Saturday, June 21, 2008
Battlefield VFW Post 9808 ~ Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111
Images from the Celebration
The day finally came - June 21st and the Volunteers of the VMQP were anxious
and ready to meet the families with open arms.
We had 25 families represented that attended from far and wide. Each
soldier's name was read whose family was in attendance.
Sandie Terrien, who is a relatively new Volunteer, brought so much meaning
to this day. She presented the "Missing Man Ceremony" and we all listened as
she explained each part.
We were lucky to have a special guest - K9 Roxy. She is a beautiful German
Shepherd whose prior owner was 1LT Joshua L. Booth, U.S.M.C. (KIA 10.17.06).
Her pictures are being sold to raise funds for the Military Corps
Scholarship Foundation. Her email is
K9roxyforkids@aol.com
Roxy's story really touched my
heart and once we got the OK from the VFW for her to attend she accepted our
invitation. Her handler, Blackburn Booth (Joshua's Uncle) of Virginia Beach,
gave a recap of Roxy's story. Roxy has been trained and is now a Search and
Rescue dog with the mission to serve others as part of a SAR Team in Virginia.
We were also pleased to have available brochures for the Honor and Remember
Organization which was started by the father of CPL Tony Lutz of Chesapeake,
Virginia. Mr. George Lutz has designed "A New National Symbol of Gratitude and
Respect" that will honor "all individuals from all wars or conflicts involving
the United States who died while serving our nation." Visit
www.HonorandRemember.org for more details.
The VMQP was also proud to honor the service of HMT-3 Kenneth Clodfelter and his
family. Kenneth was killed when a bomb exploded and caused major damage to the
USS Cole in the port of Yemen in October of 2000. Nancy Phillips was surprised
as her quilt was chosen to be given to the Clodfelter family. Yes - there were
tears.
Michael Berkley joined us again this year with his beautiful selections and
incredibly gifted voice. We appreciate Michael's talents as they add so much to
the programs we offer the families.
As usual, the VFW did a wonderful job hosting the 2008 Celebration of the Life
of a Virginia Soldier. The VFW was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation
for allowing the VMQP to use their facility.
LTC Michael Grasse from Fort A.P. Hill and COL Shelly Richardson from Fort Lee
were present as well. We thanked both representatives of our Armed Forces for
taking the time to attend our event.
As the days have passed since the June 21st luncheon - several things come to
mind -
We know it is
difficult for the families to attend and relive the sadness they have from
the loss of their soldier. Our Volunteers work very hard making sure all the
details are done for the luncheon. This event is something the Volunteers
want to do and bring the families together. For us, to share a smile and a
hug with the families who have received a quilt from the VMQP makes us very
proud. Words can't express how sad we are that these families have had to
endure this sacrifice for freedom. However, the motto of the Virginia
Memorial Quilt Project says it all - Together We Will
Not Forget.
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
Images to remember:
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Estelle Davis, Sandie Terrien
& Sue Cooper |
LTC Michael Grasse from Fort
A.P. Hill with Blackburn Booth |
Presentation of Certificate of
Presentation to VFW Post |
Children leading adults in
Pledge of Allegiance
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LTC Michael Grasse
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K9 Roxy with her nametag
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The Clodfelter Family receiving their
quilt. |
David Cooper
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Dick Linn father of Karl Linn
KIA 1.26.2005 and Kevin Rumsey formerly stationed in Iraq from N.C.
spoke to the the group.
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The Yellow Ribbon Quilt made
and donated by Country School Quilters of Monepelier, VA
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Blackburn Booth and K9 Roxy
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