Spring has been busy for the Jersey Shore Quilts of Valor chapter

launched just last year in order to present warm tokens of gratitude to local veterans in our region.

The Jersey Shore Quilts of Valor chapter is continuing to present warm tokens of gratitude to local veterans in our region. Here are some recent quilts presented by the chapter:

Two quilts were presented to World War II Merchant Marine veterans, Able-Bodied Seaman Raymond L. Mombelardi and Lt. Cmdr. Thomas H. Reilly at the Haddonfield American Legion Post #38 surrounded by their family and friends. Dennis J. Ng, president of the New Jersey American Merchant Marine Veterans Association, presided over the event.

Petty Officer First Class David F. Wilton, a U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, and Cpl. Andrew Brys, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, were honored with quilts at the Kelley-Oliveira-Stanton VFW Post 12173. Congressman Jeff Van Drew’s district director, Christopher Chin, presented both nominees with a congressional proclamation and challenge coin.

Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf, his wife, Debbie, and legislative aide Matthew Addeo were also present. A proclamation was presented on behalf of state Sen. Carmen Amato and Assemblymen Rumpf and Gregory Myhre. Ken Hagemann, the New Jersey VFW state adjutant/quartermaster, presented both veterans with a Vietnam Veteran lapel pin and his challenge coin. The ceremony was well attended by multiple veterans, family members, Jersey Shore QOV members and, of course, proud quilters.

During his surprise 80th birthday party, held at Tuckerton’s Sunset Seafood, Sgt. Maj. Joseph P. Berk, U.S. Army veteran, was wrapped in a quilt and honored with a Bronze Star with Valor. Surrounded by friends, family and fellow vets, he also received the Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign medals for his brave effort.

Specialist Michael Colucci, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran who was stationed in Osan, South Korea, received his quilt of valor in a special ceremony witnessed by his loved ones right at home over a ceremonial dinner.

During Disabled American Veterans’ Brick Chapter’s monthly meeting, Staff Sgt. Carolyn Franzen was awarded a quilt of valor.Sgt. Franzen served from 1999 to 2011, which included activation as part of the Air Force National Guard and Reservists. She earned an impressive array of awards and recognitions throughout her military career.

The latest quilt of valor was awarded to Sgt. Jerry Norris, who was honored for his service in the U.S. Air Force, N.J. Air National Guard and N.J. Army National Guard at Keswick Christian Retreat, which hosted the event.

Norris’ ceremony was attended by friends, co-workers and Seaport Stitchers Quilt Guild’s spring retreat attendees. He was presented a congressional proclamation by state Sen. Christopher Smith’s congressional aide Meagan Giaimo as well as a proclamation by Amato, Rumpf and Myhre.

To nominate a veteran or volunteer with the Jersey Shore Quilts of Valor, email jerseyshoreqov@gmail.com.