Ron Hill presented with Quilt of Valor

A decade ago I met Ron Hill who was a writing student in my class at EAGLE, an adult education program at a church in Sautee Nacoochee, GA. I enjoyed Ron’s stories about his interesting life. I learned that he was from my region of North Carolina and served as  Director of the John C. Campbell Folk School many years ago. We have kept in touch by email all these years. Today I received the following.

Ron Hill, former Director of John C. Campbell Folk School

Presentation of Quilt of Valor to US Army War Veteran Ron Hill

A Quilt of Valor was presented to retired Captain/Sergeant Major Ron Hill of Sautee Nacoochee, GA on October 11, 2018.

The presentation was made by Karen Trombley and Terry Wright, Georgia Quilts of Valor volunteer members. In addition to the presentation, Trombley and Wright told the audience of the Northeast Georgia Veterans Society about the mission of the Quilts of Valor organization which is "to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor."  

They continued by relating the meaning behind the three layers that are used to construct a quilt. "The top of the quilt with its many colors, shapes, and fabrics, represents the communities and the many individuals we are. The batting, the filler, is the center of the quilt, its warmth. It represents our hope that this quilt will bring warmth, comfort, peace, and healing to the individual who receives it. The backing is the strength that supports the other layers. It represents the strength of the recipient, the support of his or her family, our communities, and our nation. Each stitch that holds the layers together represents love, gratitude, and sometimes the tears of the maker."  The presentation concluded with a short biography of Ron’s service in the United States Army, which included his service in the Korean War 1953-54, Vietnam War 1969-70 and Desert Storm 1991.

Karen and Terry displayed the quilt during the presentation and then awarded the quilt to Ron. As the quilt was draped over his shoulders, Ron’s smile made all of our efforts worthwhile. We could tell that he was very pleased with the award and understood its meaning. Every stitch in this quilt was made with thanks to Ron for his service to our country.