October 6, 2026 (Photo Album) - Ten veterans were 'welcomed home' with quilts during the 50th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival on Saturday, October 3, 2026, during the Quilts of Valor presentation.
AgriLife District 5 Extension Program Specialist Jheri-Lynn McSwain welcomed everyone, "We are honored to be here today as representatives of the Shelby Sewcial Bee and Shelby County 4-H Heart to Hands Project. Our project is comprised of adult volunteers and 4-H youth that meet to sew quilts in honor of our Shelby County veterans, in fact our veterans from around the United States that are part of our community." She explained the Quilts of Valor project is in partnership with the local VFW Post 8904 and made possible through sponsorships from local businesses, individuals, and organizations as well as donations from area quilting clubs.
First Video
McSwain provided additional background into the development of the Quilts of Valor program, "In 2003 a quilter named Katherine Roberts started the movement that became the Quilts of Valor when her son was deployed to Iraq. Since that time over 421,941 Quilts of Valor plus 10 today have been awarded to veterans across the United States. The mission of Quilts of Valor is to honor service members and veterans who have been touched by war in service with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. We will be presenting 10 Quilts of Valor today which have been sponsored by the Center Noon Lion's Club and local individuals."
Second Video
Volunteers each took turns introducing each honoree and recognized their service. As the quilt was placed on the shoulders of the veterans, they were welcomed home and thanked for their service.
Honorees were:
William P. Garrison (U.S. Navy 1966 to 1968) (First Video 1:49)
Simon P. Stanley (U.S. Navy 1999 to 2007) (First Video 4:00)
Roy A. Barringer (U.S. Navy 2000 to 2006) (First Video 6:46)
William "Bill" Roberts (U.S. Navy 1964 to 1971) (First Video 9:09)
Gary Wagner (U.S. Army 1970 to 1976) (First Video 11:29)
Faith Hann (U.S. Air Force 2010 to 2018) (Second Video 0:16)
Erik J. Choron (U.S. Army 2001 to 2023) (Second Video 2:58)
Jeffery Hollin (U.S. Army 1982 to 2007) (Second Video 5:40)
Thomas Young (U.S. Navy 1988 to 1995 and 1996 to 2015) (Second Video 8:06)
Ralph Richard (U.S. Army 1971 to 1972) Not present at ceremony. Commendations included National Defense Service Medal and Korea Defense Service Medal.
The quilts were on display during all three days of the festival.
After the quilts were all presented, AgriLife County Extension Agent - Family and Community Health Feleshia Thompson gave special heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the volunteers who help to make the Quilts of Valor Project possible.
