Cindy Smith of the Veterans Service Department of Pearl River County recently presented a Quilt of Valor to Retired Air Force veteran, Dale Flora.

“This is recognition of his 21 years of service, in which he was awarded numerous medals,” Smith said. “His dedication to our country has been unrelenting and greatly appreciated.”

Quilts of Valor began in 2003, a project inspired by the deployment of Catherine Robert’s son Nathaniel, to Iraq.

The quilts are sewn with high quality fabrics and presented to service members who have seen combat and who have been wounded or touched by war. It is meant to be a token of appreciation for their service.

“This quilt is to provide comfort, love and healing to a combat veteran,” Elizabeth Matthews, regional coordinator of Quilts of Valor, said. “This is meant to be used, not put away or displayed.”

More than 95,000 quilts have been awarded to service members/veterans since, January of this year.

“Pearl River County is truly blessed to be the home of Mr. Flora and all of the Veterans that have served our country so selflessly,” Smith said.

“We appreciate their service and the Quilt of Valor for recognizing such a deserving man as Mr. Flora.”

Matthews said that the organization is thankful for those who have served their country and this is only a small way for the group to express their appreciation.

Dale Flora’s wife, Jackie, discovered the Quilts of Valor Foundation while watching a television program.

“My husband served in Vietnam and I saw a spot on a television report on Quilts of Valor,” Jackie Flora said.

“I called and asked about him and of course we never expected to be eligible but we were and he was presented with one made by the Birmingham Chapter of Quilts of Valor Foundation. Everyone has been so wonderful.”