For the last four years, one Post in Myrtle Beach has been partnering with the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOV) to award its members with handcrafted quilts designed to honor their service, as well as provide a source of healing.
Post 10804, located near one of the Quilts of Valor chapters in Myrtle Beach, awarded more than 120 quilts to its members last year.
Members of VFW Post 10804 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, don their quilts of valor after a quilt presentation earlier this year. Each month for 10 months out of the year, the Post holds a ceremony to award quilts to veterans “touched by war.” Photo courtesy of VFW Post 10804.“It means a lot,” said William “Bill” LaMonte, a member of the Post who was awarded a quilt. “You’ll see recipients crying when that quilt is draped on them.”
The Post holds a ceremony to present quilts to members once a month for 10 months out of the year, with the other two months being reserved for quilt-making and distribution.
The ceremony is held at the Post where nearly 100 people join together to celebrate and enjoy a free lunch provided by the Post.
“The quilts are meant to be yours,” LaMonte said. “They aren’t meant to be sold or given away, unless of course it was to a family member.”
The Quilts of Valor come to homes and hospitals to hold ceremonies and present quilts for service members who are unable to attend the monthly ceremony at the Post.
With each of their unique quilts draped over their shoulders, Post 10804 and its members are instantly recognizable. “The QOV is greatly appreciated.”
This article is featured in the 2025 April issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.