Weekly Connections with Brian Lafontaine July 27, 2025
- Uncategorized
On Thursday, April 4th, Richard’s Coffee Shop in Mooresville hosted the Quilts of Valor Foundation as they honored three Veterans by presenting each with a beautiful quilt. Today’s recipients were Richard Maddalena, Daniel Schuster, and Peter D. Field.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation was created by Catherine Roberts – a quilter and a Blue Star Mom. According to information found on the website—her son, Nat, was deployed in Iraq. During that time, Catherine Roberts had a dream about a young soldier who was sitting on the side of his bed “the permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter.” As her dream progressed, she saw the young man wrapped in a quilt and his demeanor had noticeably improved. It was as if the warmth of the quilt produced “hope and well-being.”
Catherine Roberts was so moved by her vivid dream that she interpreted the message to be . . . Quilts = Healing. As a result – in November 2003 — with the vision and the help of a few fellow quilters — the first QOV was awarded to a veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Quilts of Valor Foundation was started.
Because of Catherine Roberts’ insight and efforts, there are now QOV chapters in all fifty states.
Grateful Quilters of Mooresville is one of the QOV chapters. This local branch was formed in February of 2019. To date, they have made and awarded 189 quilts to our brave veterans.
The Mission of the quilters is “to honor service members and veterans who have been touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” Each quilt “unequivocally says THANK YOU for your service, your sacrifice and your valor in serving our nation.”
First, we honor each recipient for his/her service in our armed forces. “We honor you for leaving all you hold dear to serve in time of peace or conflict. We THANK YOU for your service.”
Second, those who work on each quilt know — Freedom is not free. “The cost of our freedom is the dedication of men and women like you, and this quilt says THANK YOU for your sacrifice and your willingness to lay down your life for our country.
Third, “this quilt is meant to comfort you as you are forever in our thoughts and our hearts.”
As of March 31, 2024 – throughout the United States of America — 379,974 QOV have been awarded.
Richard’s Coffee Shop was packed with veterans, family members and friends who came to watch the recipients receive their quilts. It was nostalgic, humbling and truly amazing to witness the spotlight on these American heroes.
In November of 1952, at age 20, Dick enlisted in the US Army. He was deployed to Korea and served with the infantry for one year and three months during the Korean Conflict. After he was discharged in August of 1954, Dick went into the Army Reserves. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the United States Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Daniel served in the US Air Force from 1964 to 1968. He was assigned to Tan Son Knut Air Base, Vietnam as an Intelligence Analyst with Mission Planning and Analysis. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. Daniel was also stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Korea, as an Intelligence Analyst with Mission Planning and Operations.
Peter served in the US Navy from 1966 to 1970. He served as a helicopter pilot for Seal Team 3 in Vietnam Central Highlands, Laos and Cambodia. Peter earned the National Defense Medal, both the Bronze & Silver Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation and the Expeditionary Medal for the USS Pueblo Incident.
(not pictured – he was unable to attend; as a result, he will received his quilt at a later date)
Terry was commissioned into the US Army after graduation from the Citadel in 1968. Schools & Training including Jump School, Blue Team training with the Special Forces, Spanish Language School, Underwater Operations, Smoke Jumping, Unattended Ground Sensor School, I and Ranger School. Terry was assigned to Panama with the 8th Special Forces. He served two tours in Vietnam — the first as a Platoon Leader, the second tour as a Deputy Ranger Advisor. From January 31, 1973 to April 1, 1973, Terry served with the Four Power Joint Military Commission. He was with the last combat troops out of Vietnam on April 1, 1973. He earned the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for his service. Terry left the Reserve Unit in 1981.
After the ceremony, Peter D. Field’s wife Susan spoke with Sharon Bormann (Group Leader of Grateful Quilters of Mooresville) and expressed immense gratitude for her husband’s quilt and the emotional ceremony. “We are going to put it in our guest room where Peter takes his naps.” The love and gratefulness in her eyes spoke volume.
If you are interested in joining Mooresville’s magnanimous group of quilters, please contact Sharon Bormann at [email protected].
Tina Farewell, who is a local volunteer for Mothers of Veteran Suicide, shared her personal story. She told the audience that her son Jack – who served in the Marines – was a victim of suicide. With tears in her eyes, she praised the Mothers of Veteran Suicide organization for their message of hope, support and encouragement.
Pictured above: April Baker (veteran and social media guru for Richard’s Coffee Shop)
and Tina Farewell (Mothers of Veteran Suicide volunteer)
“I became part of this group,” Ms. Farewell stated, “because Michele Ladd – the founder – is great and she is helping the mothers heal. The love and support from Michele and the other moms have helped me on this road during my grief journey. I am so thankful that I found them and so many others along the way. I still struggle with my grief, but this group of ladies is always here and understands exactly what I’m feeling. This is a group that nobody wants to be part of – but sadly – we are.”
After a deep breath and a few moments of silent reflection, Jack’s mom whispered, “I couldn’t save my son, but I hope my story helps save someone else.” The number of suicides in our veteran group is skyrocketing. If you know anyone who is in need of help and support, please direct them to The Mothers of Veteran Suicide website.
Richard’s Coffee Shop embraces the families of Veterans and encourages spouses and children to get involved in supporting our Vets. At the end of Thursday’s meeting, two young Scouts spoke to the crowd.
Henry spoke about selling promotional cards for local businesses and Maggie announced that she is donating Girl Scout Cookies to Richard’s Coffee Shop. All future purchases will go directly to Richard’s Coffee Shop. Next time you are at Richard’s, buy a box or two – you will enjoy the cookies and help our Veterans too.
Spread the word! If you know a Veteran – Richard’s Coffee Shop is a HOME where he or she can find comfort, support, peace and camaraderie. Family, Friends, Neighbors and Veterans are all invited to tour the museum, enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch, spend time with all ages, share experiences and savor some good conversations.
Article and Pictures by Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones is a graduate of Elon College, now Elon University, a mother of two, a grandmother of five, and she currently resides in Mooresville with her husband. She is a published author, an avid blogger, and a passionate photographer. Learn more about Tesa Jones at www.booksbytesajones.com/book and contact her via:
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our writers belong solely to them
and do not represent LKNConnect.com, its publisher or its staff.
