By TERRY GROSZ
PEO GC Correspondence Secretary
Alliance PEO Chapter GC hosted a Quilts of Valor (QOV) presentation in honor of four local American heroes on Aug 18, 2020. Service members and Veterans receiving QOV include Richard Jaggers, Steve Nelson, Bill Reno and Todd Harris.
P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations.
A Quilt of ValorR (QOV) is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
All QOV quilts are made by volunteers who agree to follow the QOV guidelines. QOV given to the four Veteran’s shown were made primarily by PEO GC members. Presentation of the Quilts of Valor was made by local Panhandle Blocks QOV President, Kathy Dye, to four American Heroes. These heroes are also husbands to four PEO GC members:
*Richard Jaggers was voluntarily inducted into the army in 1953. He went through infantry and combat basic at Ft. Leonard Wood. He was assigned to the 841th EAB. Jaggers spent time in Korea, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. After 16 months overseas, Jaggers was sent stateside and stationed at Ft Carson. Jaggers served in the inactive reserve for 8 years then was honorable discharged.
*Steve Nelson enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard on 10 Sept. 1967 and retired in Feb. of 1989. He was a member of Battery C, 168th Field Artillery for 17 years. Steve was then transferred to Headquarters Battery located in Chadron, NE. He was a member of the food service group, eventually becoming the food service Sergeant. Steve was a member of the group that was activated during several forest fires in Chadron State Park. His unit was also involved in security during and after the tornado that hit Gordon. Steve was honored with the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
*Bill Reno enlisted in the US Navy in February 1969. Attended Boot Camp in San Diego, California. Bill went through Store Keeper “A” School and received combat training at the Naval Amphibious base in Coronado, California. Bill was sent to South Vietnam in Sept. 1969, where he was assigned to the Navy YRBM 21, which was stationed on the Mekong River, near Cambodia. As a member of the AFLS Staff, Bill taught English to South Vietnamese Sailors as part of the US “Vietnamization Program.” In September 1970, Bill was assigned to the USS Paul DE-1080. Eventually the “Paul” was assigned to South Vietnam for off-shore battle responsibilities. Bill was honorable discharged, Nov. 1972, as a Storekeeper Second Class.
*Todd Harris entered the Navy Dec. 2, 1959 at the Naval Training Station in San Diego, CA. he graduated from Basic Training in March and was enrolled in Anti-Submarine Warfare School in San Diego graduating in September. He attended Anti-Submarine Rocket Launcher school in 1961. Todd was stationed on the USS Bridget DE 1024 (Destroyer Escort) for 3 years. During that time, he made West-Pac Cruises that included Hawaii, Guam, Okinawa, Sasebo, Yokosuka, Yakama and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged Sept. 3, 1963 to enroll in Chadron State College.