The 2009 Quilt Challenge - "Quilts of Valor" was co-chaired by Kate Meyers and MJ Seeples. Over 70 challenge quilts were made by the guild.

See the slideshow. (NOTE: There are a couple of quilts that don't have names with them. If you know who made the quilt, and if there are any errors in labeling in the slide show please contact Diane Rhea.)

Highlights of the June guild meeting included a surprise appearance from the founder of national Quilts of Valor organization, Renee Anderson sang "The Star Spangled Banner", and the presentation of the colors by the Loudon County VFW Honor Guard members: Roy Salton – Leader, Don Burgett – US Flag carrier – Army, Dwayne Beck – Marines, Jim Karg – Navy, Roger McKnight – Army, Bill Leistner – Coast Guard, and Bob Provart – Air Force.

The Luncheon Chairman is Jan Sykes. The Why Knot Bee helped to make the gifts for each person attending.

The quilts were hung in the lower level of the Yacht Club and judged by Tone Haugen-Cogburn. There were five categories:

• Best in show: The Glory Bee- Darlene Bakos, Kate Meyers and Bridge Matlock.
• Viewer's Choice: Village Quilters Beginner Bee
• Best use of challenge fabric - 1st place: Judy Egan, 2nd place: Pam George, 3rd place: The Gals
• Most creative use of stars - 1st place: Betty Girardeau, 2nd place: Rose Remund, 3rd place: Arliss Barber
• Best interpretation of theme - 1st place: Anna Kelley, 2nd place: Carol Domans, 3rd place: Sandy Black
• Best by a group - 1st place: Inbetweens Bee, 2nd place: The Ridge Girls, 3rd place: Two Friends Quilting

Quilts of Valor Stories

Submitted by Anna K. See full News Herald Story.

My husband, Jeff, really wanted to give the quilt to a local, young veteran so he made numerous calls and finally got the name of a young man, Craig Jump, who was injured in Germany while loading a helicopter.  His injury would not heal and they found out that he has some other syndrome that doesn't allow his body to heal itself properly. Craig has a wife and two adorable children.  They are living with his parents in their trailer.  I was just thrilled when he told me that they are decorating their new house (being built by Habitat) in patriotic colors.  His wife Lora wanted a patriotic quilt to hang behind their bed but they have not been able to get one, yet.  How special it was to be able to present my quilt to them, especially knowing how they will treasure it.  We were all in tears.  I couldn't sleep that night.  I will never forget the experience.

Commander Jenny G. USN, accepts a Quilt of Valor made by Village Quilter member, Mozelle M. Jenny's three year old twins are standing in front of her. Jenny is the daughter of Village Quilter member, Pam Jeppesen. Pam and her husband took care of the twins while Jenny was deployed. Jenny just returned from a tour in Afghanistan.