Support for wounded warriors reaches across America

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Americans watching news coverage of the war in Iraq are asking, “How can I show my support for our brave servicemembers?”

To show their support, many have donated phone cards, frequent flier miles or sent letters and messages.

A group of San Antonio area quilters are doing their part to support wounded veterans. Stitched with love and gratitude, their lap quilts are just big enough to cover the legs of those in wheelchairs or on stretchers.

Military retiree Larry Cromer and his wife Dee, own a quilt shop in Lytle, Texas. They said it was the perfect answer.

“It really hit home,” Mrs. Cromer said. “Here is something we can do. We need to appreciate the members of the armed forces that are overseas fighting for us, and if they’re injured, we can try to make life a little better for them by sending love stitched in each quilt.”

The quilters’ efforts began after learning of a similar project by a Maryland quilters guild.

The project soon grew to more than 30 people. Known as the “Lytle Stitchers,” most of the participants have ties to the military.

As word spread, other local guilds joined the cause.

Mr. Cromer shared their story in a quilters’ Internet chat room and asked other quilters to send blocks of fabric with patriotic themes and colors. The request netted blocks of fabric from all over America. Norma Koth, a Pennsylvania quilter in her 70s, has sent 15 hand-stitched quilts so far, and a North Carolina fabric company donated 2,300 yards of patriotic material.

Local children also participated. Small handprints become angels or hearts, while little footprints share space with the words “Stand for Freedom,” while others draw pictures or write poems.

Each red, white and blue quilt is sewn with a label which reads, “To: An American Hero, From: The Lytle Stitchers.”

“In a small community, you do for each other,” Mrs. Cromer said. “It’s wonderful how this project has spilled out to the world. These (servicemembers) come from every state imaginable, and we want them all to know we thank them and appreciate them.”

The Cromers are working with Maryland Jones, Wilford Hall volunteer services director, to send quilts directly to a field hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

"It’s wonderful how this project has brought our community closer together," Ms. Jones said. “It has touched the hearts of so many and just keeps growing."

The Lytle Stitchers also have sent quilts to Scott AFB, Ill., Wilford Hall and Brooke Army and Medical Center in San Antonio.

A quilt means so many things,” said Lytle Stitcher Kitty Janiga. “Warmth, cheer and caring, as well as something for the (servicemembers) to wrap themselves in. They’re perfect; what’s better than a quilt?”