Six local veterans were honored Aug. 8 during a Quilt of Valor presentation ceremony at the St. Cloud Community House. The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s Central Florida Chapter presented the veterans with a custom, handcrafted quilt honoring their military service.
Dick Benson of St. Cloud served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1962-65 and attained the rank of Corporal.
Steve Natow, also of St.Cloud, served in the U.S. Army from 1968-70 and 1975-2005, retiring as a Sergeant First Class.
Paul Czigan of Kissimmee served as a Navy and Marine Corps Chaplain from197894, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander.
Tammy Fischer of St. Cloud served in the U.S. Army from 1986-91 as a Motor Vehicle Operator and finished her service in the rank of Sergeant. She was stationed in Germany when Iraq invaded Kuwait and deployed to the Middle East with her unit during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Sonia Adkins from Orlando served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2024 and deployed to Iraq and retired as a Sergeant First Class.
Also from Orlando, Waldron Kelly served in the Air Force from 1974-75 but was unable to attend the ceremony.
The Quilt of Valor Foundation began in 2003 when founder Catherine Roberts’ son deployed in Iraq. Since that time, a staggering 450,000 quilts have been awarded to military members and veterans. Living veterans and military personnel on active duty can be nominated for a Quilt of Valor by anyone except themselves.
“I was so happy my family nominated me unexpectedly for a Quilt of Valor. It really makes me feel appreciated,” said Fischer, who is planning to attend the dedication of the National Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial in Washington, D.C. in October.
The dedicated volunteer members of the Central Florida Chapter of Quilts of Valor (QOV), which started in 2020, have made and presented over 100 quilts to date this year. The chapter operates on donations received locally to purchase materials and to offset other expenses. Material donations are greatly appreciated as well.
“As a not-for-profit, we are always looking for cost-free venues in the community when we formally present quilts to veterans and service members, said Melissa Mathews, the Group Leader for Central Florida QOV. Ideal venues would seat 40-50 people.
For more information on how to nominate a servicemember or veteran for a Quilt of Valor and to make donations or offer use of venues, contact Central Florida QOV at qov.orlando@gmail.com.
