The Golden Plains Quilts of Valor chapter awarded 11 Quilts of Valor to area veterans on Aug. 30 at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. The group also honored long-time member LaWanner Krestine for awarding her 100th quilt, to Donald Buhrle. “LaWanna is very dedicated in helping to honor our veterans by making Quilts of Valor,” said Amy Schartz Mellor, group leader. “Sheila DeWald assists in the effort by binding all of the Quilts of Valor that LaWanna sews. Thank you, LaWanna, for your dedication and commitment toward honoring our veterans!”
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LaWanna Krestine
LaWanna Krestine, center, a long-time member of Golden Plains Quilts of Valor, was recognized on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend, for her 100th Quilt of Valor awarded. She is pictured with Amy Schartz Mellor, left, and Doris Berkley, right.
Samantha Jayne Schmitt
United States Naval Reserve veteran Samantha Schmitt was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Samantha has been serving since 2012 and is still serving. She completed training as a hull maintenance technician, welder, and CHT disposal, and is currently assigned to the Wichita unit, where she assists civilian contractors with ship maintenance. She has been sent to Bahrain twice. Her rank is E-5. Samantha’s quilt was made and quilted by Amy Schartz Mellor. Left to right: Dennis Wolf, Samantha Schmitt, Amy Schartz Mellor, Rick Munsch.
Ryan Scott Schmitt
United States Navy veteran Ryan Schmitt was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Ryan served from 2011 to 2015. He completed basic training at Great Lakes, IL, trained as a machinist’s mate. He was then stationed in Mayport, Fla., and was assigned to the USS Halyburton. They ported in various places, including Oman, Spain, Djibouti, Tanzania, Aruba, Honduras, and Guantanamo. Ryan’s rank was E-3. The quilt top was made by Edie Hillman McQuade, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Left to right: Ralph Sunley, Edie McQuade, Ryan Schmitt, Amy Schartz Mellor, David Krallman.
Keith Ravenstein
United States Navy veteran Keith Ravenstein was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Keith served from 1983 to 1992, completing basic training at Great Lakes, Ill. He served in Satellite Command in Gitta, Italy and was an electronic technician at NATO Satellite Command in Norfolk, Va. Keith also served aboard the USS Tattnall, the USS Raleigh, and the USS Briscoe. Keith’s rank was 2nd Class Petty Officer, E-5. The quilt top was made by Phyllis Manhart, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Left to right: Bob Jarmer, Phyllis Manhart, Keith Ravenstein, Amy Schartz Mellor, Roy Titsworth.
Gary Lee Bainbridge
United States National Guard veteran Gary Bainbridge was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Gary served from 1978 to 2012, being trained as a radar repairman and heavy wheel mechanic. He served one tour in Kosovo in 2000, and also in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. He is proud that he was able to serve and protect the freedom of the U.S.A. He was always willing to share his knowledge with the young troops. Gary received numerous awards with the National Guard as well as the Kosovo Campaign medal, Overseas Service medal, War on Terrorism medal, and the Iraq Campaign medal. Gary’s rank was Sergeant 1st Class, E-7. The quilt top was made by Linda Bittel, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Left to right: Darin Munsch, Linda Bittel, Gary Bainbridge, Amy Schartz Mellor, Rick Munsch.
Rick Garrett
United States Navy veteran Rick Garrett was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Rick served from 1970 to 1974. After he completed basic training in San Diego, Calif., he was sent to Middleton, Tenn., for training as an aviation electronics technician. He was then stationed at the Naval Air Station in Albany, Ga., where he was with the Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 3. His job was communications, navigation, and electronic countermeasures on RA5C Vigilante Reconnaissance aircraft. Rick also went on two separate week-long aircraft carrier missions, aboard the USS Saratoga and the USS Forrestal, to qualify navigators and pilots to land on aircraft carriers. Rick’s rank was 3rd Class Petty Officer. The quilt top was made by Margaret Evers, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. From left: Bob Jarmer, Margaret Evers, Rick Garrett and Amy Schartz Mellor, David Crawford.
Raymond (Ray) Davidson
United States Navy Vietnam veteran Raymond (Ray) Davidson was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Ray served from 1969 to 1976. He completed Weapons Department Officer School and CIC Watch Officer School, both in Dam Neck, Va., and Basic Imagery Interpretation Course and Basic Intelligence Training Course, both in Norfolk, Va. He served aboard the USS Tattnall and was Deputy Commander of Naval Forces in Vietnam. His responsibilities in Vietnam were providing close air support for U.S. forces in contact with the enemy throughout the Mekong Delta. Ray coordinated support operations of helicopter attack squadrons and was successful in saving may lives. Ray also served aboard the USS Barney, and was Commander of the Iceland Defense Force Staff in Kaflavik, Iceland. Following his active duty, he served in the Navy Reserve with a unit in New Orleans, La., and as a Chaplain with the Marine Corps. Ray attained the rank of Lieutenant. Left to right: Darin Munsch, Stephanie Ahrens, Raymond Davidson, Amy Schartz Mellor, Rich Munsch.
Donald Buhrle
United States Army veteran Donald Buhrle was awarded a Quilt of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Don served from 1962 to 1966. After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., he served in Germany with the 514th Artillery Group Headquarters, where he was a clerk with the British. He also served with the 9th Missile Detachment Group in Germany. His rank was Specialist 4. Don was awarded the 100th Quilt of Valor, made by LaWanna Krestine and quilted by Amy Schartz Mellor. Left to right: David Krallman, LaWanna Krestine, Donald Buhrle, Amy Schartz Mellor, Ralph Sunley.
Edson Merlau
United States Air Force Veteran Edson Merlau was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Ed served from 1957 to 1961, completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He then received additional training as an airborne weapons technician in Denver, Colo. Ed was stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base, Novato, Calif. His rank was Airman 2nd Class. The quilt top was made by Phyllis Manhart; quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Left to right:
Poncho Hitschmann Phyllis Manhart, Edson Merlau, Amy Schartz Mellor, Bob Jarmer.
James (Jim) Schneweis
United States Army veteran James (Jim) Schneweis was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend, Kansas. Jim served from 1953 to 1955, entering the Army at Fort Riley. He was trained as a pharmacist specialist at Fort Ord, Calif. Jim was then sent to Fort Gordon, Ga., for signal training. His commander advised him to transfer to the Medical Service Corps and he was sent to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Jim was then stationed in Okinawa and was assigned to the emergency room as a corpsman. Jim saw injuries he didn’t ever want to see again. He was next assigned to the pediatric unit, treating military dependent’s children, and finally he filled a vacancy in the pharmacy, filling prescriptions. Jim earned $150 per month, and noted that it was difficult to be away from his family. His rank was Specialist 1st Class. The quilt top was made and quilted by Jim’s daughters, Becky Demel, Michelle Laurinec, and Patty Francis. Left to right: Patty Francis, Darin Munsch, Michelle Laurinec, Becky Demel, Jim Schneweis, Amy Schartz Mellor, Rick Munsch.
Lee Keffer
United States Army veteran Lee Keffer was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Lee served from 1982 to 2010. He completed basic training at Fort Knox, Ky., where he graduated as a cavalry scout. As an enlisted man, he was assigned both stateside and overseas, including Germany and Kosovo. In 1989 he attended OCS and was a 2nd Lt. with field artillery. He commanded units in the 1st Battalion 161st Field Artillery and 2nd Battalion 130th Field Artillery. Lee’s service awards include Distinguished Honor Graduate of OCS, Meritorious Service medal, Army Commendation medal with 5 oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement medal with 8 oak leaf clusters, and numerous other awards. Lee retired after 27 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The quilt top was made by Linda Shull, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Left to right: Linda Shull, Mike Kultgen, Lee Keffer. David Crawford, Amy Schartz Mellor.
Arthur (Art) Keffer
United States Army Veteran Arthur Keffer was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on August 30, 2019, at the American Legion Argonne Post 180 in Great Bend. Art served from 1987 to 1995. After completing basic training at Fort McClellan, Ala., he served with the 346th Military Police Escort Unit in Hutchinson. He served in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. Art received marksman medals with the M-16 rifle, .45 caliber pistol, and the .9 mm pistol. He is also a hand grenade expert. Art was awarded the Kuwaiti Freedom medal and Bronze Stars, and his rank was E-4 Corporal. The quilt top was made by Valeda Hitschmann, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Left to right: Valeda Hitschmann, Mike Kultgen, Art Keffer, Amy Schartz Mellor, David Crawford.
