RISON - Twelves veterans received “Quilts of Valor” during a special ceremony held this past Saturday at Center Missionary Baptist Church at Rowell.Quilts of Valor was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts as a way to pay tribute to her son who was deployed in Iraq. The first Quilt of Valor was presented in November 2003 at Walter Reed Medical Center to a young soldier from Minnesota who lost his leg in Iraq. About a half million quilts have been presented since then. The Cleveland County Extension Homemakers Council hosted the event, and is also looking to start a project club to support the national program. The quilts provided Saturday were made by the Quilt of Valor Never Forgotten in Arkansas chapter based in Benton.During the event, ladies from the Never Forgotten in Arkansas chapter and the Heritage Girls honored 12 veterans with Quilts of Valor. Karen Mitchell with group extended a warm welcome to the veterans, their families, and guests, providing an overview of the organization's history. Navy Chaplain Jordan Ferris, one of the recipients, commenced the ceremony with a prayer while the Heritage Girls presented the Colors and led the pledge. State Representative Mike Holcomb performed “God Bless the USA,” while Celeste Cooper sang the National Anthem. Those veterans receiving quilts included Loletia Terry, Doyle Bowlin, Jackie Cox, Richard Young, Christopher Haley, John Hothman, Jenny Wright, Arthur Leeper, Paul Newman, James Phillips, Danny Curry and Jordan Farris. Each veteran received a Quilt of Valor, accompanied by a description of their military service and awards. Also, John 15:13 was quoted in the ceremony to recognized the veterans’ service: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”After the presentation those present shook the hand of each veteran and thanked them for their service. The veterans were also given a certificate with their i...
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