Threads of Honor How Local Students Are Stitching Comfort for America's Heroes

Threads of Honor

How Local Students Are Stitching Comfort for America's Heroes

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

What began as a simple after-school sewing program at Ponderosa Elementary has blossomed into a heartfelt mission that now reaches across the country—touching the lives of veterans one stitch at a time.

A few years ago, three passionate community leaders—Becky Lynch, a teacher at Boyd County Middle School; Becky Stahler, a 4-H agent; and Geri Willis—looked at their students and saw more than just kids learning to sew. They saw potential, purpose, and the power to make a real impact.

Fueled by their belief of empowering youth service and the healing power of quilting, the trio wrote and submitted a grant proposal to help expand their sewing clubs. To their surprise and delight, they were awarded a $10,000 grant from the Foundation of the Tri-State—a game-changing gift that transformed their creative clubs into something much more meaningful.

With this funding in hand, they found the perfect mission to guide their new direction: joining Under Our Wings, the youth division of the national Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF).

The Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream—literally. Founder Catherine Roberts, whose son Nat was deployed in Iraq, had a vivid vision one night that would change everything:

"I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter. Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was: Quilts = Healing." – Quilts of Valor website.

From that powerful image, a national movement was born—one built around wrapping service members and veterans in handmade quilts of love, respect, and healing.

Locally, that mission has been embraced with open arms. With the grant, the program purchased 10 new sewing machines, bringing their total to 15. The sewing club has since moved to Boyd County Middle School, where Mrs. Lych has incorporated it into her Family and Consumer Science class.

In its first year at the middle school, the program attracted 23 students from sixth, seventh, and eighth grade—each learning not only to sew but also what it means to serve their community.

“Through the Under Our Wings program, students not only develop practical skills like quilting, but also gain a deeper appreciation for service, sacrifice, and gratitude,” said Jeri Willis. “They work with high-quality materials, patriotic designs, and a whole lot of love to create Quilts of Valor (QOVs) that meet rigorous standards. They are also learning about civics groups and why they are important.”

Each Quilt of Valor must be made from 100% quality cotton, follow specific size guidelines (approximately 60” x 80”), and be machine or hand quilted—tied quilts are not accepted. The quilts must be durable, beautiful, and made with intention. Some even include handwritten notes or letters from the young makers, offering a personal touch that recipients cherish forever.

“These aren’t just art projects—they're acts of service,” explained Willis. “Every QOV is carefully crafted with attention to size, durability, and beauty. They must be made from quality 100% cotton, appropriately sized for an adult (60x70), and quilted (not tied) for longevity.”

Students are already feeling the power of their work. Jules Eerenberg, a proud member of the Boyd County Middle School sewing club, shared: “I have learned so much about sewing, sewing materials, and what the program is all about. I really enjoy it, and I look forward to our Veterans Day program.”

And that day is fast approaching. The first batch of completed quilts will be presented during Boyd County Middle School’s annual Veterans Day Celebration—a moment that promises to be deeply emotional for both the veterans receiving the quilts and the students who made them.

One of the most moving aspects of the Quilts of Valor mission is what’s known simply as “The Moment.” That’s when a quilt is draped over the shoulders of a veteran in a ceremonial presentation.

Seeing a veteran stand a little taller, smile a little wider, or even shed a quiet tear as they are honored—it’s something the students will never forget. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always come from medicine. Sometimes, it comes from fabric, community, and care.

“The first quilts will be given out at Boyd County Middle School’s annual Veterans Day Celebration later this year,” said Willis.

This program has become far more than a classroom project. It’s a movement, one that weaves together generations, builds empathy, and teaches kids that their time and talents can make a difference. Civic groups like Girl Scouts, FFA, the American Legion, and VFW are natural partners in these efforts, helping to grow the mission and expand its reach.

What started with a few sewing machines and a dream has become a living example of what happens when vision, community, and compassion come together.

Want to get involved? Whether you’re a student, veteran, parent, or someone who just loves to sew, this program is always looking for hands, hearts, and fabric. You can even support the mission financially—each quilt costs about $150 to make, and every donation helps bring another quilt to life.

Join the mission. Honor a hero. Sew a Quilt of Valor. Because in our community, we’re not just teaching kids how to sew—we’re teaching them how to serve.