ABOUT

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I am a 20 year veteran with 2 combat deployments to Iraq in 2006 and 2009. I have tried many different ways to find comfort from my PTSD. War causes many things we struggle with; fear of loud noises, difficulty sleeping, readjusting to normal life, and emotional numbness. I began quilting in 2016 after my wife stated "we don't do enough together." On a random afternoon, I found myself checking the mailbox to find a flyer for a quilted table runner class at a local quilt shop. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to do something out of the box with my wife. After a shopping trip to buy more fabric, we met the husband and wife team that sew "Quilts of Valor" and I was invited to join their male quilt group. After several evenings sewing with these fine gentleman, i completed my first quilt. I awarded my first Quilt of Valor to a 93 year old WWII veteran; which caused me to feel real, raw emotion; the first time truly feeling something after returning home. I became addicted to being able to feel something; other than anger and frustration. I then became committed to the cause, and since then, have awarded 219 Quilts of Valor. I have met so many amazing people along the way, and am attempting to find a way to help others deal with the PTSD and finding a purpose. For the longest time I felt God was sprinkling pebbles along the ground, saying follow me. Then, one day in prayer he shared an image that showed these pebbles were the filler for the stepping stones he has laid for me. I hope my "Shock an Awe" quilt pays tribute to all those veterans struggling, and see that a hobby of some sort will help. My "We Stand United" quilt is dedicated to all those first responders, fire fighters, police officers, paramedics, nurses, and doctors that continue to struggle with the things they see and feel on a daily bases. I hope people feel inspired by my artwork, and find a way to help those with the daily battle with their demons.

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