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CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (May 9, 2008) - They didn't have
any lines, and if it weren't for their bright colors against the
spartan background of a C-17 Globemaster's cargo bay, quilts
produced by the South Carolina Quilts of Valor troop-support
organization might have gone unnoticed.
But their cameo appearance in a scene of Lifetime Network's
military drama "Army Wives," however, reflects the importance the
quilts have in the lives of real servicemembers.
Susan Thomas, president of the quilt-making group, said Air
Force Reserve Capt. Wayne Capps, public affairs officer for the
315th Airlift Wing here, suggested to the show's staff that they
use her organization's quilts in a scene while coordinating details
of the May 5 filming here of parts of the upcoming season's fourth
episode.
"It's just so inspiring, just to know that somebody cares enough
to say, 'We want to show this,'" she said.
When their 15 minutes of fame ended, the quilts were boxed up
and sent overseas with a note letting recipients know about their
quilts' star status.
South Carolina Quilts of Valor is part of the national Quilts of
Valor Foundation that started four years ago. The mission of the
foundation, and all its chapters, is to cover every wounded
servicemember with a quilt to let them know how much they're
appreciated.
In the three and a half years since it began, the South Carolina
chapter has completed 660 of the quilts, ranging from 50 by 60
inches to 62 by 72 inches in size, just right for use on the
litters used to transport wounded warriors on aeromedical airlift
flights.
The nearly 30 group members spend about three weeks and a little
over $100 to create each heirloom-quality quilt, using only quilt
store fabric and a particular kind of batting that ensures they're
soft and will hold up to the rigors of a hospital stay.
Despite the seemingly small number of quilters in the chapter,
their quilts are anything but cookie-cutter.
"We send a variety," Thomas said. "In fact, [an Army chaplain]
sent me an e-mail after he received his box and ... said, 'I love
to turn your boxes upside-down and watch the colors fall out.'"
The differing patterns do more than keep one quilt from looking
like the next, Thomas said. The pattern name often is included on
the label, which raises some curiosity in the recipients.
Two quilt recipients have told the group that they go online to
look at the organization's Web site and to research the history of
the pattern. "It gives them something to do in the hospital,"
Thomas explained.
While she never knows where her group's quilts will end up when
they're shipped overseas, Thomas said she knows for a fact that
they have a huge impact on the recipients.
The half dozen quilts used in the "Army Wives" episode
theoretically will end up at the fictional Fort Marshall, where the
show is set. But their real impact will be much broader. They not
only will bring comfort to real servicemembers, but also will shine
a spotlight on Quilts of Valor Foundation's less-recognized
chapters, Thomas said.
"Army Wives" second season begins June 8 at 10 p.m. on Lifetime
Network.
Editor's Note: Military families can also avail
themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You
program, which highlights home-front groups across the nation that
are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their
families. A listing of these groups and information about their
efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
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