Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild honors area vets at special event

The Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild held a Quilts of Valor presentation at the VFW Post #1548 in Libby on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. 

The presentation followed a dinner prepared by Libby VFW Commander Brian Sharp and was served to a standing room only crowd of veterans and guests. 

Guild members then awarded 29 quilts to the many deserving veterans representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The presentation included a slide show highlighting the service of each hero and featured a current photo and a service photo. Quilt recipients represented service spanning World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars, and present conflicts. 

It was a special honor to recognize the service of Elmer A. Schmitt, a Navy veteran who served in WW II from 1944 to 1946.

A special highlight of this year’s ceremony was a presentation to William Lafrance, U.S. Marine Corps. Bill is the Commander of the Troy VFW post.

After receiving his quilt, he took the podium to present a special citation to the Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild from the national Veterans of Foreign Wars for services rendered to the community. The citation was accompanied by a $200 check to the Guild.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation, founded in 2003, is a national community service initiative that brings together quilters to make quilts for veterans and active service members. 

As of Oct. 31, 2025, more than 427,000 quilts have been awarded nationally. The Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild’s participation in the Quilts of Valor program is part of the Guild’s annual community service commitment. Each quilt has been made by a Guild member as a way to say, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor.” 

The quilts were made with the hope that they would offer healing and comfort to each “hero.” Each quilt is registered with the Quilts of Valor Foundation and includes an award certificate. To date, the Libby Guild has awarded more than 140 quilts to veterans and service members.

The guild is currently planning another Quilts of Valor presentation for Veterans Day 2026. They are asking the public who know veterans or active service members who would like to receive a Quilt of Valor, to email the guild at [email protected] or pick up a nomination form at the Libby or Troy VFW or the American Legion.

    Troy VFW Post Commander William Lafrance presented a special citation and $200 donation to the Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild from the national Veterans of Foreign Wars for their contributions in the last several years to the community. (Courtesy photo)
  

    U.S. veterans from many eras enjoyed getting their respective Quilts of Valor from Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild members at a special ceremony Nov. 11 at the Libby VFW Post 1548. (Courtesy photo)