Michael Buckley
The SaddleBrooke Friday Quilters Group recently made 15 patriotic quilts and gave them to SaddleBrooke Troop Support (STS) for presentation to the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. These beautiful self-designed and homemade quilts are draped over the body of a veteran that dies in the Southern Arizona VA Hospital or extended care facility. Following transportation and internment of the deceased these patriotic quilts are then given to the family as a reminder of their loved one and as thanks for the veteran’s service.
The Friday Quilters put an amazing amount of work into this labor of love. Each patriotic quilt measures four feet by seven feet and includes symbols of service and our country all inspired by the imagination of each quilter. Each quilt is labeled with a message from the Friday Quilters stating “Thank you for your service,” SaddleBrooke Friday Quilters and the year of death. All materials for this project were provided by the individual quilter and the Friday Quilters Club. The value of these quilts is priceless to the family member that receives the quilt after the veteran’s passing.
The SaddleBrooke Friday Quilters meets every Friday at 9:00 a.m. in the HOA One craft center room 4. The 78 members support six charities including SaddleBrooke Troop Support. Further information about the Friday Quilters may be obtained by contacting Deb Dorman at 520-818-1014, email [email protected] or Tina Scott at 520-825-4844, email [email protected].
SaddleBrooke Troop Support offers assistance to active duty military, reserve military, veterans and family members in the Tucson and southern Arizona area. STS provides assistance in the following areas: Providing food to military and family members faced with a short term need, supplying clothing to homeless and rebounding veterans, supplying reading materials and other comfort items to patients at the Southern Arizona VA and supporting transiting troops through the Military Liaison Office at the Tucson Airport. SaddleBrooke Troop Support meets on the second Thursday of each month at MountainView in the Sonoran Room from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. More information on STS is available by contacting Beth Bradford at 520-818-0971, email [email protected].