A New Request. . .

It is with a sadness that I make this new request. . . once again lives have been lost. We all watch the news and know that. For me it has taken on a more personal note ever since we lost Travis, and even more since my visit this past May. I have recently learned the 7th Group of Ft. Bragg has lost another 6 men just in the past 3 months. . . that's just one group. I really feel led to deliver quilts to the wives/parents of those men as quickly as possible. I currently have 5 quilt tops that need to be quilted. I would like to have 12-15 to take down. If at all possible I would like to deliver them before Thanksgiving, don't know why, just the time frame the Lord has laid on my heart. I have not made any arrangements yet. I'm in need of the usual. . . everything. Quilt tops, completed quilts, and donations. Someone who would do the machine quilting at little or no cost would be wonderful! Please consider how you might help.

I hope to post on here in a few days a special segment consisting of quotes from those who have received our quilts or been involved in some way. It has been a tremendous blessing to me to hear from so many, and I'd like to share with the rest of you. I'm in the process of getting approval before quoting, and then editing.

On a personal note, please remember my family this week as we approach the 1 year anniversary of my niece's death. . . it's been a long year. We know that Lisa is basking in the presence of our Heavenly Father, but our hearts still ache at our loss.

Dedication of War Memorial in Wakarusa

On Saturday July 18th, more then 300 people turned out for the dedication of the War Memorial and garden in Wakarusa, in honor of Travis and those who have served and are serving our country. What a beautiful day in so many ways...perfect temperatures, sunny skies, and a spirit of patriotism filled the air. The monument area is horseshoe shaped and contains brick pavers with the names, ranks, and branches of service, of citizens with ties to Wakarusa. In the center is a bronze statue of a pair of boots, a rifle, and a helmet. The base of the statue has engravings, which you see pictured below. The National Guard Color Guard was present, bagpipers played, Pastor Harper of Bible Baptist Church played "Taps", and the NorthWood Middle School choir under the direction of Tonya Angle sang, along with Martin Flowers. Travis' father sang the National Anthem as well. A ribbon cutting ceremony led by Town Mgr. Tom Roeder took place, and CPT Don Heichel spoke along with Pastor Paul Commons of Wakarusa Missionary Church. The crowd was a mixture of family, friends, fireman, servicemen, American Legion Riders, veterans, young children and the not so young. All present to pay tribute to sacrifices made, past and present. Near the memorial is a gazebo with a glider, it has become a favorite spot of mine in recent weeks to just sit, reflect, and pray...sometimes shed a few tears. And also close by is "Susie's Garden", a small, beautiful flower garden lovingly tended by Susie and Nick Culp. If you live locally and haven't been back to either of these yet, you're missing out. If you visit us, be sure and stop back to see them, you'll be glad you did.
I've been slow to post anything since my last entry because words fail me. For those who know me well, that doesn't happen very often :) I'm at a loss to describe the emotions that run through me when I stop to pray for those who are serving around the world right now, and for their families. I wish I was physically capable of communicating to each and every one of them what their sacrifice means to me. That's why this Quilt Project began...it has to continue..won't you please help? I have another goal of the first part of October for another delivery, but funds are once again low. Ask yourself if this is something you can help with, and if the answer is yes, contact me.
God bless you all!
Please enjoy the following pictures. I tried to limit the amount but it's hard, I want you all to see and share in this experience with me...

A year has past. . .

A year ago today, Travis Kent Hunsberger paid the ultimate price for our freedom...he gave his life. In some ways this past year has flown by, in other ways, it has seemed eternally endless. It's been a year of grieving, fond memories, great hope of a heavenly reunion, memorial services, tributes, sharing, and caring. I've met people I probably might never have met had it not been for Travis' death, special people from all walks of life. The common bond is his life, and his love of life, and family, and friends, and his God, and his country. We all wish he were still with us, no doubt, but Travis is OK because he rests in the arms of his heavenly Father. And something else has happened to me too...I stand a little straighter when I see the flag, I pray more fervently for our servicemen, I take life one day at a time now, I love more deeply, and I understand more clearly that freedom is not free. To Steve, Ronda, Kyle, Sam, & Kelsey...thank-you for allowing me to be a part of so much of your lives this past year, I love you all so much! To Luis, Tony, Ramone & Emmy, Ron & Sylvia, Brian S., Brian D., Mike & LeAnna, Patrick, David, & Chris...thank-you for sharing the Travis you knew and for allowing me to be a part of your lives as well. It's been an honor and a privilege and I love you all! May God keep you safe as you continue to serve Him and our country, and may He grant you peace as well...To the many of you who have contributed in some way over the past year, a huge thank-you! You'll never know what your efforts have meant to so many. Please help me keep this project going...I will be revamping it and changing a few things in the new future, but am still taking all forms of donations. There is the possibility of another quilt delivery in the fall, I will let you all know soon...And as always, may the Lord bless you all and may He continue to bless America!

Remembering the fallen and those left behind. . .

I don't even know where to begin this entry. I've tried to keep this about the quilts and not get too personal, but after the week I've experienced, it's hard not to be personal. First, I need to once again offer a HUGE THANK-YOU to everyone who played a part in this project! Some donated finances, some donated quilt tops, whole quilts, free quilting, quilt blocks, and the finishing of the quilts by binding. And my understanding boss, Jeanette Prenkert, donated my work time to allow me to finish in the final days before I left.
I wish every one of you could have made the trip...I will carry with me the personal satisfaction of what we have done, for a lifetime. Unfortunately, we could do more. I saw several people who looked longingly at the quilts and I wished with all my heart I had more to give out. I would like to keep making and "stockpiling" so we don't get caught in a rush again, so if you're willing, keep 'em coming! They are most definitely appreciated! It has spoken volumes to many to know that we care enough to share our time, talents, and resources with those who are serving or have served us.
I was privileged to attend the Gold Star luncheon with Steve and Ronda, in which the families of fallen soldiers were recognized. I was overwhelmed, and not for the only time, at the realization that every table, and there were many, represented a family who had lost a loved one. At the Memorial Service, each name was read and a bell sounded for the names added to the wall...I cannot even put those feelings at that moment into words...sadness, pride, gratitude...don't even touch it. I met wives, mothers, fathers, and children of those men. Faces I'll never forget, I don't WANT to forget. The death of Travis brought the war home...meeting his team put another face on the war...this past week added another whole dimension for me. I have been changed since June 27th, 2008...I see life differently then ever before, I want to laugh more, live better, and love more freely. I have a new family and they reside in North Carolina...I miss them already. I've already received two emails from a sweet lady who tended to us at our get together Thursday night. Her husband is currently deployed, she calls me her new sister. I love it! But there is also alot of hurt and anger out there...pray for my friends to find peace. Some of them have seen and experienced more then you or I could begin to imagine.
The biggest lesson I've learned in the last year is this, we do not know what tomorrow holds...live with no regrets, be sure your loved ones know you love them, and be ready to meet your Savior. I'm not perfect in any way, but I'm doing my best to make my world better...God bless you all!
God Bless our soldiers and their families...

Names of Soldiers honored at the Memorial Service:
Fallen, but not forgotten. . .

SSG Jeremy E Bessa
SSG John C Brite
SSG Jason L Brown
SGT Nicholas A Casey
CPT Richard G Cliff, Jr.
SSG Josepg F Curreri
SSG Anthony D Davis
CPR Benjamin C Dillon
SPC Christopher Gathercole
SSG Travis K Hunsberger
SPC Thomas Duncan III
SSG Frank J Gasper
MSG David L Hurt
MAJ Robert D Lindendau
CPT Shane R Mahaffee
SSG Ryan D Maseth
CW3 Hershel D McCants, Jr.
SFC David L McDowell
SFC Jamie S Nicholas
SFC David Nunez
SGT Timothy P Padgett
SSG Robert J Paul
SSG Robert R Pirelli
CW3 John A Quinlan
SFC Jeffrey M Radamorales
SGT Nicholas A Robertson
SGT William P Rudd
MSG Shawn E Simmons
SSG David W Textor
SGT James E Treber
SFC Michael J Tully
SFC Gary J Vasquez
SPC Travis R Vaughn
CW5 Jamie D Weeks
SSG Joshua R Whitaker
MSG Mitchell W Young

Pictures of Quilts and North Carolina!!

Be patient as you watch the slide show, I had a hard time deciding what to post and what to leave out! Believe me, this is only about half of what I could've shown you! I will post details in another entry, this one is dedicated to pictures. Enjoy. . .

Memorial Day. . .

Memorial Day. . .what does that mean? This year it means something a little different to me, or maybe I just have looked at it a little differently. I spent today finishing up the quilts for our second phase of this project, adding labels, printing the information flyers, stitching the names of the soldiers receiving the quilts onto pillowcases. As I did so something was different, I was stitching names of several who have given their lives for me...and for you...the first time I did this project, it was for the men who served with Travis, all still with us, thank the Lord. Six of these quilts will go to family of men who didn't come home...I don't ever want to take for granted the sacrifices made by the men and women and their families who serve and protect us on a daily basis. I found myself thinking of the men I met in February, and thanking God again for their lives, and their willingness to go where I won't. I thought of Travis, so young, so full of life, and he gave it all, willingly. Today his mother buried her father...so much sadness in a year's time. And I will unashamedly admit, I wept...tears of sorrow for the losses we have faced, and tears of thankfulness for those who have served in the past and who do so now. Saying "Thank-you" just doesn't seem like enough. I did something else today I don't normally do, I put flowers on my daddy's grave...he's been gone for 35 years now but he proudly served his country during WWII. I honored his service and his memory today. Whatever your beliefs, there is one thing nobody can deny, without the soldiers of the past and present, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy today. So, the next time you see a man (or woman) in uniform, take time to shake their hand and say thank-you. For me personally, I want to say "Thank-you" to Kyle, Patrick, Ron, Mike, Brian S., Brian D., Chris, Tony, Ramone, David, & Luis for allowing me to put a face to those who serve, you are all special and unique and I am honored to know you!
I will be leaving tomorrow evening for North Carolina to deliver quilts, 31 total. So many people have pitched in and helped make this possible, it is incredible the way it came together!! I am excited to be able to visit Ft. Bragg and honored to be attending a memorial service while there. I will also, along with the Hunsberger's, get a chance to spend some time with Travis' unit again. Can't wait to meet their families!! I will post pictures of quilts and the trip when I get back.
God bless you all, and God bless America!

Quilt countdown

Donations of money, quilt tops, quilt blocks, and completed quilts have been coming in faithfully! Thank-you, thank-you! The number needed is 25, and if I've counted right, we are at 22. That is awesome!!! Tentative plans are to leave for North Carolina Tuesday May 26th. I will take all that are finished with me, hopefully that will be the whole 25. If you are working on a quilt and it won't be done on or before the day I leave, that's OK, it can still be used! I will try and post some pictures of the completed quilts so far, next week. Again, God bless you for giving to those who serve our country!

NEW PROJECT!!!

We have a new project!!!
I have been corresponding with LeAnna the wife of one of the men in Travis unit who helped arrange our first quilt project. When the men were here in February, we talked about the quilts and what it meant to them, and several expressed the need for others to receive the show of support and encouragement such as they did. I have learned of two units who have each suffered three losses. One of those lost 3 men the day after Travis died back in June. The other also lost 3 men this past October. One of those men was the father of a newborn. LeAnna and I talked and tried to decide which unit to bless with quilts...how do you choose? I feel God tugging at my heart telling me to take on both. That would mean around 25 more quilts. Right now I have 4 complete, 2 in the process of being made. That leaves 19. Obviously, I cannot sew them all myself. Lord knows I want to...I'm asking once again for your generosity of time, talent, and finances to see this next project to completion. I mentioned it a month or so ago and had no real idea where the next batch would go. Now that I know, I feel more compelled to get moving. What's my time frame?...well...I REALLY would like them finished as soon as we possibly can. Originally I was hoping for mid-April, that isn't feasible anymore, so I'm going to say end of May. I'm flexible, but that's my goal. We made the last goal in 2 1/2 months, surely we can do it again :) You may ask what's the rush...Travis' unit is deploying again and I'd like them to be in on the quilt-giving before they go. (They don't know I want them to do that yet.) So...will you once again partner with me to show honor and respect to the men and their families who give so much for each of us every day? Thank-you in advance, and God bless you. And as always...God bless America!

More pictures from our first Quilt Project. . .

I apologize for my picture postings being out of order, but I have put them on here at the time I receive them. I've had these for awhile, just haven't had a chance to do anything with them. I figure most of you don't care, you just enjoy looking at them :) These pictures are from Steve, Ronda, and Kelsey's visit to Ft. Bragg in January when the men returned to the States. It was great for me to see some of them with their quilts. Hope you think so too.

Pictures from the visit of ODA 7132

We were treated to an amazing meal on Friday evening at the home of Steve and Ronda. On Saturday evening, Jeff & Peggy and their Sunday School Class hosted another fabulous meal. Each included family and friends of the Hunsberger's. Both were wonderful times of sharing and getting to know these awesome men, and hopefully, letting them get to know us as well. On Sunday they were honored during our service at Wakarusa Missionary Church. It was a whirlwind weekend full of many activities! I know that saying goodbye on Sunday was difficult, I felt as if part of my family were leaving me. I can only pray they know in some small way what an impact this visit has had on my life and on the others as well. I also pray this won't be their only visit, that they too felt like they gained a new "family". God bless you ODA 7132, and thank-you again for serving and protecting....

A visit from the Men of ODA 7132...

What a privilege and honor to meet the men Travis served with! They are in town for the weekend visiting Travis' family and friends. They returned to the US the end of January, and made the 13 hour drive to Wakarusa to connect with this part of Travis' life. To say this group is amazing is an understatement. They blessed me with a couple of unexpected and very special gifts as a thank-you for this project. I am deeply humbled by their show of appreciation! Thanks again guys, I will cherish always what you did for me :) If this is what the rest of our military is like, then folks, we are in good hands!!! Not that I ever doubted that, but there is something about meeting in person the ones who on a daily basis are out there serving and protecting the rights and freedoms we hold dear. They are committed to what they do...they believe in what they do...and they are grateful for our support. Please let us never forget that freedom is not free...somewhere someones son, husband, father, nephew, cousin is doing his duty to uphold what this nation stands for. And they are striving to help other countries have what we have. Sometimes at a great cost...so the next time you see our flag waving, stand a little taller, and when you see a soldier in uniform, thank him (or her) for doing what most of us can't (or won't) do, and for heaven's sake, when our national anthem is played place your hand over your heart and sing along! Keep praying for these men and their families and the many others like them, and for our nation that we would remember the principles we were founded upon and bless God, so He will bless America...

I will have another update with pictures in a day or so. For now, we're getting ready to go meet up with this awesome group of men and spend a bit more time getting to know them. Remember, this project is not yet complete, there are more who need to see our love and support...won't you help?

a Wedding. . .

I also have not had a chance to post pictures from the wedding of Travis' brother Kyle. Congratulations to Kyle Hunsberger and Samantha (Sam) Lewis who were married on December 20th, 2008!! Kyle has enlisted with the Indiana National Guard and is currently at Basic Training in South Carolina. Please pray for Kyle and his new bride as well as Steve,Ronda,& Kelsey as they make these new adjustments in their lives. Kyle has a strong calling to also serve his country. Enjoy these few pictures from their reception and one of them with a quilt I made as a wedding gift/going away gift. May the Lord bless you both with a long and happy life together!

Finally!!! Pictures from the Quilt delivery to Ft. Bragg!

Yes!! I have pictures from the first Quilt Delivery to Ft. Bragg! I am SO EXCITED! The slide show includes pictures of the men's families receiving their quilts, along with Greg Birr & Toby Yoder from Wakarusa Missionary Church who delivered them. You will also see a few pictures of some of the Military personnel from Ft. Bragg. The gentleman holding the quilt with Greg & Toby is the Chaplain. Also included is a memorial stone for Travis. Here they are...

End of 2008. . .

My sincere apologies for the delay in posting. . . the end of December was hectic, as I'm sure it was for most of you. I trust you all had a blessed Christmas. We enjoyed our time and it was filled with mixed blessings :) A time of sadness for those no longer with us, but also a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and the reason we live!

I have yet to make contact to receive the CD of pictures of the quilt delivery. I am as anxious to see the pictures as alot of you!! Hopefully this week. . .


What is in store for 2009. . .as I have stated many times, I feel this project is to continue. We still have funds thanks to many generous people, to carry us for awhile. I have several people who have offered to make quilts once the holidays are over so I'm praying they don't forget :) I am also offering something new. Beginning January 12th, you will be able to stop by the store and ask for a Quilt Block Kit. You can pick up as many as you like, I only ask that you return them in a timely manner. . .completed. Once enough have been returned, either myself or another volunteer will assemble them into a quilt. Hopefully this will involve more people, especially those who want to help but have neither the time or funds for a whole quilt. Another option, while my supplies last, is a full Quilt Kit. I will need to know in advance if you'd like one of these and my number of these are limited. I do need these completed and returned within 30 days. I'm willing to work with anyone who wants to help our project :) My next goal is 30 quilts by April 1st. I'm sure we can make that or even exceed it.


I'm adding a picture of Travis that has become a favorite of mine. It shows that tremendous smile that those who knew him, loved so well and miss so much! Hope you enjoy seeing it too. . .




We love and miss you Travis!!