What a night to remember. We had our annual Halloween Bunco Fundraiser Saturday night with over 80 players. It is always exciting when there are that many players. There was added excitement when they told me there were a couple of birthdays so I asked the crowd to help sing happy birthday. Jim, one of our Marine veterans got up and started dancing in front of Carolyn and the crowd went wild. It was so funny – too bad we didn’t get it on camera.
We always try to honor a veteran so all can see how much it means. For a while now, I have tried to honor Jim. He is a true Marine, an Honor Guard member of American Legion Post 102, and a volunteer in the community – a true example of a veteran. I asked Lou, my veteran brother, to award the quilt as they are good friends. Jim is a pretty loud guy. He had danced to happy birthday so he isn’t shy but when I handed him his quilt, he quietly said to me, “I’m so honored.” The whole place was standing up clapping and I saw so many tears. I told everyone that this is why we continue to make our quilts. We all had a great night and made good money. Thank you to all who came dressed up and supported us.
This past month has been a rush getting ready for Mount Vernon and DC. We have packed over 150 quilts thanks to Carolyn, Bill, Barb and Cliff. Pilot Freight will pick them up on October 22nd to take them to DC. Thank you to Pilot Freight for supporting us – a true American company also supporting our troops.
October 20-25 I will be in Alabama at my Army Band Reunion. Every other year we all meet at Fort McClellan, Alabama where we were stationed. We practice for three days and on the 25th, Friday night, we perform a free concert for all who want to hear us. The bond we have is as strong today as it was 45 years ago. I will be attending by myself, no QOH crew. I will miss their help as we will be honoring 13 Quilts of Honor recipients during the week.
I will keep you updated on my week of being back in the Women’s Army Corps Band. The only difference from years ago to today is we are old and gray, walk with limps, can’t hear, but we can still play our hearts out.
God bless everyone – stay tuned,
Gail
I’m so honored to be able to help in any little way I can. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of Quilts of Honor