Breckenridge Texan

The Stephens County 4-H Sewing Club presented the Brannan family with a “Quilt of Valor” on Saturday, May 18, at the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center in honor of the late Dwain “Pops” Brannan for his military service.

The quilt is an expression of gratitude meant to thank and comfort, according to Sumer Russell, Stephens County Extension Agent. “The Quilt of Valor unequivocally says thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation,” she wrote in an email message. “We were honored to be able to make and present this quilt to the Brannan family in memory of a special man, Dwain Brannan.”

Brannan, who died last month, attended Breckenridge High School until his junior year when his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he finished high school. He later attended McMurry University in Abilene. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge. Later, he was a member of the VFW and sometimes played Taps at the VFW’s annual Memorial Day Service at the Stephens County Veterans Memorial.

Stephens County 4-H sewing club worked on the Quilt of Valor every Wednesday after school in April and May at South Elementary.

In 2003, a quilter named Catherine Roberts started the movement that became Quilts of Valor when her son was deployed in Iraq. Since that time, over 190,000 Quilts of Valor have been awarded across the United States. The organization’s mission is to honor service members and veterans who have been touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

This was the first year for the Stephens County 4-H sewing club to participate in the Quilt of Valor program, and they plan to continue to keep the program going every year.

Participants who helped with project include  Leslie Blackerby, Sewing Club Adult Leader, and Russell,  Stephens County Family Community Health Agent.

4-H sewing club members who constructed the blocks for the quilt include:

• Jackson Morehart
• Graceyn Gibson
• Evalyn Halari
• Berkley White
• KaDee Wimberley
• Marielle Green
• Kelsey Carrion
• Kaylee Carrion

The Stephens County 4-H Sewing Club members show off the Quilt of Valor that they made for the Brannan family. (Courtesy Photo)

Cutline, top photo: The Stephens County 4-H Sewing Club presented the Quilt of Valor that they made to the Brannan family on May 18 at the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center. (Courtesy Photo)