On February 14, 2026, Marsha Reep of the North Knoxville Quilts of Valor Foundation attended the Veterans' monthly breakfast and presented Commander Darrell White (U.S. Air Force) and Adjutant Norman Gillen (U.S. Navy) of the American Legion Post 212 with Quilts of Valor. We are a grateful nation and appreciate and thank both men for their service, dedication, and sacrifice in protecting our freedoms.

A Quilt of Valor is a high-quality, beautifully handmade quilt, machine- or hand-sewn. It is awarded to an Honorable or General Discharged Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. About 300-400 quilts are made and presented in our area every year. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice serving our nation.” Each quilt has over 1000 stitches to represent 1000 hugs for the Veteran. Ms. Reep joked that each quilt had a 100-year warranty. If the quilt wears out during that time, they will replace it.

Commander White and Adjutant Gillen each received a Certificate of Appreciation before being wrapped in their special quilt. A grateful nation and a grateful Union County thank you both for your service.

The Quilt of Valor idea originated in 2003 when founder and quilter Catherine Roberts envisioned creating comforting and healing quilts for veterans touched by war. Since that time, the movement has spread nationwide, and over 437,600 have been made and presented to Veterans. Presentations are made in a heartfelt ceremony designed to honor the Veterans' service and sacrifice, often involving wrapping them in the quilt.

According to their website, to qualify for a Quilt of Valor, you must “be a living U.S. service member or Veteran (active duty, Guard, or Reserve) in any branch who has experienced physical or emotional trauma from service, conflict, peacekeeping, or counter-terrorism operations, including service in major conflicts”.

To nominate a Veteran for a Quilt of Valor, contact Marsha Reep of the North Knoxville Quilt of Valor Foundation at QuilterMarsha500@gmail.com

Nomination forms may also be found at https://www.qovf.org/