Reservists deliver "Quilts of Valor" to injured troops Published Oct. 12, 2011 By 2 Lt. Jeff Kelly 315 AW Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AB, Germany -- A Lowcountry group belonging to the national organization, Quilts of Valor, recently donated 12 quilts to the 315th Airlift Wing. Since 2004, the local group has donated more than 1200 quilts taking the quilters hundreds of thousands of hours to make. On a trip to Germany's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center this week, members from the 315th AW's Public Affairs office were able to hand deliver the quilts to the hospital's chaplain, and follow him as he delivered each quilt to an injured service member who has been evacuated from either Iraq or Afghanistan. Landstuhl is the first stop for injured service members when returning to the US. As expected, the beautiful quilts were received with appreciation for the Lowcountry quilt makers. "Thank you so much for this lovely quilt," said one wounded warrior. "It will find its place of honor on my bed in Kentucky. It will be a reminder to me that we do live in the richest country. Rich in love for our fellow humans - where you would make this terrific quilt for someone you would probably never meet. I will cherish this quilt for the rest of my life." The admiration for the quilt makers did not stop with the injured servicemen. Family members expressed their gratitude as well. "To the many kind hearts and souls of Quilts of Valor, your quilt warmed our family in more ways than you can imagine," said the spouse of another wounded warrior. Forming in 2004 with only seven members, today the South Carolina Quilts of Valor group has grown to more than 50 individuals from across the Lowcountry. The backgrounds of these individuals vary as much as the quilts they create. Some have children in the military and some have served in the military themselves. Some are content making just one quilt, while others average one per month. "The time we spend making quilts is insignificant compared to the sacrifices being made by each of these military men and women," said Donnita Cook, a Quilts of Valor participant. " Another member of the South Carolina Quilts of Valor organization says that there is one key reason that so much time and love is poured into each quilt. "The quilts let them know they haven't been forgotten," said Cheryl Wheeler. "It's an opportunity to say thank you for their war efforts and thank you for protecting us." For more information on South Carolina Quilts of Valor, visit them online at wwwscqov.org.