19 military veterans honored with Quilts of Valor on Veterans Day

Longtime entertainer of U.S. military troops, comedian Bob Hope paid a visit to the Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club on Veterans Day evening last Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Hope, also known as Doug Johnson of Bloomimg Prairie, was master of ceremonies for a special Veterans Day evening program designed to pay tribute to local military veterans. An estimated 220, a sellout, attended the special event.
Johnson used many Hope quips and stories to set the stage for a program that was highlighted with the presentation of 19 Quilts of Valor to deserving military servicemen. Joyce Johns, president of the Blooming Prairie VFW Auxiliary, introduced all of the awards.
Ironically, Johnson was the first recipient named. His wife Tamzen introduced Johnson to the honor. His parents and three children were also in attendance for the presentation of the Quilt of Valor. “It’s an amazing honor and he’s very deserving,” remarked a proud son, Alex Johnson.
Johnson is a Blooming Prairie High School graduate of 1977. He received appointments to West Point and the United States Naval Academy as well as a full-ride ROTC scholarship from the University of Minnesota. 
Johnson graduated from the Naval Academy in 1981 with a degree in Nuclear Engineering.  Doug served on three fast attack Los Angeles class submarines along the East Coast: USS Jacksonville, USS Baton Rouge and USS Newport News from 1983 to 1990.  
Deployments lasted from three to five months.  Doug has been in all seven seas, crossed the equator and been under the North and South Poles. His highest rank was Lieutenant. 
Prior to the introduction of all Quilts of Valor recipients, Johns shared some background about the program. ground about the program. Several quilts were presented last year at the Blooming Prairie Veterans Day program.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation was started in 2003 with a Blue Star mom, Catherine Roberts of Seaford, Delaware. The mission of the National Quilts of Valor is to cover service members who have been touched by war, with comforting and healing quilts and it is a way of saying “thank you” for the sacrifice, valor and service of all veterans.
The quilts presented on this special night for veterans “were sewn, assembled and quilted by some awesome ladies,” remarked Johns. Quilters include Diane Anderson, Shirley Wurst, Marti Walters, Tiffany Boecker, Marilyn Meshke, Linda Christianson, Chris Butler and Bev Hoveland.
In addition to the quilters, “long arm” quilters put “a pretty design” on top of the quilt to keep it together, Johns explained. These tasks are handled by Cathy Martin, Gina Larson, Bev Wacek, Mary Dallman, Cathy Lightly and representatives from the Calico Hutch in Hayward.
“Believe me, these ladies have put their hearts and time and talents into these quilts,” said Johns, in tribute to the volunteers. “I know they have spent hours and hours on the quilts,” she added.
Recipients were called forward in groups of four with their presenters. They include:
Doug Johnson, Leo Rendahl, Ingval Hove and Paul Stender.
John Dean Olson, Lerald Farrow and John Welch.
Marvin Stark, Allan Morton, Dale Anderson and Ken Trom.
Marvin Camerer, Paul Ingvaldson, Tom Walters and Charles Coughlin.
Joe Wurst, Ken Vermilyea, Ken Esplan and Mike Nelson.
Recipient Mike Nelson was asked if he was surprised by the honor. “Surprised; it was more like shocked,” he replied.
Ken Vermilyea’s wife Elaine and grandson Jackson, age 5, presented his quilt. John Welch’s daughter made the quilt presentation and said her dad has always been her hero. “Why am I getting this?” asked Larry Farrell, in appreciation.
John Welch’s daughter Paula traveled all day Wednesday from Lockport, Illinois, to witness presentation of a Quilt of Valor to her father.
At the conclusion of the quilt presentation, emcee Johnson emotionally congratulated all recipients and said, “It got a little dusty in here tonight and all recipients were nicely surprised,” Johnson said.
Doris Rasmussen, who led the opening prayer, also closed with a prayer and thanked all veterans for their service. She said her late husband received a Quilt of Valor just days before he passed away.
In other parts of the evening program, Brinnon Kubista of Jordan, Minnesota, spoke about her experiences at Girls State last June 7 through 12. She said her week at Girls State enabled her to learn more about independence, teamwork and dedication. She said the week also provided her with new experiences, new memories and new friendships.
She thanked the local American Legion and Auxiliary for helping her gain more self-confidence.
Tom Peterson, adjutant for the Sons of the American Legion, gave a brief presentation on the proposed Veterans Memorial planned for Blooming Prairie. Veterans Day marked the kickoff for the fundraising campaign, said Peterson.
VFW Auxiliary members Barb Blome and Vikki Wacek led a special ceremony paying tribute to prisoners of war and those missing in action. A small table was set for one to signify those Missing in Action. 
Leo Rendahl, 98, was introduced as the oldest veteran in attendance. Merle McNutt, 96, also attended.