Mission Statement
“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®.”
QOVF Core Values
* Treating people with respect
We honor all faiths and beliefs, striving for inclusivity.
* Promoting excellence
We put the best possible workmanship and material into every quilt we make so it will be a lasting award for the
person it is meant to comfort.
* Valuing service over self
Quilts of Valor® recipients come first.
* Being Accountable
We are accountable for our actions to our recipients, our supporters, our donors, and fellow volunteers.
Our Local History
- June 2009, Lewis Clark QOV (LCQOV) was the “brain child” of Sharon Ledbetter and Marilyn Kucera, both Clarkston, WA residents and neighbors. The Lewis Clark Valley is home to the 145th Brigade Support Battalion and home to a vast number of Veterans.
- June 2009, Kelly McKeehan, Lewiston, ID resident, was recruited to help us organize a block drive. It was the intention to generate enough blocks to make 50 Quilts of Valor. Blocks were put into 14” Pizza Boxes, donated by Fazzari's Pizza, Clarkston, WA. Precut sashing strips and borders were added to make a “Kit”. When the dust settled, 100 kits were completed.
- Nov 11, 2009 brought 36 women, some from as far away as Grangeville, ID., to Mall 21 in Lewiston to begin construction of the kits. In addition to the kits, 10 completed quilts were donated. We awarded our first 5 Quilts of Valor during the sew day. Pizza was donated by Mike’s Pole Buildings and drinks by Pepsi. Hahn Rentals donated tables and chairs. Tony Copeland (Lewiston, ID) donated the location and Becky’s Fabric and Bernina handled the “overflow”.
- 2010 we requested 275 QOV’s to be awarded to our returning 145th. 45 quilts were awarded in Lewiston. The remaining quilts were loaded on a bus, along with many of our supporters, and taken to Post Falls, ID and awarded to members of the 145th in the Idaho Panhandle. Quilts came from across the country to help us fulfill our mission.
- May 21, 2011 was Armed Forces Day. QOVF Founder Catherine Roberts, QOVF Director June Moore and QOVF Deputy Director Lori Kutch joined us for a QOV Sew Day at the Quality Inn in Clarkston, WA. Forty-five quilters gathered with their projects to spend the day piecing and sharing our mission. Sixteen Quilts of Valor were awarded to valley Vietnam Veterans at the close of the day.
- 2013 Lewis Clark QOV became a group member of the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
- October 2015 - Senior District Judge Carl Kerrick enlisted Lewis Clark QOV to take part in Veterans Court graduation ceremonies. Idaho State Coordinator Samy Owen and LCQOV member Betty Kendrick work with the court to award QOV's to graduates of the program.
- November 2016, LCQOV brought the "Eyes of Freedom Memorial" to the Lewis Clark Valley. We partnered with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) and the VFW Post #10043. The "Eyes of Freedom Memorial" and 20 Quilts of Valor were on display during the 5-day event. These quilts were awarded during the closing ceremonies. Additionally, a total of 61 quilts were awarded to veterans and service members during opening ceremonies which celebrated a branch of service each of the 5 days.
- March 2018, LCQOV and Suicide Prevention Awareness Network (SPAN) brought the "Eyes of Freedom Memorial" back to the Lewis Clark Valley for 3 days. This visit included the national unveiling of the bronze statue called "Silent Battle", created by artist Anita Miller. The bronze will now travel the US as part of the "Eyes of Freedom" to help bring awareness, help and hope to those suffering from the wounds, both physical and emotional, left by war.
- July 2024, we are now 62 members strong.
Membership
Membership in Quilts of Valor is strictly voluntary. Membership affords members certain privileges given by various
entities. These may include special pricing on some fabrics and threads, pantograph designs, free patterns and other
specials. Each month, specials may change, but you must be a member to log in to that portion of the website to take
advantage of the special offers. To become a new member as part of the LCQOV group, please contact Connie Lorenz.
The cost is $10 annually.
For more information about the Quilts of Valor Foundation, visit the foundation's website at www.QOVF.org.