Combat veterans honored in Centre County with Quilts of Valor

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – A group of local combat veterans were honored for their service on Sunday in Centre County.

Twenty-two veterans who fought for the country in the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars received a hand-stitched quilt from the Quilt of Valor Foundation.

“They’re all excited. When I told them we were coming up, they decided to have a luncheon. Their families are here, their grandchildren are here. It’s a really big community event for them, so I’m just thrilled to part of it,” said Sharon Bittel, who is one of the quilters with Happy Valley Quilts of Valor.

The Clarence American Legion has over 80 veterans listed to receive a quilt from the organization, so they chose to recognize those who served during a time of war first.

“I have been serving for 31 years. I’m still currently in. It feels great to receive a quilt. It’s truly an honor for us veterans to be here, to be nominated and to receive one. We very much appreciate it as a veteran,” said Tammy Romine, a Commander Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army Reserves.

The quilts will not only comfort them, but also serve as a reminder of their sacrifice to defend and fight for their country.

“It’s humbling. I was in with the combat vets, young and old. Some of our guys have lost family members, so to watch them get their quilt, and to get mine, it’s very humbling,” said Scott Fye, Commander at the Snow Show VFW Post 5644.

The American Legion members have about 59 other veterans that they would like to honor with quilts in the near future.