Quilt of Valor awarded to three North Platte veterans

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) -On Thursday, three North Platte veterans were awarded a quilt of valor for their service in the military.

The Quilt of Valor is an organization that awards veterans touched by war. The quilts are designed to provide comfort and recognition to each recipient and also serve as a reflection of their service and dedication to our country.

Each quilt takes 2 to 4 days worth of time to be made, but that does not equate to the sacrifice the veterans have given to our nation.

“I am actually speechless,” said Quilt of Valor recipient Rocky Stewart. “I have heard about the quilts of valor for years. I never dreamed I would ever get one. I wish the guys before me that have fallen and the guys after me will be lucky enough to be recipients of a quilt also.”

Stewart served in the United States Marine Corp from 1972 to 1978. He enlisted after he graduated from O’Neill public high school in 1972. He attended boot camp in San Diego where he trained in Intel deploying sensors. Stewart was then sent straight to Vietnam where he was stationed for 13 months. He served as a fire team squad leader and Platoon Sgt.

“I guess I have always been a little patriotic and I think that being in the service helps with that,” said Quilt of Valor recipient Stephen Atone. “There are a lot of veterans that probably deserve it more than I do, but I certainly do appreciate it.”

Atone enlisted in the Navy in 1967 and served until 1971 with the rank of 2nd class radarman. His duty was spent off the coast of North Vietnam on the USS Fox. For two years, he was on the USS Sterett which was homeported out of Japan. Both vessels were guided missile cruisers.

"The sense of pride in serving my country and my fellow man was great, said Quilt of Valor Anthony R. McCreery. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

McCreery served in the US Navy from 1997 to 2004. He was medically retired in 2004. He served multiple tours during the Afghanistan war. He was also called to protect at 9/11. McCreery received the following honors: two Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals and two good conduct medals.

The quilts awarded through this organization hold the same status as the Purple Heart.

In North Platte, 26 quilts have been awarded.

Among the veterans recognized, members of North Platte American Legion Riders- Post 163, held multiple American flags to signify their support and recognition of the veterans being awarded quilts of valor.