Veteran Quilt Recipients have included : Major Larry P . Master Sergeant Jim DeW . Major Joe S . Lt Col Nancy S . Sergeant Bob O . Major David M . Specialist E-4 Jim G . Sergeant John L . Petty Officer 3rd Class
Tom J . Sr Airman Tom W . Corporal Dennis W . Master Sergeant Lonnie G . Petty Officer 1st Class
Ron S . Captain Bob H . Sr Airman Ronnie R Lieutenant Atlee K . Corporal Dennis V . Sergeant Dennis M . Staff Sergeant Bob E . Electrician ’ s Mate EM2
Bill O . Sergeant Ronnie P . Specialist E-5 Bill T . Petty Officer 3rd Class
Greg C .
Corporal Rodney S . Staff Sergeant Joe S . Specialist E-4 Roy E . Sergeant Robert G . Lt Col . Marie M . Captain Glen U . Captain Kelvin M . Master Sergeant Chris H . Captain Jim S . Staff Sergeant Stephen P . Master Sergeant Russell N . Sergeant Major Bill M .
Safari Waters Quilters include : Arlene U . Audrey M . Barb T . Carol McB . Christine D . Cindy O . Cindy R . Dena P . Karen P . Kathi M-B . Kay D . Kelly G . Liz E . Mary B . Mo W . Mel R . Patti C . Rhonda N . Roylynn O . Sharon W . Tamara F . Brenda W .
22 | Greater Athens Magazine | December 2022
Another neighbor , Rhonda , who owns an embroidery business , offered to make special labels for each quilt that contains the veteran ’ s name , branch of service , rank at discharge , and a message from the SWQ .
Dena and Christine are beginner quilters who chose to quilt two of the same patterns for a set of veteran brothers . They purchased the materials together and learned how to do the front together but made the backs unique to each brother .
Sharon , former spouse to two veterans , says that sometimes it is the first time a veteran , especially those from Vietnam , have heard the words , “ Welcome home .” She is now dating another Vietnam vet and she said that after receiving his quilt , he has begun to open up more to her . Patti said that for her it ’ s about the men and women who have served .
“ Quilts and Patriots go together very well ,” she said .
It is not uncommon to see a veteran tear up and it is emotional for all the ladies as well when the quilts are presented .
For more information or to donate money or supplies to the Safari Water Quilters , please contact Audrey at alm . swr2018 @ gmail . com . Each quilt is registered with the National Quilts of Valor Foundation and they encourage you to nominate a deserving veteran on the QOV website at www . qovf . org .
Audrey closes the presentation of quilts saying to the veterans , “ The story of your quilt becomes your story . We hope that you will keep this quilt with you as a tangible reminder that thousands of Americans across this land are forever in your debt . On behalf of the Safari Quilters , it is a privilege to honor you today , Welcome home .”