Richmond veteran honored with Quilt of Valor

Aug. 25--If one were to walk in the home of Glen Dean, an U.S. Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War, you would see mantles and tables full of certificates, awards, honorable discharges, medals, and even a Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice.

On Sunday, Dean received an additional lifetime award that recognized his service with the presentation of a Quilt of Valor from members of the Kentucky Chapter of the national organization at his home.

According to their website, 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." Quilts are awarded at many different levels: they may go to military hospitals where chaplains award them to service members; they may be awarded to entire service units returning from deployments; they may be awarded at veterans' homes or they may be awarded individually.

"We don't know what you sacrificed," said member Carolyn Elliott. "You left everything important to you to go to places... and made those sacrifices so all of us could enjoy the freedoms we have today."

Presented to Dean was a quilt unique to him, named Stars and Stripes, that featured big colorful patches making up stars, stripes and other patterns, sewn together by several volunteers.

She explained that receiving a quilt is a lifetime award that is not just handed out to everyone, but that veterans and service members earn it after being nominated by a loved one or family member.

Dean was nominated by his sister, Shirley Combs, who was there alongside other immediate family and friends to see her brother honored.

Also in attendance was Dean's pastor, David Evans of Corinth Christian Church, who Dean said helped him get through some of the hardest times in his life.

Evans said he was just as proud to see Dean honored with a Quilt of Valor.

"You served in the Vietnam War, one of the most unpopular wars we have ever had," Evans said, "...You answered the call. "It was not your war, you didn't start the war, there were other people who did, but you answered that call to serve your fellow man and when you got out of the Army, you served in the post office still serving people.

"I am so, so proud of you and what you have done for the country and for the people."

Elliott, agreed.

"When the need came, you stepped up to the plate," she said. "You signed that blank check made out to the United States government saying that you would give everything up to, and including your life, to protect and defend the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic.

"Thankfully he didn't have to cash that check, but he wrote it with the intent if they needed to, they could cash it. We honor you today for your sacrifices and service."

Since their inception in 2003, the Quilts of Valor organization has grown from four volunteers to over 11,000. According to Elliott, the group has awarded around 252,000 quilts to veterans.

"Whenever you are alone, and you have that quilt over you, there are 11,000 pairs of arms wrapped around you thinking of you and with you," she said.

To nominate a veteran for a quilt, visit qovf.org/ for more information.

Reach Taylor Six at 624-6623 or follow her on Twitter at @TaylorSixRR.

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