Quilts of Valor presentations made in Kit Carson
Quilts of Valor were presented to four veterans from Kit Carson January 10 in the Kit Carson High School auditorium. The entire student body, along with many area veterans and their families, attended the presentation.
Karelene Butler welcomed the veterans and then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Miss Butler mentioned that the four veterans receiving quilts “are humble about their service, and we cannot thank them enough for allowing us to put them in the spotlight for some much-deserved recognition.” She then asked all veterans to stand and be recognized.
The quilt of valor program is a program that occurs throughout the United States, and we are fortunate to have this program here in our local community through the time staking work of Quilter Mary Rhoades, who designed and made the 4 beautiful quilts that were presented.
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Ashlee Koch was then invited to the podium to give her Voice of Democracy speech that was entered in this year’s VFW Post 3411 contest.
Nadaya Buttry introduced Veteran Ryan Weber. Ryan Weber, father of August, Alaina, Arianna, and Charlie Weber, graduated from Kit Carson High School in 1999, and at the age of 18, enlisted in the army in honor of how much he loved the nation.
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Ryan left for boot camp on June 6th, 1999. Following boot camp, Ryan became a mechanic working mostly on transportation vehicles including Humvees, tanks etc. Ryan served 7 years in the army that included 2 tours in Iraq.
Thank you for your sacrifice and bravery in serving our country!
Payge Rady introduced Veteran Archie Cloud. This gentleman enlisted in the Air Force in 1961 and served for eight years. Then, he took 18 months off, just as a break in service. Archie re-enlisted and served until retirement in 1983. He felt like he needed to serve his country.
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He served a remarkable 20 years and 11 days. Archie served in the Vietnam war in the 1970’s.
In his 20 years of service, he was a basic training instructor in San Antonio and Amarillo, Texas. Archie said he loved this job. It was the most enjoyable part of his 20 years.
While at the Air Force Academy for three years, he had three kids.
Archie’s dad served in the Navy, and his younger brother served in the Air Force for a few years.
We thank you for your great service and your act of bravery for our country.
Lindsey Mayhan honored Veteran Amanda Plitz. Mrs. Amanda Plitz, mother of Isabelle and Chloe Plitz, was proud to enlist in the United States Air Force in 2000, at 20 years old and proudly served for 5 years. Mrs. Plitz was strongly encouraged by her father to join; she was uncertain that her path in college was the right choice and decided that joining the Air Force felt like what she needed to do. Mrs. Plitz did not serve in any active wars. However, she did serve in South Korea that is considered an Armistice area, that is, an area that is always in constant tension. There she worked in intelligence as a data analyst, surveying pings from satellites and planes, relaying to the pilots any potential dangers.
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She was honored to be a part of a generational service following after her grandfather.
She was also fortunate to have met her husband Nick Plitz on base in Ohio. They connected over their shared love for their country. During her service in the United States Air Force, Mrs. Plitz says that she enjoyed the time that she served and would encourage anyone with an interest to join.
On behalf of the Kit Carson student body, we would like to thank you for your brave commitment to our country.
Ana Mitchek introduced Veteran Roger Evans. Roger Evans, husband of Betsy Evans, enlisted in the army from 1968 to 1972.
Mr. Evans did his basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas and was then transferred to Fort Irwin, California. Here he was assigned to artillery, and his specialty was the self-propelled, 105mm Howitzer.
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The reason he volunteered for the army was because he wanted to learn discipline from something larger than himself.
He was sent to Vietnam in 1969 and served in the war. He was severely wounded in action by a mortar and would spend a year and a half going through multiple surgeries and therapy before being honorably discharged.
Thank you for your service to our country.
Keaton Marriott closed the ceremony by recognizing Mrs. Mary Rhoades for her commitment to the Quilt of Valor program. Keaton stated, “Without your timeless dedication to the creation of these beautiful quilts, none of this would be possible.” Mary made all four quilts and was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Keaton thanked the veterans saying, “Veterans, we respect you and greatly appreciate the service you have provided this great country. We hope these quilts are a comforting reminder of the gratitude that we all have for you. Thank you once again for your service.”
Kit Carson High School students, who interviewed the veterans and then recognized them for their military service as each quilt was presented. The students are taught by Gina Dechant.
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