Local veterans honored, thanked

The Quilts of Valor Foundation presented four area veterans surrounded by friends and family with beautifully crafted quilts on Monday, Aug. 18, at Waseca Legion Post 228. Beth Birch, foundation member and president of Post 56 American Legion Auxiliary in Albert Lea presented the honors in front of a medium-sized crowd.

 

Birch started, “Thank you for inviting us. With me today are Jean Enstad and Paulette Anderson, Quilt of Valor Foundation members. Also, Lynda Harig, our Quilts of Valor group leader. Together we represent over 10,000 members and volunteers across the nation. I’d like to welcome all of you to this special occasion tonight, to honor our four veterans: Thomas Sexton, Steven Welander, James Wilker and Jody Wynnemer.”

 

A short and solemn prayer was said along with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Waseca branch of the Quilts of Valor group began in 2022 and has since awarded 130 quilts to deserving veterans. Nationally, Quilts of Valor began in 2003 when founder Catherine Roberts had a dream in which she saw someone she knew to be a veteran lost in despair and then, moments later, wrapped in a quilt and comforted. She said the message of the dream was “quilts equal healing.” Nationally the foundation has given out nearly 420,000 quilts. The message of each one has been meant to be, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation.”

 

Birch gave a short history of each of the four vets: “Thomas Sexton served his country in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 2012. He flew the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, the MH-60G Pavehawk, and the MH-60 Blackhawk. He was based out of the Philippines, Florida, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina and Iceland. In 2024 he came out of retirement to run for Minnesota House of Representatives in District 19B.”

 

“Steven Welander served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1970. After training in San Diego, he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan and worked as administration staff.”

 

“James Wilker served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969. He served in the Republic of Viet Nam as recon; he received the Good Conduct medal 43 years after discharge and in 2011 received the Silver Star for bravery.”

 

“Jody Wynnemer served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1980 to 1998 when he received a medical discharge. He served in San Diego and Japan doing radar and communications in the Combat Information Center. He received the Combat Action Ribbon, two Navy Achievement Medals and four Good Conduct medals.”   

 

A closing prayer and statement of gratitude was read. Each man was draped in his quilt and handed a certificate of authenticity before being surrounded by family and friends. Some were wiping tears, some were smiling.