Airman First Class Themistokles Smyrnioudis was one of the veterans who received a handmade quilt from Pam Adams at the American Legion event in Sykesville, Maryland. Last August, Adams founded a chapter of Quilts of Valor, a national group that gives away free quilts to U.S. veterans to express gratitude. Photo courtesy of Pam Adams | Eldersburg Quilts of Valor

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On October 18, about a dozen veterans gathered at the American Legion in Sykesville, Maryland, to receive a handmade quilt — a gift of gratitude for their service, sacrifice and resilience.

For Eldersburg resident Pam Adams, who leads the newly formed Eldersburg Quilts of Valor group, the moment marked a culmination of months of work, countless yards of fabric and a deep commitment to honor those who have worn the uniform.

“Each quilt carries love, time and respect,” Adams told the Beacon. “Each veteran we honor has a story, and this is the least we can do for them.”

A national nonprofit

Quilts of Valor was founded in 2003 by Delaware midwife Catherine Roberts, whose son served in Iraq. Roberts had a dream in which she watched a demoralized soldier find comfort in a quilt. With that image in mind, she created a foundation, and that November, her first quilt was presented to a wounded soldier at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Today Quilts of Valor has become a national group with more than 12,000 volunteer quilters in local chapters, each with between two and 50 members. So far it has awarded more than 400,000 free quilts across the country.

Adams’ journey to establish a local chapter in her town began five years ago in an unexpected place: aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Her husband, Buck Sgt. Donald Adams, served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1980.

“My husband was selected to receive a quilt at the ship’s military appreciation event,” Adams said. “He looked at me and said, ‘You quilt.’ That was the beginning.”

At first, Adams was a “group of one,” sewing by herself. She had already made and given away about 65 quilts when she realized she had started something.

A conversation at the local American Legion prompted her to make her work official. Quilts of Valor explained that unless she became a formal group, her name wouldn’t appear in their directory.

“So, I reached out to people in the community and said, ‘Hey, is anybody else interested in quilting?’”

The response was overwhelming. In August, Adams and 20 other women officially launched the Eldersburg Quilts of Valor group. In just five weeks, they completed 27 quilts.

‘Somebody cares’

The national foundation’s motto is “Quilts = Healing.” For Adams, the phrase rings true every time she hands over a quilt.

“When you recognize a veteran for their service, it puts a smile on their face,” Adams said.

“Especially those from earlier wars like Korea or Vietnam. Sometimes they don’t want recognition, but when they receive it, you see the gratitude in their eyes. It makes them feel like somebody cares.”

Each quilt measures approximately 59 by 65 inches and is made from high-quality cotton fabrics in patriotic patterns. It requires about two weeks of steady work to complete and costs between $150 and $200 to produce.

Adams’ voice softens when she shares stories of past presentations. For instance, one woman, whose brother had been killed in the Vietnam War, sponsored a quilt for another Vietnam vet. The sister couldn’t bring herself to present the quilt, but her silent tribute was powerful.

“That touched me deeply,” Adams said.

A special day

Among the 11 recipients on October 18 was a 94-year-old Korean War veteran — the first from that war that Adams has been able to honor.

Others included leaders of the American Legion and local veterans from her church.

The ceremony highlighted not just the diversity of service — from privates to brigadier generals — but also the diversity of contributors nationwide. One quilt was shipped from Alabama, made by someone who couldn’t attend in person but wanted to contribute.

Plenty of work to do

Maryland now has seven Quilts of Valor groups, stretching from Cumberland to the Eastern Shore. Adams’ group fills a gap in the central part of the state, covering Carroll, Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel and Frederick counties.

As the state coordinator, Adams oversees requests, often deciding whether her team or another group is best positioned to respond.

“Right now, I have 43 quilts to make between now and the end of the year,” she said.

Her volunteers meet twice a week for “sew days,” where they cut, stitch and share stories. “It’s really become a community effort,” Adams said.

They gather at the American Legion, which provides space for the quilters.

“Back in August, we offered the free use of our hall to Pam Adams and her volunteers to bring in their sewing machines, materials, irons and skilled hands to assemble the quilts and prepare for the ceremony,” Matt Livesay, spokesperson for the American Legion, said in an email.

Donations welcome

For Quilts of Valor Eldersburg, the biggest obstacle isn’t time or energy; it’s the cost. Batting alone can run $380 to $400 per roll, enough for only eight quilts.

“It adds up quickly,” Adams noted.

While she has personally funded nearly 90 quilts, she launched two fundraisers, selling embroidered flags and shirts with the slogan, “I support those who quilt for veterans.”

Adams envisions a long-term presence for Quilts of Valor in Maryland.

“We want to honor as many veterans as we can,” she said. “This work is important, and as long as I can, I’ll keep doing it — even if I have to fund [the quilts] myself.”

To donate, email pamela.adams@qovf.org.