The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been providing handmade quilts to service members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces since 2003. These quilts are more than just a gesture of appreciation; they are a symbol of comfort, gratitude, and recognition of the sacrifices made by those who have served their country. But who exactly can receive a Quilt of Valor?
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to receive a Quilt of Valor, an individual must meet certain criteria. The foundation’s mission is to provide quilts to those who have been touched by war, and the eligibility criteria reflect this mission.
Service Members and Veterans
Service members and veterans who have been injured or affected by their service are eligible to receive a Quilt of Valor. This includes:
- Those who have been wounded in combat
- Those who have been injured in a non-combat situation while serving
- Those who have been diagnosed with a service-related illness or condition
- Those who have been affected by their service, such as those who have experienced PTSD or TBI
Service Requirements
To be eligible, service members and veterans must have served in the United States Armed Forces, including:
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marine Corps
- Coast Guard
- Space Force
- National Guard
- Reserve components
Other Eligible Recipients
In addition to service members and veterans, the Quilts of Valor Foundation also provides quilts to other individuals who have been touched by war. These include:
- Gold Star families: families who have lost a loved one in combat
- Blue Star families: families who have a loved one currently serving in the military
- First responders: police officers, firefighters, and EMTs who have been injured or affected by their service
The Quilt of Valor Award Process
The process of awarding a Quilt of Valor is a meaningful and personal one. Here’s an overview of how it works:
Nomination and Application
Individuals can be nominated to receive a Quilt of Valor by a family member, friend, or fellow service member. The nomination process typically involves submitting an application, which includes providing information about the nominee’s service and any injuries or conditions they have experienced.
Review and Approval
The Quilts of Valor Foundation reviews each application to ensure that the nominee meets the eligibility criteria. Once approved, the nominee is added to the foundation’s list of recipients.
Quilt Creation and Presentation
Once a nominee has been approved, a quilt is created specifically for them. The quilt is made by a volunteer quilter, who chooses the fabric, pattern, and design. The quilt is then presented to the recipient in a special ceremony, which may include family members, friends, and fellow service members.
The Significance of a Quilt of Valor
A Quilt of Valor is more than just a quilt; it’s a symbol of comfort, gratitude, and recognition. Here are some reasons why a Quilt of Valor is so significant:
A Symbol of Comfort
A Quilt of Valor is a physical reminder of the comfort and support that is available to service members and veterans. The quilt is made with love and care, and is designed to provide warmth and comfort to the recipient.
A Gesture of Gratitude
A Quilt of Valor is a gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members and veterans. The quilt is a way of saying “thank you” for their service, and for the sacrifices they have made for their country.
A Recognition of Sacrifice
A Quilt of Valor is a recognition of the sacrifices made by service members and veterans. The quilt is a way of acknowledging the challenges and hardships that they have faced, and the sacrifices they have made for their country.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in getting involved with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, there are several ways to do so:
Volunteer to Quilt
The Quilts of Valor Foundation relies on volunteer quilters to create the quilts that are awarded to recipients. If you’re a quilter, you can volunteer to make a quilt for a service member or veteran.
Donate to the Foundation
The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a non-profit organization that relies on donations to continue its mission. You can donate to the foundation to help support the creation and awarding of Quilts of Valor.
Nominate a Recipient
If you know a service member or veteran who is eligible to receive a Quilt of Valor, you can nominate them to receive one. Simply submit an application, and the foundation will review it to determine eligibility.
Conclusion
A Quilt of Valor is a meaningful and significant award that is given to service members and veterans who have been touched by war. The quilt is a symbol of comfort, gratitude, and recognition, and is a way of saying “thank you” for their service and sacrifices. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, there are several ways to do so, including volunteering to quilt, donating to the foundation, and nominating a recipient.
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Service Members and Veterans | Those who have been injured or affected by their service, including those who have been wounded in combat, injured in a non-combat situation, or diagnosed with a service-related illness or condition. |
| Gold Star Families | Families who have lost a loved one in combat. |
| Blue Star Families | Families who have a loved one currently serving in the military. |
| First Responders | Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs who have been injured or affected by their service. |
By providing handmade quilts to service members and veterans, the Quilts of Valor Foundation is able to show its appreciation for their service and sacrifices. If you’re interested in getting involved, consider volunteering to quilt, donating to the foundation, or nominating a recipient. Together, we can show our gratitude and support for those who have served their country.
Who is eligible to receive a Quilt of Valor?
A Quilt of Valor is awarded to service members and veterans who have been touched by war. This includes those who have been wounded, injured, or who have experienced traumatic events during their service. The quilt is a symbol of appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifices and service to our country. Eligible recipients include active duty personnel, veterans, and those who have been honorably discharged from the military.
The Quilt of Valor Foundation does not limit its awards to those who have been wounded in combat. Any service member or veteran who has served in a combat zone or has been affected by their military service is eligible to receive a quilt. The foundation’s goal is to provide comfort and recognition to those who have served our country, and to let them know that their sacrifices are appreciated and valued.
How are Quilts of Valor awarded?
Quilts of Valor are awarded through a nomination process. Anyone can nominate a service member or veteran to receive a quilt, including family members, friends, and fellow service members. The nomination process typically involves submitting an application or nomination form, which includes information about the nominee’s military service and their experiences during that time.
Once a nomination is received, it is reviewed by the Quilt of Valor Foundation or a local quilt of valor group. If the nominee is deemed eligible, a quilt is then made and awarded to the recipient. The quilt is typically presented to the recipient in a ceremony, where they are recognized for their service and sacrifices. The ceremony is often attended by family members, friends, and fellow service members, and is a meaningful way to honor the recipient’s service.
What is the significance of a Quilt of Valor?
A Quilt of Valor is a symbol of appreciation and gratitude for a service member’s or veteran’s sacrifices and service to our country. The quilt is a tangible representation of the thanks and recognition that our country owes to those who have served in the military. It is a way to let service members and veterans know that their sacrifices are valued and appreciated, and that they are not forgotten.
The quilt is also a source of comfort and healing for many recipients. The quilt is made with love and care, and is often presented to the recipient in a ceremony that is both meaningful and emotional. The quilt serves as a reminder to the recipient that they are not alone, and that there are people who care about them and appreciate their service. For many recipients, the quilt becomes a cherished possession that they treasure for years to come.
How are Quilts of Valor made?
Quilts of Valor are made by volunteers who are skilled in quilting. The quilts are typically made from high-quality fabrics and materials, and are constructed using traditional quilting techniques. The quilts are often made in a patriotic theme, with red, white, and blue fabrics being used to represent the American flag.
Each quilt is made with love and care, and is a unique and individual work of art. The quilts are often personalized with the recipient’s name and branch of service, making each quilt a one-of-a-kind tribute to the recipient’s service. The quilts are also made to be durable and long-lasting, so that they can be treasured by the recipient for years to come.
Can I nominate a family member or friend to receive a Quilt of Valor?
Yes, you can nominate a family member or friend to receive a Quilt of Valor. The Quilt of Valor Foundation encourages nominations from anyone who knows a service member or veteran who they believe is deserving of a quilt. This can include family members, friends, fellow service members, and even healthcare providers or social workers who work with veterans.
To nominate someone, you will typically need to submit an application or nomination form, which includes information about the nominee’s military service and their experiences during that time. You may also be asked to provide additional information or documentation to support the nomination. Once the nomination is received, it will be reviewed by the Quilt of Valor Foundation or a local quilt of valor group, and a quilt will be awarded if the nominee is deemed eligible.
How can I get involved with the Quilt of Valor Foundation?
There are several ways to get involved with the Quilt of Valor Foundation. One way is to become a volunteer quilter, where you can help make quilts for service members and veterans. You can also donate materials or supplies, such as fabric, thread, or batting, to help support the foundation’s quilting efforts.
Another way to get involved is to help with the nomination and award process. You can help spread the word about the Quilt of Valor Foundation and encourage others to nominate service members and veterans to receive a quilt. You can also help with the presentation of quilts to recipients, which is often a meaningful and emotional experience. Whatever your skills or interests, there are many ways to get involved with the Quilt of Valor Foundation and help make a difference in the lives of service members and veterans.
What is the history of the Quilt of Valor Foundation?
The Quilt of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, a quilter from Delaware. Roberts was inspired to start the foundation after her son was deployed to Iraq, and she wanted to find a way to show her appreciation for his service. She began making quilts for service members and veterans, and soon enlisted the help of other quilters to join her in the effort.
Today, the Quilt of Valor Foundation is a national organization with thousands of volunteers across the United States. The foundation has awarded over 200,000 quilts to service members and veterans, and continues to grow and expand its efforts. The foundation’s mission is to provide comfort and recognition to those who have served our country, and to let them know that their sacrifices are valued and appreciated.