LIVERMORE — Clifford Tenney of North Livermore was surprised recently when Marie McSwine, Maine representative of the Quilts of Valor organization, came to his home to present him with a quilt she made in honor of his service in World War II. Tenney, who is 91 years old, entered the Army in 1942, served in Rhineland, Germany, and Central Europe from 1945-46.

Blue Star mom Catherine Roberts began the Quilts of Valor Foundation from her sewing room in Delaware. Her son Nathanael’s year-long deployment to Iraq provided the initial inspiration and her desire to see that returning warriors were welcomed home with the love and gratitude they deserved provided the rest.

She hit upon the idea that linking quilt-toppers with machine quilters in a national effort could achieve her goal of covering all returning service men and women touched by war. These wartime quilts, called Quilts of Valor, would be a tangible reminder of an American’s appreciation and gratitude. Since 2003, QOVF has become a national grassroots community service effort, connecting the home-front with wounded combat warriors and veterans.

QOV’s are stitched with love, prayers and healing thoughts. Combat troops who have been wounded or touched by war are awarded this tangible token of appreciation that unequivocally says, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor.”

A Quilt of Valor is a generous lap-sized quilt made by a quilt piecer and quilted by a longarmer. After it has been bound, washed, labeled and wrapped in a presentation case, it is ready to be awarded. Quilts are awarded at many different levels: they may go to military hospitals where chaplains award them to service members; there may be presentations of QOV’s to entire service units returning from combat deployments; they may be awarded at VAs or presented individually.

One recipient said, “My quilt isn’t another military medal to be placed in a box and sit on my shelf. I was moved to tears.”

For information visit www.qovf.org.

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