Theresa Maynes, Jacki Lujan and Barabra Rogers, three members of the Sun City Festival Quilt of Valor group were present at the April 3 Post 94 American Legion meeting to present a Quilt of Valor to Legionnaire Larry Leighton for his nearly 30 years of Army service and his continued support of veteran programs in the Northwest Valley. 

Rodgers, group leader, spoke about the mission of the QOV Foundation, which is to award quilts to service members and living veterans who have been touched by war — to cover them with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. These quilts serve as a “thank you” for their service and a symbol of comfort and healing. The foundation has a specific size requirement for the quilts, which must also include a label with required information and are formally awarded to qualified recipients, not just given as a gift. Quilts of Valor are awarded to those nominated, evaluated and determined to be eligible by the QOV Foundation.

The QOV Foundation was founded in 2003. It is a national organization with more than 10,000 volunteers across 600 groups in all 50 states. Local groups sponsor fundraising events to support their work. To date, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has awarded more than 408,450 quilts to service members and veterans.

Cmdr. Jack Coyle commented on the “Dine to Donate” event to support Post 94, held March 25 at Texas Roadhouse, 14175 W. Grand Ave., which will donate 10% of the food bill collected to the American Legion Post 94 from that evening’s registered diners.

Post 94 scouting program chair Rod Martinson reported the scouting program sponsored by the post was growing and requested the post charter a new Cub Scout Pack 436, which was then approved by the post members. Martinson also relayed that the 15th member, Lanikai Bass of Scout Troop 505, sponsored by Post 94 was recently awarded Eagle Scout. 

Before closing the meeting, Coyle reminded members that post officer elections will be held at the May meeting and that nominations are still open. Post 94 monthly meetings are 10 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month, in the Quail Room of the Sun City West Foundation building, 14465 R.H. Johnson Blvd. All veterans are invited to attend.

Visit azlegion94.org for more information.