Saturday, March 26, 2011

Another Soldier gets a Home

My oldest son and I were invited today to go to a Key Ceremony for a soldier receiving a new home. He was able to get this home through Homes for our Troops. This Non profit has made 100 homes in the US for soldiers that are disabled.

Sgt Johansen is a double amputee, and this house was AWESOME! We got the grand tour, and it is so accessible for their family - it was cool, and was built as an energy saving house, meaning they should literally have no utility bills for the life of the house.

So cool - and you know - he had not recieved a Quilt of Valor in his time at Walter Reed. The Blue Star moms found this out - so guess what I brought?

This ceremony was pretty cool. The Local High School band came, the fire trucks and police had a parade with the Patriot Riders in attendance. My son was an Honorary Patriot Rider. He got to hold one of the flags!
This is the driveway that everyone will come through.


Cool dude huh? He learned that you only hold the flag with your right hand. And these Patriot Riders were SO COOL!

Here is the start of the parade coming towards the house.

This is Sgt Johansenn and his wife, 3 month old son, and his dog is in there somewhere!

The Patriot Riders.

The picture is a little fuzzy - but this is the Quilt of Valor we gave to them ( "We" meaning all you great QOV makers) This QOV was made by Beryl in UT, and it is appropriately named "Purple Mountain Majesty" especially since from their new backyard you can see Pikes Peak!

16 comments:

Paula, the quilter said...

This is just so cool! It brought tears to my eyes.

Sue in Scottsdale, AZ said...

Fantastic. I'm so glad you and your son were able to be there and show us these wonderful pictures. Making these quilts is such an honor especially when we can see who is receiving them.

JustPam said...

Beautiful! I sent one quilt to you, but I am closer to Walter Reed. Is there a branch on the East Coast or another group that donates quilts to the wounded warriors on the East coast?

Amy said...

how nice! thank you for sharing,Amy

Judy V. said...

What a heartwarming story! Thank you for sharing the photos, too. The quilt is truly spectacular and beautiful.

Amy said...

I had never heard of this non profit group. How wonderful that they have built 100 homes for our soldiers! I'm so glad there was an opportunity to present Sgt. Johnansenn with a Quilt of Valor.

Mary Johnson said...

There's something about a new home and a quilt that just go together. Thanks for sharing!

LizA. said...

I love it when you share stories like this. Thank you.

Judy Laquidara said...

What a great story. Thanks so much for what you do and for sharing such special occasions.

Melanie said...

Thank you so much for sharing these stories with us! What a nice way to end my evening!

BunkHouseQuilts said...

Thank you for sharing this. What a beautiful quilt. What an honor for you and your son to be able to participate in this event!

Impera Magna said...

How wonderful... homecoming to a new house, a new baby, and a new quilt! *sniffle*

So wonderful that you and your son were there... thanks!

Amy said...

Oh Alycia---to be able to see all the joy that you see with all your QOV hard work! You are amazing!!!!

berylthepearl said...

Alycia I am so honored to see where my quilt went! What a wonderful job you are doing.

Jackie Dudek said...

what an awesome experience for you and your son! And to think all those months in the hospital and he never recieved a QOV.... how special to be able to give one to him in his brand new home! What a day!!!! The quilt was beautiful! Nice job Beryl, very nice!!!!!

Pat R. said...

What a beautiful quilt and it is just perfect for this presentation! It is so nice to see photos like this....thanks for keeping your camera handy so we can share the joy!