SPOKANE, Mo. — It was a full house at Gateway Cafe in Spokane on Tuesday, and the guests of honor were 11 United States Veterans. Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks presented each veteran with a quilt made especially for them.
The veterans on hand were of all ages, ranks, and tours of duty. Veterans from WWII to Iraq were in attendance and honored. Three brothers also received quilts.
“It made for a great day,” says event organizer Shirley Haskins. Haskins has been with the club since May. She knew how to sew when she joined the club, but that was about it.
“After my husband passed away, I needed something to fill the time. A friend was a member and invited me to come with her,” says Haskins.
As Haskins began making her first quilt, she knew immediately who she wanted to give it to. Long-time friend and childhood neighbor, George Thomas. Thomas served in the Navy in the early ’70s.
“I’m extremely honored that I got to receive the first quilt she put together,” explains Thomas, “Shirley and I grew up together in a century farm near Monett. We went to church together, went to school together and were lifelong friends.”