Eloise Ogden/MDN Frank Senn, right, of Minot’s Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 4, presents a $2,000 check to Lynn Heald, chair for the Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor Minot program. Others shown in the photo, from the left, are Meredythe Lester, Minot; Linda Hoff and Sue Brown, both of Burlington; Jackie Slagle, Minot; and Chris Senn, Burlington.

The Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor Minot program has made and presented 176 quilts to veterans in the Minot area since it was established in February 2020, according to Lynn Heald, chair of the program.

On Friday, Jan. 19, Frank Senn, of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 4, of Minot, presented Heald with a $2,000 check from the chapter to be used for materials to make the quilts. He said plans are for the chapter to continue to provide funds to the local program.

Skip Gjerde and Rex Sisko, with DAV Chapter 4, also were on hand for the presentation along with several Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor quilters.

The mission of the Quilts of Honor Foundation, a national organization, is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor and honor them for their sacrifices.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream of founder Catherine Roberts, a Blue Star mother. Initially, Roberts was inspired by her daughter, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and her son, at the time deployed to Iraq.

Heald said Roberts’ desire was to see that returning warriors were welcomed home with the love and gratitude they deserved.

Nearly four years ago, Heald started thinking about what she could do with all of her quilts that could make a difference. On Feb. 27, 2020, she formed the Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor.

“Originally, I was terrified with the decision I made to form this group, but after presenting the first quilt, I was amazed at what a simple gesture could do. My goal now is to keep going until every deserving veteran in my life has been awarded with a Quilt of Valor or until I physically can’t do this anymore,” she said.

The Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor Minot program quilters meet once a month at Creative Dimensions in Minot. About 30-35 quilters are involved in the program. Anyone who would like to help make the quilts or assist with other program needs can contact Heald at 340-4870.