Local veterans honored with handmade quilts

Three local veterans were honored on Sept. 4 at the Community Adult Day Service at Faith Lutheran Church in Oxford. The ceremony was hosted by a volunteer from the national Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF), a nonprofit that sews and gifts quilts to veterans. 

The quilts were presented by Terri Marcum, a volunteer for QOVF, and were given to Navy veteran Raleigh Eldridge, Army veteran Warren “Jay” Townsend and Marine Corps veteran Richard “Dick” Ammon.

Eldridge served in the boiler room of the USS Dixie during the Vietnam War. 

“The ship could not have functioned without their skill, endurance and dedication,” Marcum said. 

Townsend served with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at Fort Myer, Virginia, which is the Army’s official ceremonial unit, Marcum said. 

Ammon served at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, eventually earning the title of first sergeant. 

“This was an important leadership position that carried responsibility for the discipline, readiness, morale and well-being of the Marines in his unit,” Marcum said. 

Each veteran was given a handmade quilt as a symbol of the nation’s appreciation for their service.

“Thank you very much, I appreciate it … I’m overwhelmed,” Ammon said upon receiving his quilt. 

During the ceremony, Marcum explained the history of the organization and the purpose of the quilts they created. 

“As you wrap yourself in this quilt, know that you are also wrapped in the thanks of a grateful nation,” Marcum said. “Your bravery has helped secure the freedoms we enjoy every day. We are honored to recognize you with a symbol of our appreciation.” 

QOVF was founded in 2003 “as (a) way to express gratitude for today’s all volunteer, modern military,” according to the QOVF website. Volunteers for the organization work together to create quilts, which are then presented to living veterans who have been nominated. Anyone can submit a nomination by going to qovf.org.