Posted on 12/11/2004 7:02:34 PM PST by STARWISE
DATE POSTED: DECEMBER 8, 2004
Women donate quilts to injured special operations Soldiers at Walter Reed
By Sgt. Joe Healy
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
WASHINGTON (USASOC News Service, Dec. 8, 2004) — In Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Ward 57 here, Soldiers receive medical attention from doctors and occupational specialists for injuries suffered during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Now, because of a pair of volunteers' efforts, some of those Soldiers are also getting attention of a different kind.
“Can I offer you a hand-made quilt and a hug?” Gloria Kelly asked Dec. 2 to a number of Soldiers from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command that are confined to hospital beds and wheelchairs here. “I am so happy to meet you and thank you for all you’ve sacrificed for freedom.”
Kelly was at Walter Reed to present the Soldiers with specially made quilts crafted by her and a friend.
“I am so glad she took time out of her day to visit us,” said Staff Sgt. David Glenn, 28, a Soldier assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C. “Her personality brightens up this place more than her colorful quilts.”
With her sparkling blue eyes and gray hair, Kelly, a resident of Raeford, N.C., is old enough to be the Soldiers’ grandmother. However, when she and her quilting partner, Celina Desjardins, a massage therapist, work on what they call “our hobby,” Kelly’s determination is equal to that of the Soldiers she visits.
Kelly and Desjardins have donated over 240 quilts to Soldiers at Walter Reed. Riding a shuttle bus from Fort Bragg’s Womack Army Medical Center, they have made five trips — one trip every two months since February.
Kelly said she came up with the idea of giving to injured Soldiers from her daughter, Sherri Fowler. Fowler saw a television documentary on Soldiers from Walter Reed that were coming back from deployments who had lost a limb. When Fowler told Kelly about the documentary, Kelly decided that these injured Soldiers needed her help.
Kelly worked with her son-in-law, Steve Fowler, a retired sergeant major, to organize how they would be able to visit the Walter Reed. The medical center was very receptive to the idea, said Kelly.
The Soldiers are receptive, too.
Glenn, a native of Fayetteville, N.C., was injured Sept. 23 during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was immediately flown to Germany for emergency surgeries. His wife, Robin, also flew to Germany.
Glenn’s injuries were severe — two broken legs and severe damage to both hands. Glenn now wears his wedding ring on his neck.
In mid-November, while recuperating, Glenn was transferred from intensive care to Ward 57.
“David Glenn has made amazing improvements since early October,” said Capt. Katie Yancosek, Glenn’s occupational therapist in Ward 57. “Sometimes he makes me feel like I’m his assistant.”
When Kelly introduced herself to Glenn and offered him a quilt, Glenn looked a little startled.
“It’s not every day that you get presents in here,” said Glenn.
Kelly and Glenn chatted about Thanksgiving, his injuries and how she hand-made his quilt.
When Kelly offered the wheel-chaired Glenn a hug, his face turned red. Glenn’s wife beamed with pride as he wheeled up to Kelly and extended his arms.
“Thanks for the gift,” said Glenn. “It's something new for me to wear,” he joked.
Each quilt is approximately 36 inches wide and 44 inches long, according to Kelly.
The quilt fabric is purchased locally in North Carolina in bulk quantities, and they generally purchase fabrics in patriotic colors – red, white and blue.
“My favorite quilts are the ones that I sew the Stars and Stripes on,” said Kelly.
Desjardins helps with the purchasing and distribution while Kelly concentrates on production.
Desjardins said they bring approximately 50 quilts per trip.
Kelly has been sewing quilts for over ten years. When she first started, she sewed the quilts using the slow “rail fence” method. Now she sews each quilt in strips. The task takes her approximately eight hours.
“My husband likes to exercise outside, but I don’t like it,” said Kelly. “My exercise is quilting.”
Kelly said she sees wants to keep on quilting and visiting Soldiers for as long as she can.
“As long as I can do it, and the need is there, I want to visit Ward 57,” said Kelly.
Well said.
These ladies should be given the medal of freedom
That's for sure. God bless their hearts.
BTTT
Can I get a HURRAH from all the freepers?
hurrah! I am impressed.
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