Anneliese Benton, Palo Verde Patchers member, started the club’s Quilts of Valor project in 2006. Quilts of Valor is a national program with the goal that all combat-wounded service members receive a lap quilt for their service and sacrifice to America. These Quilts of Valor are intended to be the quilter’s Purple Hearts to the soldiers.

Palo Verde Patchers changed its program name to Honor Quilts when members decided they would present all patriotic quilts to local veterans who served in a combat zone.

Each month a Block of the Month kit is prepared for members who come to the club room to sew. The blocks are all made and the following week members put the rows together, add borders, make the binding and a pillowcase and cut the batting and backing. The quilt then goes to one of the club’s longarm quilters for professional quilting. Through October 2023, the Palo Verde Patchers have honored 157 veterans.

The Oct. 18 presentation was made to three combat veterans: Nick Millich served in the Air Force, 1969 through 1972, in Vietnam; Larry Locke, Navy veteran from 1968 through 1972, also in Vietnam; Michael Dennington, Army, 1967 through 1970, a tailgunner in helicopters, Vietnam. All three veterans stated they were honored to serve their country but were dismayed at the reception they received on their return home.

The next presentation will be 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the Palo Verde Patchers club room at the Kuentz Recreation Center. All are welcome to attend and honor combat veterans. 

To nominate a combat veteran visit patchers.scwclubs.com/quilts-for-causes.