'You are our heroes'

POST FALLS — One by one, nine veterans received honors and a Quilt of Valor on Friday morning at the Idaho State Veterans Home.  

Each man received grateful thanks from Kayla Main of Quilts of Valor before they were escorted to the front of the room to be adorned in the quilts commemorating their service. 

“You are our heroes,” Main said.  

Giannine O'Connor said it's the group’s second presentation at the Post Falls veterans home.   

“Our goal has been to get one on every bed here,” O'Connor said. 

Sitting by the window with his friend, Charlie Aebi, Vietnam veteran Eddie Siegel was already planning how to use his quilt. 

“I’m going to wear mine to watch TV. It’ll be good to curl up with something,” Siegel said. 

“I’m really surprised,” Joel McNee said, saying of his quilt, “It’s the prettiest one here.”

The keepsakes are stitched by community members to offer comfort to veterans and show them they have not been forgotten. Quilts of Valor are personalized and presented to veterans across the country. 

A member of the North Idaho chapter of the nonprofit, Linda Hill said being able to connect with each veteran has been her favorite part of each ceremony. 

“It’s a real privilege just to say thank you,” Hill said.  

Veterans honored at Friday's ceremony: 

Charlie Aebi, Marines 1983-1987, peacetime: good conduct medal 

Curtis Garrison, Navy 1972-1987, Vietnam: Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal 

Dick Johnson, Army 1965-1968, Vietnam: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 

Joe Kavanaugh, Marines 1965-1969, Vietnam: Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation 

Jerry Kirkish, Army 1970-1971, Vietnam: Vietnam National Defense Service Medal, Army Occupational Medal, Good Conduct Medal  

Donald Seed, Army 1966-1968 Vietnam: Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal  

Eddie Siegel, Army 1966-1968, Vietnam: Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal  

Dale Coler, staff, Army 1976-1996, Iraq  

Joel McNee, Navy 1958-1962, peacetime: Good Conduct Medal

    Eddie Siegel laughs as he receives his Quilt of Valor and certificate of honor from Giannine O'Connor Friday morning at Idaho State Veterans Home Post Falls.

    Dale Coler, a veteran and staff member at Idaho State Veterans Home Post Falls receives his Quilt of Honor.