The Broken Bow Veterans Dinner on Tuesday Night at the Municipal Building was a scene of fellowship and heart-felt presentations.
On behalf of a grateful nation, and with deepest appreciation, the Quilts of Valor organization in Broken Bow presented 6 local veterans with quilts. The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Since its founding, Quilts of Valor has awarded over 427,000 quilts to American veterans and military personnel.
In presenting the Quilts, local Quilts of Valor member Teri Buhlman said, “We as Quilters want you to know that through our quilts you’ll be forever in our hearts and we want you to know there is not a hug strong enough, there are not words big enough and all we can offer you is a thank you. You are our hero. You are in our thoughts and you are in our prayers for all you have done. On behalf of the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a grateful nation with our deepest appreciation, thank you for your service to our country and please accept this quilt of Valor. Most importantly, welcome home.”
Families each then stepped forward and wrapped their loved one in a quilt made by the Quilts of Valor members. Quilts were presented to the following veterans:
George Theodore “Ted” Govier Jr.. Govier served from November 1966 to October 1968 with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal Expert Rifle.
Freddie “Fred” Kleeb. Kleeb Served in the United States Army from 1977 to 1980, and with the National Guard from 1982 to 2002. Kleeb served as a Military Police NPC Specialist and Infantry Calvary Tanker in M60 and M61 units.
Jennifer Whitney. Whitney served in the Untied States Army from 2000-2006, including with the 313th Medical Company in Iraq from 2004 to 2005.
Bruce Kennedy. Kennedy served from March 1970 to November 1971. During his service in Vietnam as a Lite Weapons Infantryman, Kennedy earned multiple medals, including the Bronze Star Medal.
Dennis Cramer. Cramer served from August 1969 to March 1971. Cramer has many stories to tell about his service in Vietnam, and states he is “proud to have served my country”.
Tom Eaker. Eaker served from October 1967 to July 1971, during which time he served in Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Battalion and in Fort Hauchuca, Arizona.
Following the presentation of the quilts, all veterans who served during the Vietnam era, from November 1st, 1955 through May 15, 1975, were called to the front of the stage. As Quilts of Valor Member Deb Bryner spoke a long overdue thank you, the large crowd in the Broken Bow Municipal Building rose and gave a long ovation to the veterans standing in front of the stage.
The Quilts of Valor organization honored the 35 veterans present with with a lapel pin commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of that conflict.
Throughout the event, dinner of soup, sandwiches and a huge assortment of cakes were served by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3576 and volunteers. The Post was ably assisted by Girl Scout Troop 08745. The 12 members of the Scout Troop bussed tables, cleaned trays and refilled water glasses through the evening.
Troop Leader Sylvia Lupo said the group had been looking for a way to be involved with local veterans groups for some time, and was excited to give back to the community in this way.
Before beginning the ceremony, the American Legion Riders presented the Broken Bow Quilts of Valor organization with a check for $500, in hope that it would help a little in continuing the mission.
Anyone who quilts may become a member of the Quilts of Valor organization for a nominal fee. Interested quilters can contact Deb or Teri, or Quilts of Valor-affiliated shop Stitched by Jessi Rose in Taylor, NE at 308-708-2796.
To request a quilt for a veteran, visit https://www.qovf.org/nominations-awards/.
Listen to our full conversation about Quilts of Valor and Vietnam commemoration pin here:
