The Janet Goeske Center in Riverside was filled with heartfelt gratitude and patriotism as veterans from four branches of the U.S. military were honored during a special Quilts of Valor ceremony. The event, hosted by the Janet Goeske Center in partnership with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, celebrated the service and sacrifice of local heroes with the presentation of handcrafted quilts, each symbolizing comfort, healing, and appreciation from a grateful nation.
The program began with warm words of welcome and a reminder of the mission behind the gathering. Attendees were invited to enjoy coffee, cookies, and camaraderie as they silenced their phones in respect for the ceremony. The microphone was then passed to Barbara Philbin of Quilts of Valor, who shared the moving story of the foundation’s origins.
Quilts of Valor was founded by Catherine Roberts, who was inspired by a dream of her son while he was deployed in Iraq. In the dream, Roberts saw her son weighed down by despair, only to be uplifted and comforted after being wrapped in a quilt. From that moment, she understood that “quilts equal healing.” Today, volunteers across the country carry forward her vision by piecing together quilts of comfort for those who have served.
“Our quilts today were created by a team of 26 volunteers,” Philbin said. “Quilters are crazy—we take perfectly good fabric, cut it up, toss it in the air, and then it comes back down as a beautiful quilt. That’s quilter’s magic.”
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Philbin shared striking statistics about the nation’s veterans and their representation in government, reminding attendees of the honor and integrity embodied by those who have served. A poem titled “It is the Veteran” was read aloud, underscoring the freedoms safeguarded by the sacrifices of America’s servicemen and women.
Eight veterans, representing decades of service from the Vietnam era to Operation Iraqi Freedom, were called forward to receive their Quilt of Valor and certificate of recognition. Each certificate expressed the nation’s gratitude:
“Though we may never know the extent of your sacrifice to protect and defend the United States of America, we award you this Quilt of Valor as an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.”
The honorees included:
Kylie, U.S. Marine Sergeant (2006–2010), who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Heather Lee, U.S. Marine Captain (1995–2003), veteran of both Kosovo and Iraq, who now continues serving veterans at the Loma Linda VA Hospital.
Darrell Gross, U.S. Marine (1973–1976), machine gun specialist, now a local pastor.
Dennis Babcock, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, with 25 years of service including Vietnam and Desert Storm.
Jerry Trujillo, Sr., U.S. Navy Quartermaster Captain (1962–1968), Vietnam veteran.
Robert Meyer, U.S. Army Corporal (1960–1965), Vietnam veteran.
Marco Ramirez, U.S. Army Corporal (1961–1964), who served stateside and in Germany, also recognized for his Army volleyball team days.
Raymundo Valenzuela, U.S. Air Force Sergeant, Vietnam veteran, honored as a surprise nominee.
A quilt was also accepted by the daughter of a Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant who could not attend in person.
The ceremony closed with a heartfelt Chaplain’s Prayer, asking that no veteran ever feel forgotten or unappreciated, and that all may know the enduring gratitude of the nation.
As the event concluded, veterans and their families gathered for a group photo, the colorful quilts draped proudly over their shoulders. The room was filled not only with fabric and stitching, but with stories of service, sacrifice, and the reminder that the simple gift of a quilt can carry immense meaning.