Quilts of Valor recipients proudly hold or wear their handmade patriotic quilts following the July 19 presentation at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Colfax on Sunday, July 19. Front row, left to right, Dan Dykema, Daryl Menninga, Eldon Nikkel, Dwight Vander Leest, Herb Scott, George Montgomery, Matt Mitchell, and Keith Sutton. Back, Bruce Montgomery, Daniel Durant, Angela Norris, Melanie Sharp, Joe VanErsvelde, Troy Heck, Douglas Mikkelson, Austin Leng, and Chris Terlouw.
Healing Quilts of Valor were honorably created for 25 veterans or active service members who have sacrificed and defended American freedom, and those quilts were given to them at the Quilts of Valor presentation on Sunday, July 19, the third day of Jasper County Fair events held at the fairgrounds in Colfax.
Each handmade patriotic quilt graced the shoulders of those who served, including those of seven area residents – Dan Dykema, Austin Leng, Daryl Menninga, Eldon Nikkel, Melanie Sharp, Chris Terlouw, and Dwight Vander Leest.
The quilts were made with love and respect by local 4-H students who have connections with their recipients.
Melanie Sharp, whose quilt was made by 15-year-old Natalie Nore, daughter of Sean and Lori Nore, said of her quilt, “It’s absolutely stunning and something I will cherish for years to come. Amazing job to all 4-H kids, parents, and volunteers who worked to make this event such an incredible experience for veterans and active service members.”
Korie Vos, daughter of Jamison and Steph Vos, put her talents to work making a Quilt of Valor, which she presented to her uncle, Austin Leng of Sully. Johanna Vos, Jamison and Steph Vos’s youngest daughter, also created a Quilt of Valor for a deserving veteran. Emery Talsma created a quilt for Chris Terlouw of Killduff. A quartet of sisters made the quilts for a quartet of Sully veterans. Esme, Averie Mae, Emma, and Amelia Plowman made the quilts for Dan Dykema, Daryl Menninga, Eldon Nikkel, and Dwight Vander Leest.
Additional veterans who were honored at the Quilts of Valor presentation include Lee and Rachel Gebhart, Erik Glass, Jason Kincel, Douglas Mikkelson, Bruce Montgomery, George Montgomery, Angela Norris, Joe Van Ersvelde, Daniel Durant, Douglas Guyer, Darrin Hamilton, Troy Heck, Michael Curtis Lee, Brandon Millage, Matt Mitchell, Herb Scott, and Keith Sutton. The volunteers whose time and talent made the quilts possible for the non-local veterans are Emily Schweinebart, Sadie Talsma, Savannah Frasher, Aubrie Auffert, Johanna Vos, Lydia Versendaal, Marva Tolson, Linda Osborn, Janet Lust, and Dianna Machin.
