South Bend Officers Honored with Quilts of Valor

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Four South Bend police officers were recognized Wednesday for their military service with handmade quilts from Quilts of Valor: In the Bend.

Army veterans Paul Daley, Gage Conway, and Gery Mullins, along with Air Force veteran Richard Kohler, were each wrapped in a handmade quilt at the ceremony. The presentation is meant to offer comfort and appreciation for their service.

Quilts of Valor was established 2003, presenting over 400,000 quilts to veterans since then. Locally, Pam Cameron helped found Quilts of Valor: In The Bend in 2015 and has presented more than 700 quilts. She said that keeping comfort in mind while recognizing veterans is important to the organization.

"We encourage them to use their quilt. It's not designed or meant to be a wall hanging. It's designed and quilted to bring healing and comfort to the veteran or the first responders, like we've had today and we encourage them to support the organization."

The South Bend chapter is currently seeking volunteers and veteran nominations.