The Missouri Freedom Quilters presented five Tarkio veterans with Quilts of Valor Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Tarkio Resource Center. Receiving quilts were Duane Lester, Donald Riley, Virgil Henning, Thomas Didlo, and Gary Riley.

Donald Leon Riley served in the United States Army from 1957-1959 as a PFC Ammo Specialist and then the Army reserves for four more years before receiving his honorable discharge. While in the Army, he was stationed in Dachau, Germany. On the day Don received his Quilt of Valor, he was celebrating his 90th birthday.

Virgil Lee Henning served in the United States Army as a Corporal from 1952-1954 and was stationed in Hawaii and Germany.

Thomas E. Didlo served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964-1968. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, and in Virginia, and served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.

Gary F. Riley served in the United States Army as an E-5 from 1969-1972. He was stationed stateside and in Europe.

Duane Lester served in the United States Navy as an E-4 from 1990-1995 in the Navy Broadcasting Service. He served on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in Adak, Alaska.

The Missouri Freedom Quilters have made over 100 Quilts of Valor for veterans in Atchison County. These quilts are registered to Quilts of Valor with the recipient’s name. The group operates solely on donations. They have been able to do this through the generosity of businesses and individuals in and around our community. If you know of a local veteran who has not yet received a Quilt of Valor, call Sharon Groff at 660-744-2544 or Jean Mensen at 660-744-2085.