Courtesy Photo Quilts of Valor were recently presented to veterans at the VFW in Alpena. Pictured, from left, are Marine Frank Rosinski, Judi Brown, Marine and Purple Heart recipient J.D. Pomush, quilter Donna Seden, Tom Brown and Air Force Veteran Dan Fitch.

ALPENA — Quilts of Valor were recently presented to veterans at the VFW in Alpena, thanks to the hard work of quilters and the coordination of Tom and Judi Brown.

The Browns operate the Quilts of Valor program in memory of their late son, Jeff Brown, who served proudly for 10 years in the U.S. Air Force. He was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in the summer of 2015, and continued working until three months before his passing in December 2017. He was able to present the first 28 quilts before he passed.

“This program is his legacy, and we do this in honor of him, and will continue as long as we can,” Tom and Judi Brown said in a written statement.

Quilts of Valor are presented to war veterans, but Jeff Brown came up with the idea to add a program called Quilts of Honor, for which all veterans are eligible.

“We have since expanded to giving to every veteran” whose name they are given, the Browns said.

To the veterans who receive the quilts, the Browns say, “We thank you all for your service and we pray that these quilts warm you and comfort you and protect you in your time of need. God bless you, and thank you for our freedom.”

The Browns head up the project in Alpena and Montmorency counties.

Quilts of Valor originated during World War II, when nurses provided quilts to the wounded coming in from the battlefield. The quilt served as warmth and comfort until they could be treated for their injuries. They were given as a “thank-you for your service, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation.”

Since then, over 87,000 quilts have been presented to those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Tom and Judi Brown have presented over 300 quilts since 2016.

“Judi makes her quilts in total love of the veterans, and Tom picks out the colors and helps with the placement of each piece,” the statement from the Browns explains.

A Quilt of Valor is made in three layers, and each layer has a special meaning. The top layer, with its many colors and shapes, represents the community we are. The batting — the filling — represents the warmth it will bring to each veteran.

“We hope it gives each of you warmth, comfort, peace, and healing,” the Browns stated.

The back gives each quilt its support. It represents the strength of the recipient, the support of family, our community and our nation.

Each recipient receives the following message with their quilt:

“We honor you for your service. We know that freedom is not free. Each of you dedicated your lives so we can be free. Thank you for your service. Finally, this quilt is meant to give comfort to you and remind you we have you in our thoughts and hearts.”

The Browns have two sons who have both served in the U.S. Air Force — Jeff for 10 years, and Troy, retiring after 27 years.

“We are so very proud of our boys,” the Browns said.