Seven Malcom AL veterans honored with Quilts of Valor

​       Members of the Malcom American Legion Davis Story Post 733 join the honorees of the Quilts of Valor during a special service on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Pictured are, from left, front row: Jacob McCammant, Richard Kirby (quilt recipient), Lonnie White (quilt recipient), Norman Schroeder (quilt recipient), Brenton Simpson. Back row: Phillip Vanrenterhem, Lee King, Jerry Minner (quilt recipient), Roger Griffith (quilt recipient), Cliff Schultz (quilt recipient), Rod Robey and John McCammant.

By J.O. Parker
 
      Seven veterans and members of the Malcom American Legion Davis Story Post 733 were honored with Quilts of Valor in a special service on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
     Lonnie White, Jerry Minner, Richard Kirby, Cliff Schultz, Roger Griffith and Norman Schroeder were all presented with handmade quilts. 
      Rod Robey received a quilt on behalf of veteran Clark Dayton, who was unable to attend. Dayton and his wife are in Maryland receiving treatment for cancer.
      The 60 by 70 size quilts were presented by Jane Bazyn of Victor. Bazyn and friends have made and given out more than 150 Quilts of Valor to area veterans.
       “I quilt all of them with the help of others who piece each quilt,” said Bazyn.
       As each veteran’s name was called, Bazyn wrapped the quilt around them and then gave each man a hug. Judy Wacha was on hand calling the veterans to step forward to the podium.
        Speaking on behalf of her husband, Lonnie, Deb White said, “He’s been touched.”
        Deb said the ladies do a great job making the quilts.
        “He feels blessed,” she said of Lonnie, a Marine who served during the Vietnam War. “It is quite an honor to get a quilt.”
        Minner, a Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War, said he appreciates the recognition.
       Kirby, an Army veteran who spent time in the service during the Vietnam War, said receiving the quilt is quite an honor.
      “I put my time in and I appreciate the honor these ladies bestowed on me tonight,” said Schultz, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War where he spent one year in California and two years in Germany.
        “I appreciate all of those involved,” said Schultz.
       Griffith, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, said the quilt is the only thank you he has had since he’s been home.
        Schroeder, who was honored with 70-year membership plaque from the Malcom American Legion Davis Story Post 733 in April, said he is thrilled to receive the quilt.
        “I don’t deserve it,” he said.
         Schroeder spent time in the Navy serving in the Philippines during the Korean War.
       Bazyn said she has been making and giving the Quilts of Valor to area veterans for about five years, saying there is nothing like the experience.
         “It is just the best thing a person can do,” she said. “It’s a great experience and heartwarming.”
         “This is very special for these gentleman,” said John McCammant, commander of the Malcom American Legion Davis Story Post 733.