Quilts of Valor

Aug 07, 2023

American Legion Lewis White Post 76-Ukiah recently helped honor two Veterans.

A trio of dedicated women quilters donated two Quilts of Valor (QOV) to two local Veterans, Josh Kirchen and John Rensen.

The Mission of the Quilts of Valor® Foundation is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

According to the Foundation, a Quilt of Valor® is an award to Service Members and Veterans who have been touched by war. It says, "thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation."

QOV must reflect the best possible workmanship and use of quality materials. This is consistent with the Foundation's core value of promoting excellence.

A QOV may be awarded to a Service Member or Veteran known to you who has been touched by war. Quilts of Valor name, trademarks, registered marks and logos belong to the Foundation. You must receive written permission to use any of these items.

How does a Group obtain permission to use the QOV marks? OVF® marks are for official use only and protected by trademark laws. They are no different than Nike® or other corporation's marks.

From the QOV Foundation: Those comforted as of April 30, 2023: February – 2270; Year to Date – 9,574; Lifetime Total – 345,635.

Kirchen, reared in Ukiah, graduated from Ukiah High School. In 1999, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After basic training, he subsequently served tours of duty at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif; Okinawa; and several bases in South Korea, including the De-militarized Zone on the border between North and South Korea. He sustained a back injury in the line of duty, and still has some disability as a result.

Upon completion of four years duty, Kirchen was honorably discharged in 200e, awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Overseas Service Medals. He and his wife, Perrine, reside in Ukiah.

Rensen, born in the Netherlands, came to the US with his family at a young age. He grew up in the Bay Area and in July 1966, enlisted in the Marine Corps. He went through Basic Training at San Diego Marine Corps Depot, volowed by Infantry training at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

He was assigned to K Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Infantry Division. Upon completion of training, his unit was immediately deployed to Vietnam and sent to a front-line position. They served in a number of locations right along the DMZ between North and South Viet Nam, spending 13 months in what were known as ‘HOT’ Locations (often under enemy fire).

After deployment, Rensen was honorably discharged in July 1968, awarded the Viet Nam Service ribbon, and he and his unit received a Presidential Unit Citation.

Upon returning home, Rensen continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in math from Cal State Hayward. Following graduation, he entered his professional career as a Real Estate Appraiser for the Mendocino County Assessor's Office. He and his wife, Debbie, reside in Potter Valley.

The three dedicated quilters have a love for what they do.

Williams became involved in 2015, in a desire to "honor all branches of our military." She is the leader in organizing the quilts to be presented to local veterans. If you are interested in joining these intrepid, fun volunteers, give her a call at (707) 972-6363 and leave a voice message and phone number.

Schneiter has been involved with QOV for about 15 years, making two or three quilts a year.

McCallum has a quilting business where people bring their quilt tops they have pieced together. She has a sewing machine that puts the quilt together with fabric on the back, batting, and the top they have made and sews the three together with a pattern of the customer's choice.

"In talking to JoAnn Schneiter and Judy Williams, I found out they were making QOV for Veterans. They had been sending the quilts away to be quilted by someone in the organization, then donated to a Veteran. They wanted to donate these quilts to local Veterans instead of sending them away. I volunteered to quilt them so we could keep the quilts local. I have been doing this for about three years and love donating my time to such a worthy cause. It's the least I can do after the work these ladies put into make the quilt, and what the Veteran has done for our country."

Facts about a quilt…

Choose Your Fabric and Patterns

Fabric used for a QOV should be quality, 100% cotton fabric appropriate for adults. A QOV does not have to be red, white and blue, but patriotic colors are very popular with recipients. Patterns and blocks can be of any design suitable for a patriotic theme. Avoid juvenile, gender or branch specific fabrics, unless the recipient is known to you.Put It All Together

The recommended size of a QOV is 60″ x 80″; it must be a minimum of 55″ x 65″ and maximum of 72″ x 90. The Quilt consists of a top, batting, and backing. It must be machine or hand quilted. A tied quilt is not acceptable for a Quilt of Valor. Backings provided to The LongArmy Volunteer must be 8″ wider in width and 8″ longer in length. QOVF Members in good standing may request quilting of their tops by a LongArmy Volunteer, free of charge.

Use quality, low loft batting such as cotton, cotton blends, polyester or polyester blends. Quilting should be appropriate for the quilt and not overly dense, which can reduce the loft of the quilt.

Double fold, also known as French Fold, binding is recommended for durability. Hand stitch or neatly machine stitch binding. Machine launder the QOV using unscented, mild detergent to ensure any bleeding of fabric dyes has occurred. Use of a color catcher that attracts loose dye during washing is recommended.

A QOV must be labeled as such and include the name of the veteran or service member.

Donate Your QOV

There are many Veterans and Service Members all over the country who have been nominated and are awaiting their Quilt award. You can help by contacting a local Group or State Coordinator and donating your Quilt. The Foundation phone number is Phone: (515) 619-6556. Website: https://www.qovf.org/make-a-qov/I

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