places that feel more like home than a hospital? We marvel as we walk the halls to see the bright colored quilts so lovingly wrapped around our very own heroes. Our sons and daughters thank you. We thank you for acknowledging our children and the sacrifices they have made. There is a very special place in heaven for each and every one of you. We will never forget you and are so very grateful for your wonderful gift to our youngest son.”
“Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt that was given to me from the Warrior Transition BN. I was thrilled when they brought out the amazing colorful quilts and allowed us each to have one. It is so wonderful and special and gives my room a comfortable and “homey” type feel. I am very blessed to have such wonderful support and would like for you to know that you have given so much to me with the gift of the quilt. . .”
“I’m so grateful for the absolutely gorgeous quilt and for your showing of appreciation. . .Nobody has ever done anything as wonderful as this for me. . .Our world could use so many more people just like you.”
“Thank you so much for the beautiful “American Hero” quilt you sent to my hubby ____. He was so touched that he cried.”
“Thank you so much for all your hard work and the beautiful quilts you’ve blessed myself and the many, many other soldiers with.”
“We were so touched to receive the beautiful quilt you made in behalf of our son. It is a keepsake that we will hold near and dear. Our son’s moral was boosted at your thoughtfulness.”
“I am a reservist currently serving in Iraq. Tonight, as I helped load wounded warriors onto the plane that would taken them to Germany, I saw the flight crew handing out beautiful quilts to the patients. There were so beautiful, and the recipients were very appreciative. . .I am a quilter and can truly appreciate the effort that goes into each quilt. May you know you and your team are touching our “American Heroes”.
“Along with hospice team members, I had the honor of participating in the transfer of your beautiful works of art to the amazing individuals that served our country. I can’t begin to tell you how touching it was to see these people with terminal illnessses enjoy the recognition of such a beautiful gift. . .I truly believe that you would have been proud.”
“. . .This quilt has kept me warm but it has also brought a bunch of comfort to me. My family hasn’t been able to spend as much time with me as I wanted. My quilt has given comfort and as your web site says, lots of hugs. I am embarrassed to tell you how much I have cried into this quilt. I needed it though.”
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support. I received one of your quilts last week and absolutely love it. It really brightens my day every time I enter my room. Thank you for all of your hard work and taking the time to recognize troops both here and abroad. It is really a great thing you are doing at American Hero Quilts.”
“Saying thank you just doesn’t seem enough. I want you to know that we all appreciate your hard work and dedication to our service people. You are all appreciated.”
“I am a wounded soldier who received one of your quilts. It meant the world to me when I arrived at Madigan wounded from combat. My family was very thankful we have Americans who care what happens to us all.”
“My husband was injured in Afghanistan. . .we are at Madigan Hospital at Ft. Lewis where he has been undergoing several surgeries. He was presented this morning with one of your beautiful quilts. Words could NEVER express the love and appreciation we feel. As his wife, it has been hard being a single parent while he has been deployed. I cried when we received this quilt today. It was from someone that we will never meet, but the message it conveyed to us will never be forgotten. This quilt will be one of our most treasured possessions. Thank you for giving us a piece of love and comfort during this difficult time in our lives. We are grateful more than you could ever know.”
We both held the quilt and ran our hands over the patterns and delicate stichings you spent hours to creaate. The hug and the love you sent with the quilt were dearly felt and it will be cherished.”
“I am one of the injured troops from Iraq. Thank you for everything you do and we the United States Soldiers really appreciate it all. To feel the love from our fellow Americans brings so much joy knowing that somebody cares. Once again, thank you and God Bless.”
“The soldiers from 2nd Platoon A Company would like to thank you and all those for the quilts. The quilts are beautiful, thank you.”
“I want to thank you for the beautiful quilt. There are so many beautiful ones its was hard to choose. Again, thank you very much.”
“. . .I have no family here and when I came they gave me a quilt. My wife and I still can’t believe that people would get together and make something so beautiful for someone they don’t even know. God Bless you all. Thank you.”
“. . .our son was injured in a fire fight in Fallujah. When he arrived at Madigan they gave him a quilt, he treasured that quilt. We are sorry to say that he did not survive. I am writing to tell you that he wished to be buried with his quilt and we honored his request. Thank you for the love you put in the quilt and the fact that you did all that work for a stranger. We were all so touched.”
“A couple of weeks ago I was to receive my Purple Heart. Before they gave it to me they gave me a blanket made by you. I thought that was the best show of thanks and appreciation a person could do. . .It means a lot to me to know that someone is willing to show their support to our troops in a way that is so personal and caring. It will be a treasure me and my family to cherish for the rest of our lives. Thank you again and God Bless you.”
“Thank you so much for the quilt. While I appreciate the warmth it offers I could simply have bought a quilt to meet that need. But, more importantly, it’s knowing of the love that went into making this quilt that mades it so special to me. I can never use it (and it is used every day) without thinking how someone took the time to create this for me. From my heart to yours, thank you.”
“To the quilt makers, my son got one of your beautiful quilts. Our family can not believe all the hard work and love you put into this beautiful, happy quilt. Please know that what you are doing makes an enormous difference. We will never forget your generousity.”
“I was injured by an IED May 15, 2005 and one of the enduring things I remember and still have today was a quilt I received. Thank you for giving your time and being so very thoughtful. It means a lot to the marines, sailors and soldiers! Thank you so much.”
. . .Thank you so much for your gift of quilts for our wounded soldiers. . . .my brother was shot and seriously injured at Balad Air Base. He was sent to Germany then to Walter Reed and then on to Madigan here in WA state. Within minutes of arriving in the ER he was given a quilt. I knew there were quilters across the country who were making quilts for soldiers but I didn’t realize the impact that they had on the soldiers or their families. . .Thank you.”
“A copy of your card was given to me by the soldier who in-processed the injured soldiers into Madigan. One of our soldiers flew in on Christmas morning. He was wounded in an IED explosion in Iraq while serving with Charlie Co/I-5SINF. His arrival on that day came as a bit of shock because we weren’t expecting him for a number of days. We scrambled together what goodies we could. Unfortunately it was just us there to greet him (his family couldn’t make it for a couple of days). His face absolutely lit up when we gave him the quilt you made. He was deeple touched as were we. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort your beautifully designed quilt made for a wonderful holiday surprise.”
“Thank you for my beautiful quilt. I do not think I am a hero but it sure is nice how much brighter my room is with it. I am told I will get to take it home with me when I am discharged. I can’t find words to explain how it makes me feel.”
“To the makers of my beautiful blanket: Thank you so much for the time, effort and thoughtfulness that you put into this beautiful quilt. I will treasure it always.”
“. . .Thank you for the beautiful quilt which apparently many people together made just for him. He is still in a coma but that quilt covers him all the time and we make sure that the label telling him he is a hero is always showing. It helps us remember that our brave young son made such a sacrifice because he believed in our great nation.”
“. . .I have seen blankets that I thought were pretty but this is really pretty. I will keep it so everyone knows how special it is. I think it would be best to frame it, don’t you? Thank you for what you have done. You made me feel like Americans really care what we are doing”
“. . .To have a complete stranger show such an extreme act of kindness gives me the hope and that it is going to be OK. . . .Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for what you are doing for the injured soldiers.”
“I am a nurse case manager at Madigan Hospital. . .I directly see and care for these soldiers you are generously helping. Last week, I went to the Red Cross office at MAMC. . .and they suggested I drop by the public affairs office to see the quilts. I was amazed at the beauty of these quilts! Each is unique and each was made with loving hands and from someone in your group who is reaching out to help a soldier. Saying Thank You just doesn’t seem enough. I want you to know that we all appreciate your hard work and dedication to our heroes. They love receiving your gift. You are all appreciated.”