Quilts of Valor wrap three Nespelem veterans

NESPELEM – A trio of Nespelem veterans are feeling the warmth of appreciation and recognition following a presentation on July 9 by the North Central Quilts of Valor chapter in Tonasket. John Robertson Whitelaw, William Stanley Clark, and James Austin Cunningham were singled out for their military service.

Whitelaw, 97, served as a Marine private first class in 1944-46 and earned the Rifleman 745 ribbon. His sons, John and Dave, were on hand for the presentation of a quilt pieced by Charlayne Knapp and quilted by Cindy San Miguel.

Clark, 97, served as a Navy Third Class Seaman and a Marine combat medic during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 52. He received the Korean Service medal with a ribbon and one battle star.

Clark’s quilt was made entirely by Ginny Sommers of the Mount Rainier QOV chapter.

Cunningham, 95, a Navy Seaman E3, served on four ships from 1947-51 during the Korean Conflict: the USS Pickaway, Wantuck, Chilton, and Washburn. He was awarded the Korean Conflict and Navy Occupational Medals.

Cunningham’s quilt was pieced by Charlene Brown and quilted by Cindy San Miguel.

The nonprofit North Central QOV chapter was formed in April 2023 and currently has 17 members. It is part of a national movement that began in 2003 and has grown to some 672 groups and more than 10,700 members. Washington State has 24 groups with 550 members, with more joining daily.

North Central QOV held its first quilt awards for five veterans at the Okanogan County Fair last September. 

Group Leader Patti Hill said their chapter will raffle off two quilts on August 31 to raise funds to cover the cost of quilting supplies. Tickets are $2 each and can be purchased by contacting Hill at 509-429-2983. The drawing will be held at 3 p.m. at the Molson Grange Hall. The winner need not be present.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media