Sangre de Cristo Community Care is proud to announce the successful special event – Welcome Home, Vietnam Veterans -- dedicated to honoring 10 Vietnam veterans nominated with Quilts of Valor. The ceremony, held  March 30, was a heartwarming tribute to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War.

The event marked efforts in continuing Level 5 Partner for participation in the We Honor Veterans Program.

We Honor Veterans is a National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization initiative in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The 10 Vietnam veteran nominees are Bill Bradburn, Ernie Coca, William Gregory, Pete Herrera, J.J. Horner, Lee Keller, Larry Lyder, Dan Morin, Thomas Pulido and Merle Singer.

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“This day…this time was for our Vietnam veterans…the facial expressions of each of the recipients, as the

quilts were wrapped around them was priceless,” said Deede Lowery, volunteer coordinator for Sangre de Cristo Community Care’s La Junta branch. “Many tears were shared from this grateful community. What an honorable and precious time for these men and for all of us. God Bless our veterans, and God Bless America!”

The Quilts of Valor Foundation, in partnership with Sangre de Cristo Community Care, orchestrated this memorable event to recognize and express gratitude to Vietnam veterans for their sacrifices and service to our country. Each veteran was individually honored and presented with a beautifully handmade Quilt of Valor, lovingly crafted by volunteers from across the nation.

Six area quilters from the Colorado Prairie Quilters were part of the quilt team. The quilters, Shawn Geist, Michelle Nelson, Nate Valdez, Pam Valdez, Carole Spady and Danelle Berg were praised for making 10 individualized, intricately designed quilts. Members of the Prairie Piecers Quilt Guild also attended the event.

The ceremony, held at Sangre de Cristo Community Care in La Junta, was attended by more than 120 people, including Vietnam veterans, their families, community members, volunteers and representatives from Sangre de Cristo Community Care and the Quilts of Valor Foundation. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and gratitude as veterans were embraced by their fellow citizens and presented with their quilts.

On behalf of the Quilt of Valor Organization, our Great Country, your community, your family and everyone here, we ‘Thank you’ for your service and for your sacrifice in serving our nation. Welcome Home!” said Sandy Lazarof, state coordinator for Quilts of Valor in Colorado.

During the event, guests had the opportunity to hear from guest speakers who shared poignant stories and reflections on the significance of honoring Vietnam veterans. The 10 nominated Vietnam veterans were individually recognized and presented with a Quilt of Valor as a token of appreciation for their service and sacrifice. The quilts serve as tangible expressions of gratitude, providing comfort and warmth to veterans as they reflect on their experiences and memories.

Sangre de Cristo Community Care Volunteer Shirley Perea shared statistics of the number of veterans from Colorado who never returned from war, and she read 20 names of Vietnam veterans who were from the surrounding area. Taps, played by Veteran Clyde Aragon from Post 8, added to the solemnity and reverence of the occasion, creating a memorable experience for all in attendance.

Sangre de Cristo Community Care extends its deepest appreciation to the Quilts of Valor Foundation, volunteers, Chef Rafael of Sweet Inspirations for catering, and all those who contributed to the success of this event. Together, we were able to convey our immense gratitude and appreciation to Vietnam veterans, ensuring that they know they are respected and valued members of our community.

For more information about Sangre de Cristo Community Care and its ongoing initiatives to support veterans and service members, please visit www.sangre.org.