Local Veterans Honored
Neil Hannan, L, and Gary Wattengel, R, wrapped in Quilts of Valor presented in their honor on July 4. Photo by Carol Cozzen.
Images by Carol Cozzen. Text by Allison Sayer
On July 4, a ceremony was held in Pinneo Park to present Quilts of Valor to local Army and Coast Guard veteran Gary Wattengel and local Army veteran Neil Hannan. Both men were nominated for the award by Marianne Williams.
Marianne Williams and Nicole Wattengel wrap Gary Wattengel in a Quilt of Valor made by Suzanne Dotson. All three are members of the Lion’s Club. Photo by Carol Cozzen.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) began in 2003 when Catherine Roberts, whose son had been deployed to Iraq, decided to start making quilts to comfort soldiers and veterans. With the motto “quilts=healing,” the organization focuses on providing comfort, healing, and acknowledgement to veterans. Honorees are wrapped in hand made quilts with the intended effect of a loving hug.
Marianne Williams and Billy Williams, Jr. wrap veteran Neil Hannan in a Quilt of Valor made by Susan Spencer. Photo by Carol Cozzen.
Hannan’s quilt was made by Susan Spencer and Wattengel’s quilt by Suzanne Dotson, both members of the Forget Me Not Quilters of Alaska, based in Wasilla.
Marianne Williams wraps Gary Wattengel in a Quilt of Valor made by Suzanne Dotson while Nicole Wattengel and presenter Greg Lee look on. Photo by Carol Cozzen.
Local VFW and American Legion member Greg Lee, who is the Copper Basin QOVF coordinator, presented the quilts. He is also a member of the Forget Me Not Quilters although he doesn’t quilt himself. “The reason they do this is just out of love,” said Lee. Lee added that QOVF seeks to honor servicemen and women, and acknowledge the difficulties they may have due to their experiences in combat.
Marianne Williams shares a moment with veteran Neil Hannan while Billy Williams, Jr. looks on. Photo by Carol Cozzen.
Neil Hannan said receiving the quilt was an emotional experience, and “quite an honor.” He added, “The battle really continues after you come home. It affects everything you do.” Hannan has returned to Vietnam many times to do humanitarian work since his time there as a soldier.
The event was followed by the July 4 salmon bake sponsored by the local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, and Lions Club.
For more information on the Quilts of Valor Foundation, including patterns, information about how to nominate a veteran to receive a quilt, and a link to donate, visit qovf.org. To read about Hannan’s most recent trip to Vietnam, visit https://hannan2024vietnam.blogspot.com/