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On November 11th Cassondra Gehrke, CPC, CMA, was presented with a Quilt of Valor. Cassondra is currently a medical assistant working at Grant Regional Community Clinics in Lancaster and Fennimore. The Quilt of Valor Foundation is a grassroots group of quilters from all across the US. Founded in 2003, by quilter Catherine Roberts whose son was deployed in Iraq and had the idea of comforting veterans with quilts. Since then, over 363,000 Quilts of Valor have been awarded to service men and women.

Cassondra shared with us about her military service, “I served for three years in the Army. I served two tours one overseas and one in Nicaragua. I was with an engineering unit. We built roads, hospitals, schools etc. I was honorably discharged due to health issues after the birth of my son. Had life given me a different outcome I had planned to go career military but alas that wasn't able to come to fruition. I learned a lot during my time in, traveled and saw a lot of places. I made many friends that I still keep in touch with today. I come from a family and extended family that are proud military members. I am honored to be awarded this Quilt. I am proud of my service and of those before, with and after me. My future, while not able to still be in the military, is continuing to help others as a proud medical professional.”

The beautiful quilt, created by Erin Huebschman brings you a three-part message from their hearts and other QOV quilters: “First, we honor you for your service in the U.S. military. For being willing to leave all you hold dear in performing your military service. Second, we know that freedom is not free. The cost of our freedom is the dedication of lives of men and women like you, and this quilt is meant to say Thank You for your sacrifice. And finally, this quilt is meant to offer comfort to you, and to remind you that we are forever grateful to you. This Quilt of Valor unequivocally says thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation.”

Huebschman explained, “A Quilt of Valor is not a charity quilt. A Quilt of Valor is not a blanket. If you are a quilter, you know a quilt consists of three layers held together by its quilting stitches. We like to think of the layers in this way: The top of the quilt with its many colors, shapes, and fabrics, represents the communities and the many individuals we are. The batting, the filler, is the center of the quilt, its warmth. It represents our hope that this quilt will bring warmth, comfort, peace, and healing to the individual who receives it. The backing is the strength that supports the other layers. It represents the strength of the recipient, the support of his or her family, our communities, and our nation. Each stitch that holds the layers together represents love, and gratitude.”

Thank you to Cassondra for her service and sacrifice to our great nation, and to Dr. Huebschman for presenting this honor. We salute all veterans including our own employees: Carrie Blessen, Cassondra Gehrke, McKenzie Grafton, Dr. Eli James, Cairan Meyer, Scott Murray, Tina Pitzer, Tony Walz, Nichole Seippel, Isaac Wall, Joyce Walter and Hayley Williams. We are eternally grateful for them.