A Special Mission
Passionate local quilters make a difference in the lives of soldiers
There is a group of local women who have a passion so strong that it has had a profound effect on countless individuals not only in our community but across the world. These women belong to the Heber-Overgaard group called the Pineneedlers, and they have a love for quilting. One of their most admirable projects is the Wounded Warriors project.
They have provided the wounded warriors with over 300 quilts in the past few years.
Overgaard resident Cookie Rawson explained that the group has done amazing things.
“I wanted to let the community know just how much the Pineneedlers do,’ she explained. “Our daughter, then a Navy nurse at Bethesda called and ask if I knew any one that quilted. I ask a friend of mine if it would be possible to get a small quilt for Andrew, a young Marine that lost both legs and had other injuries. He was not expected to live.” Cookie explained that this event sparked the Wounded Warrior Program.
“These ladies are just wonderful and they put their heart and soul into every stitch.”
She went on to say that there has been an update on Andrew from her Daughter. The following is the letter Tammy sent.
Dear Pineneedlers,
Thank you so much for the huge box of love! That is the biggest box of quilts ever! As I have always said I know there is love in every stitch…….so I always look at it as a huge box of love!
As I am sure my Mom has told you…..I retired from the Navy June 1st. I now work as a Combat Casualty Visiting Nurse for the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society. There are 11 of us and we cover the entire United States. We begin to get to know the wounded Marine or Sailors and their families while they are at Walter Reed , Bethesda, or the Richmond VA, and then we continue to follow them…..forever. We also care for those with the non visible wounds. The ones with traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress disorder.
I LOVE my job and could not have picked a more perfect position! The funny thing is….I did not even know it existed! I heard about it through a friend of mine.
We can make a real difference for these patients and their families…….and that is all I have ever wanted to do.
As an update for you. Remember Andrew…..my patient I was so close to, I was always updating you on. He is doing well! He is attending Harvard Law school! He continues to speak before Congress to ensure everyone is aware of what the wounded and their families go through! He is a miracle…..
Thank you for all you continue to do…..and Thank you for allowing ME the privilege of giving your quilts to these amazing men and women.
I hope to see you sometime soon.
Love,
Tamm
Cookie and Duane Rawson would also like to add a big thank you to each and everyone of the quilters.
“They will never know what a difference they have made in the lives of our family and the young men and women that have suffered for our freedom.”
