Quilt of Valor moves veteran to tears
Susan McMinimy and Giannine O’Connor drape a quilt of valor over Kenneth Siirila's shoulders to commemorate his Army service Monday at the Idaho State Veterans Home Post Falls.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
Susan McMinimy and Giannine O’Connor present Duaine Johnson with a quilt for his Air Force service Monday at the Idaho State Veterans Home Post Falls. Johnson took off his Korea veteran hat to thank the quilters.
Henry "Pat" Patrick expresses that his quilt is beautiful to Giannine O’Connor, Quilts of Valor North Idaho coordinator as she and Susan McMinimy place his new quilt around his shoulders. Kayla Main read out the list of military achievements each veteran received during the presentation Monday.
Kayla Main reads Kelcie Devitt's Navy service achievements as Susan McMinimy and Giannine O’Connor place a quilt around her shoulders.
POST FALLS — Duaine Johnson was overcome with emotions Monday morning as he was given a Quilt of Valor for his 20 years in the Air Force.
The words didn’t come quickly, so he doffed his Korea veteran hat to the quilters and audience applauding for him.
“It means more than I can say,” Johnson said. “It brings tears to my eyes.”
The impact of the gesture meant all the more to him as it was witnessed by his fellow veterans at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls.
“It’s the safest place in the world,” said Johnson, who served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1970.
The local Quilts of Valor group, the Patriotic Piecers, honored seven veterans, including one staff member, with quilts stitched with love and gratitude.
Giannine O’Connor, Quilts of Valor North Idaho coordinator, said the group keeps busy creating pieces meant to honor the local veteran population.
With the completion of this round of quilts, O’Connor said she has already received the next list of names.
"We are honored to come to the veterans home presenting these quilts and we look forward to presenting more,” O’Connor said.
Henry "Pat" Patrick was in quiet awe of the quilt he received for his Air Force service.
“It’s beautiful,” he said as O’Connor and Susan McMinimy wrapped the red, white and blue blanket around his shoulders.
In the event room festooned with “Home of the Brave” table runners, Ken Johnson, honor guard commander, said the presentations make sure veterans feel respect from their communities.
“It’s veterans honoring veterans,” Ken Johnson said. “It’s important that veterans know we support them.”
Veterans honored at Quilts of Valor ceremony:
Duaine Johnson: Air Force, 1950-1970, numerous USAF medals, military retiree
Henry "Pat" Patrick: Air Force, 1967-1984, numerous USAF medals, military retiree
James Plumb: Navy, 1948-1952, Navy Occupation Service Medal, China Service Medal
Kenneth Siirila: Army, 1969, 1971-1972
James Waddell: Army, 1954-1956
Gary Williams: Marines, 1965-1969, 1975-1992, service medals, Combat Action Ribbon, military retiree
Kelcie Devitt: Navy, 2007-2011, two Navy achievement medals
Susan McMinimy and Giannine O’Connor present Duaine Johnson with a quilt for his Air Force service Monday at the Idaho State Veterans Home Post Falls. Johnson took off his Korea veteran hat to thank the quilters.
Henry "Pat" Patrick expresses that his quilt is beautiful to Giannine O’Connor, Quilts of Valor North Idaho coordinator as she and Susan McMinimy place his new quilt around his shoulders. Kayla Main read out the list of military achievements each veteran received during the presentation Monday.
Kayla Main reads Kelcie Devitt's Navy service achievements as Susan McMinimy and Giannine O’Connor place a quilt around her shoulders.