Quilts of Valor: Local Heroes Honored at the Texas Quilt Museum
By Deborah Blanchette Bradley, Managing Director, Texas Quilt Museum
A gathering of heroes took place at the Texas Quilt Museum on Thursday, January 18. The Montgomery Lone Stars–Quilts of Valor Program presented custom-made quilts to Fayette County Veterans, in honor of their military service to the United States.
(L-R) Charles Murray, John Zeuner, Dick Frenzel, Tom Tracy, Weldon Koenig, Chuck Gibson, Dr. Bill Bailey, and Dick Peck.
(L-R) Charles Murray, John Zeuner, Dick Frenzel, Jerri Frenzel, Elaine Tracy, Tom Tracy, Weldon Koenig, Sarah Jo Ulchin, Chuck Gibson, Dr. Bill Bailey, Kathie Bailey, Richard Peck, and Sherry Peck.
The ceremony was filled with many touching and inspirational moments as each honoree was wrapped in their gifted quilt and given a hug by one of the QOV group, Lisa Sullivan, Jean Kochersperger, Cheryl Airth, Pat Ares, and Dianna Martinez, all from the Conroe, Texas area.
“These quilts are not meant to be hung on the wall or put in a chest,” quilter Dianna Martinez told the group of honorees. “We want you to use them. If you wear them out, we’ll repair it. But use them and remember how much we appreciate your service.”
Each veteran had a chance to share “their story” while serving our country. Those honored included:
Dr. Bill Bailey – US Marine Corps 1961-1975/Medical Doctor – Vietnam. Bill is a decorated veteran who held office commanding elite medical facilities.
Dick Frenzel – US Navy 1954-1956 – Korea. Dick was involved in the evacuation of the Chinese refugees to Taiwan during the Korean conflict. He was wounded and has received many awards.
Chuck Gibson – US Army 1968-1994/Helicopter Pilot — Vietnam and Iraq. Chuck shared that he did not originally join the Army to become a chopper pilot. In his career, he flew many critical missions that protected his fellow servicemen and America.
Weldon Koenig – US Navy Admiral Ret./Atlantic Submarine Fleet. Weldon joked that he was never allowed to talk about what he did because his missions were always “Top Secret.” But he did say that their top priority was to keep America safe and out of nuclear conflicts. In Weldon’s career he was required to log the number of hours spent submerged in the ocean, commanding a nuclear submarine. Summed-up, Weldon spent a total of 5 ½ years beneath the surface, in his career.
Charles Murray – US Army – 1970-1972 — Vietnam. Charlie worked as the radio relay person in Vietnam. It has been stated that these radios were one of the most important tactical items issued to our troops during this war.
Richard Peck – US Air Force – 1962-1965/F-100 Pilot – Vietnam. Dick recalled feeling honored to have served with such heroic men. He and his wife lived a life of service to others always teaching about the pride and importance of being an American. They spent many years leading the youth, and with them that day, was a couple of their former youth group members that had come to celebrate with Dick.
Tom Tracy – US Army – 1969-1971/Armament Officer with the 1st Logistical Command - Chu Lai, South Vietnam (’70-‘71). Tom worked supporting weapons/ordinance for local military units and fire bases.
John Zeuner – US Air Force/F-4 Pilot. John felt honored fortunate to have been an Air Force pilot. He served with many heroic service men that helped him to succeed.
