Eight Cody veterans were presented handmade quilts made by Cody Middle School students in May to conclude another semester of Quilts of Valor, an after-school enrichment class teaching the seriousness of military service and the practicalities of sewing.

“Whenever we do the program, it’s a relief for the kids to finally see the culmination of their efforts and witness for themselves how appreciative the veterans are,” said Gretl Class, CMS teacher. “Students didn’t hesitate to dive right in and learn all there is to know about the Quilts of Valor program.”

This year, 14 students participated and half of those students took part in both semesters. Quilts of Valor is one of several programs that focuses on a different activity. There are classes about public speaking, photography and learning American Sign Language. At the beginning of the semester, they’re able to sign up for a program they’re interested in.

“Right away, we noticed that we had a unique group compared to previous years. Every single one of these students not only signed up for the Quilt Enrichment Program, but they also had an excitement to learn and pick up the quilting process quickly,” she said.

For the past four years, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has provided a quilting enrichment class with the support of volunteers, donations from local businesses and the community. Using donated Singer Featherweights, students created eight patriotically designed quilts, the largest number the program has completed within a semester.

“I have the privilege of serving as the principal here,” said CMS Principal Jacob Gogan. “But really the two ladies behind me are the ones who poured countless hours into this work — really the brains behind this operation.”

Student quilters welcomed each veteran with a reading of their service history. Then family or friends would wrap them with a quilt, handmade by students. Amy Hart is a CMS teacher and veteran who joined as an adviser for the quilts of valor enrichment class this year.

“It’s a fabulous program to show the younger generation [a way to recognize] the older generation and their service to their country,” Hart said. “They learn so much with hands-on activity.”

On Fridays, students met with volunteers Chris Wolf, Ann Trosper, Lori Ramseier, Sue Beardslee, Cathryn Mayton and Christi Ireland, who worked side-by-side with students throughout the semester. They demonstrated how to operate a sewing machine, rotary cutter and explained the process of creating a good-quality quilt.

“It wouldn’t be good for us to stand here without mentioning Mrs. Chris Wolf,” said Class. “She was actually the one who started this whole program and with her continued effort and help of other expert volunteers.”

Wolf said most of the kids haven’t used a sewing machine before, so they teach a simple quilt pattern that doesn’t depend on accuracy. They have to come to class, do the work and be a team player. 

Veteran Patrick O’Rourke was accompanied by his two daughters, Madison and Evelyn at the ceremony to present the quilts to veterans. Evelyn, one of the student quilters, read his service history and rested the quilt on his shoulders.  

Unbeknownst to everyone, he had a surprise. O’Rourke pulled out a wooden paddle, engraved with the Cody Bronc symbol and the words, “On time, On Target, Never Quit!” Its handle was wrapped with red, white and blue rope. He said traditionally paddles are awarded to Naval Special Warfare groups as a symbol of their service and camaraderie. 

“Thank you for the appreciation, for all the awesome work you’ve done,” O’Rourke said. “It’s a wonderful program, to give back and extend warm wishes to others having trouble adjusting to civilian life.”