MILITARY COMFORT QUILTS

I am doing this post for everyone that makes quilts for returning injured military people. I came across this letter from the mother of a soldier that was injured in Iraq. I thought you should know how much what you do is appreciated.

I can tell you that these quilts for returning injured soldiers is
such a great thing.My son was an injured soldier who returned to
Fort Carson after being injured in Iraq. His quilt is a treasure to
him - and a comfort you would never imagine.

It isn't a quick trip back to the States and isn't a real comfortable
one either. My son was in a tent hospital in Iraq for 5 days before
being air lifted to Germany. There he got to wait for a flight home -
he was injured but not as seriously as many others and so he got
only basic medical care. The lack of care left him with disabilities
he wouldn't have had otherwise but he has never complained about
that - he knows that others were so much worse off.

Once he started his flight home he was on a stretcher surrounded by
others in the same condition. This isn't a 1st class way to fly by
any stretch - the only thing he really says about it is that he was
glad the nurses on the flight also had good meds.

He spent a couple of days at Walter Reed where again - basic care was
given but that was all. He then hip hopped his way across the
country to Colorado. Each leg of the flight ended with a night stay
in yet another military hospital. This was probably the most
encouraging for him though. At each stop they gave these young
soldiers gifts from the communities surrounding the base or post.
He was given new T-shirts with some logo of a local event or school -
but it was clean. They provided them with treats and things to make
their one night stay on the next day as nice as possible - and then
off again with a sack lunch.

He says at each stop as they were taken into the hospital the base
commander was there to great them and thank them for their service.
But none was a wonderful as when his own base commander was there
when he finally got to Fort Carson. I like to think that my being
there to greet him was even better but I have to remember he is a
soldier.

He finally was home to his post where he was able to get the surgery
he needed and begin a long road to recovery that continues today. He
will never be able to run again but he is alive and doing well. I
complain about it far more than he does.

But, when he was taken to his room at Evan's Army Hospital and
covered with a Red, White, and Blue hand made quilt he said that it
felt like a big hug. Having grown up in a home where mom quilted and
created other items he knew what it took to make him that quilt. If
you promise not to tell him, I will tell you he shed more than one
tear over the joy and comfort that quilt brought him. It was
something I will never forget because my son doesn't cry or show
emotions much.

I have donated quilts to Fort Carson since then and every one I
package and send off it is like I am able to wrap my arms around a
man or woman who gave more than anyone should have to give. I know
that some give even more - but for these young people I can give
back.

If you give you will be so happy you did.

eclecticrafter