Golden Plains Quilts of Valor Group Leader Amy Schartz Mellor and members of the group awarded nine Quilts of Valor to area veterans on February 22 at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend.
Cody Helms
United States Army veteran Cody Helms was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on February 22, 2019, at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. Cody was trained as a communication satellite technician, serving from 1993 to 2001 in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, El Salvador and Panama. The quilt top was made by Jyl Nokes, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Pictured, from left: Ralph Sunley, Jyl Nokes, Cody Helms, Amy Schartz Mellor, Bob Jarmer.
Gary Stein
United States Navy veteran Gary Stein was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on February 22, 2019, at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. Gary served from 1976 to 1982, trained as an aviator hydraulics mechanic. He served aboard the USS Saratoga and the USS Coral Sea in the area of Spain and Italy. The quilt top was made by Phyllis Manhart, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Pictured, from left: Chris Krueger, Phyllis Manhart, Gary Stein, Amy Schartz Mellor, David Crawford.
Gary Shook
United States Air Force veteran Gary Shook was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on February 22, 2019, at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. Gary served from 1970 to 1979. He was trained as a masonry specialist and was stationed in Germany for three years. He was then stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita. The quilt top was made by Millie Hill, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Pictured, from left: David Krallman, Millie Hill, Gary Shook, Amy Schartz Mellor, Ralph Sunley.
Tom Wilson
United States Navy Vietnam veteran Tom C. Wilson was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on February 22, 2019, at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. Tom served in Vietnam where he was on the dispersion pay team, and patrolled on riverboats. The quilt top was made by Eileen Huslig, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Pictured, from left: David Krallman, Eileen Huslig, Tom Wilson, Amy Schartz Mellor, Larry Buczinski.
Dennis Pechanec
United States Army Vietnam veteran Dennis Pechanec was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on February 22, 2019, at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. Dennis served from 1969 to 1972 in Vietnam, with field radar equipment. The quilt top was made and quilted by Linda Bittel. Pictured, from left: Juanita Dreiling, Linda Bittel, Dennis Pechanec, Amy Schartz Mellor, Bob Jarmer.
Donald Feist
United States Army veteran Donald Feist was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on Feb. 22, 2019, at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. Donald served from 1958 to 1960, stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was a supply clerk. The quilt top was made by Mary Lou Weiser, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Pictured, from left: Chris Krueger, Mary Lou Weiser, Donald Feist, Amy Schartz Mellor, David Crawford.
Stuart Hutchinson
United States Navy Korea veteran Stuart Hutchison was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on February 22, 2019, at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. Stuart served from 1948 to 1977. He completed pre-flight training and then on to multi-engine training, where he received his Naval Aviator Wings. He was assigned to the Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington. He served as a patrol plane pilot and navigator before and during the Korean conflict. He spent time on Kodiak Island, Alaska, and in the Okinawa and Japan on patrol searching for submarines and unusual merchant ships. He was sent to Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1953, where he served as an instructor pilot for 2 years. In 1955, Stuart transitioned from active duty to Naval Reserve, where he continued to fly multiple types of aircraft. His reserve squadrons covered the world during his two weeks of active duty each year, including Morocco, Hawaii, Philippines, Vietnam, Spain and Puerto Rico. In 1977 Stuart retired as a Captain, but continued to serve on the Military Academy Selection Committee. The quilt top was made by Marcia Toennessen, quilting by Amy Schartz Mellor. Pictured, from left: Ralph Sunley, Marcia Toennessen, Stuart Hutchison, Amy Schartz Mellor, Boe Levingston.
Gary Norton
United States Navy Vietnam Era veteran Gary Norton was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on February 22, 2019, at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. Gary served from 1970 to 1975. He was with the Hospital Corps as a Field Medical Service Technician, and entered the Naval Reserve in 1973. The quilt top was made and quilted by Amy Schartz Mellor. Pictured, from left: Larry Buczinski, Gary Norton, Amy Schartz Mellor, Chris Krueger
Gary Vaughan
United States Navy Vietnam Era veteran Gary Vaughan was awarded a Quilt of Valor from Golden Plains Quilts of Valor on February 22, 2019, at the American Legion Post 180 in Great Bend. Gary served from 1970 to 1974, serving in the Ceremonial Guard. He received Top Secret White House Security Clearance and carried out White House details, also serving with the Burial Detail at Arlington National Cemetery. Gary was stationed at the Navy Yard, Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The quilt top was made and quilted by Amy Schartz Mellor. Pictured, from left: Juanita Dreiling, Gary Vaughan, Amy Schartz Mellor, David Crawford.
