For those who have never heard of “Quilts of Valor”, it is a National organization begun in 2003 by one woman’s idea “to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts.” It now includes all service members and veterans no matter where or when they served. Since it began, other organizations, such as the Grange, have joined the project. All quilts are handmade by volunteers all over the country. A very busy group of quilters from Holden, Mass helps keep The Massachusetts State Grange supplied with beautiful quilts. Each is unique, with no two alike. Since 2003 over 400,000 quilts have been given to deserving service men, women and veterans across the country and overseas. Each quilt also has a special patch on the back with the recipient’s name, date made and the names of the two ladies who lovingly stitched by hand and machine the beautiful quilt being presented.
On Sunday, December 15, members of Rochester Grange visited Alden Court in Fairhaven to meet and award A “Quilt of Valor” to Henry Stopka, a Rochester resident. Henry is a veteran of both the Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard. He served in the U.S Air Force from 1950 to 1954 as an Airman 1st Class and was a firefighting, crash and rescue Specialist. Henry attended fire- fighting school at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. As an Airman, he was attached to the 1100th Installations Squadron at Bolling AFB, Washington, DC. In the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, he served from 1965 to 1990 retiring as a Senior Chief Small Arms Instructor. Henry had been stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod.
The Grange is both happy and proud to have been able to honor Henry Stopka for his service to the United States and along with members of his family to present him with a lovely quilt to use and enjoy.
Congratulations and Merry Christmas Henry and all the Stopka family.
