Victor quilter honors veterans with Quilts of Valor

​       Jane Bayzn of Victor honors Korean War Veteran Norman Schroeder with a Quilt of Valor during a presentation on Sept. 2 at the Malcom American Legion while his son, Roger, looks on. Bazyn has been making Quilts of Valor for seven to eight years and to date, has made 170 quilts and awarded them to veterans in the local and surrounding area.

By J.O. Parker

        Jane Bazyn of Victor is on a special mission.
For the last seven or eight years, Bazyn, who has been quilting for 35 years, has been making Quilts of Valor for area Veterans.
      To date, she has made and honored veterans with about 170 quilts. She does most of the work herself using a long-arm quilting machine.
        “People from the area will donate quilts and fabric,” she said.
      It all started through a quilting group in Belle Plaine. Every year, the quilting group makes quilts as a community service project.
        “I told the girls that everyone in the Victor American Legion is going to get a quilt,” she said.
That led Bazyn to branch out on her own and start making Quilts of Valor for veterans.
       In addition to Victor, Bazyn has made quilts for veterans in Brooklyn, Malcom, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and for family members in various other states.
      “My husband and I and our daughter and her husband travel to Alaska about every other year,” said Bazyn. On this last trip, I gave a Quilt of Valor to a Coast Guard Veteran who was our fishing guide. I heard he was retiring and I made one and took it to him the following year.”
         On Dec. 2, Bazyn and long-time helper Judy Wacha, will be awarding a dozen or so Quilts of Valor to the remaining veterans in the Malcom American Legion. She honored seven veterans in Malcom in early September with Quilts of Valor.
          Bazyn said it takes about a week to make a quilt. It can take longer, depending on the pattern.
          “I usually pick a patten that I know I can do in a week,” she said.
Quilts of Valor guidelines
        A Quilt of Valor does not have to be red, white and blue, but patriotic colors are very popular with recipients.
            Recommended quilt size is 60” x 80.” The minimum size is 55” x 65” and the maximum size is 72” x 90.”
            The quilt consists of a top, batting and backing. It must be machine or hand quilted.
         The label must state that the quilt is a Quilt of Valor in order to be awarded as a Quilt of Valor and recorded as such.
         The label must include the name of the recipient, names of quilters, city and state of residence if desired, and date and location of award. First and last names may be used. Label may also include simple washing instructions of cold water and mild detergent.
            Religious or political messages may not be included on the label.
           A thank you note, card or letter to the recipient may be included. A journal with information about how the quilt was made, maker’s thought, etc. my be included.
          Each quilt I considered a singular, personal award presented to an individual service member or veteran who has been touched by war.
          Bazyn takes the quilt project an extra step and not only makes the quilts, she presents them to each veteran.
          “It is just the best thing a person can do,” said Bazyn. “Presenting a Quilt of Valor is a great experience and is heartwarming.”