Jamie Powers, left, accepted a Quilt of Valor on behalf of her brother, Joshua Cook. Joshua and Brooks Bolinger, right, received Quilts of Valor, made by members of the Missouri Freedom Quilters, at a ceremony held Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Rock Port Senior Center.

The Missouri Freedom Quilters presented two Quilts of Valor Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Rock Port Senior Center. Veterans receiving quilts were Brooks Bolinger and Joshua Cook.

Brooks Bolinger was a Sergeant in the United States Army. He served from 2007 to 2011 and was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Fort Hood, Texas, and Iraq Camp Liberty.

Joshua Cook was an E-4 SPC in the United States Army, serving from 2005 to 2009. He was stationed at Fort Richardson, Arkansas, Fort Irwin, California, and FOB Kalsu, Iraq.

The Missouri Freedom Quilters have made over 150 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 to their project. They have been able to do this through the generous donations 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.