Quilts of Valor: 9th JROTC cadets honor Soldiers for sacrifices

By Mr. Ryan Roberts (Ansbach High School Journalism)April 30, 2015

Quilts of Valor
Cadet Kerinne O'Donnell stands with her father, 1st Sgt. Willard O'Donnell of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, during the March 26 "Quilts of Valor" ceremony at Ansbach Middle/High School. Cadets presented handcrafted quilts to 14 other Soldiers of ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANSBACH, Germany (April 30, 2015) -- Cadets with Ansbach Middle/High School's 9th Junior ROTC Battalion presented quilts to 15 Soldiers from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade during the March 26 "Quilts of Valor" ceremony at the school.

The cadets presented them on behalf of a group called the "Beach-lovin' Quilters of the Carolinas," who made the quilts to thank the Soldiers for their service and valor. The ceremony gave cadets the opportunity to honor and thank them as well.

The Soldiers were chosen by their units to represent all of the members of their own units who have deployed. Some of the recipients have served on seven deployment tours.

The ceremony, during which the high school band played "America the Beautiful," served as a reminder that American citizens appreciate service members' sacrifices.

"The ceremony was very moving in the sense that we were able to honor those Soldiers who selflessly devote their time to serve and defend our great country," said Cadet Kaitlyn Pyrtle, who attended the ceremony as a photographer.

"It was especially moving to see the pride on the faces of the fathers receiving quilts from their cadet sons and daughters," said Maj. Madonna Roberts, who organized the Quilts of Valor ceremony.

Each quilt was uniquely handcrafted for this occasion. Cadet Stephanie Avila, who gave her father a quilt, said afterward that the gift of a quilt "was really sweet and showed that we care about the Soldiers."

Related Links:

Ansbach Middle/High School

USAG Ansbach official home page

USAG Ansbach school liaison officer