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Here's what I did on National Quilting Day
Quilters honor Lynchburg veteran and his bomb-sniffing doghttp://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townn...0b43.image.jpg
Posted: Monday, March 18, 2013 4:15 am | Updated: 8:51 am, Mon Mar 18, 2013. <!-- AP Bookmark --> Quilters honor Lynchburg veteran and his bomb-sniffing dog newsadvance.com <!-- AP Content --><!-- (START) Pagination Wrapper --><!-- (START) Pagination Content Wrapper --> It all started with a simple stitch and a sense of gratitude. After reading a news story about Marine Lance Cpl. Josh Rowland — a Lynchburg native who served a seven-month tour in Afghanistan last year — and his bomb-sniffing Labrador, Kate, local quilter Jan Bennett-Collier [Jan in VA] wanted to make the pair something special. The quilts — one made by Bennett-Collier and her mother, Anne Jackson, and the other by retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Clyde Savage — were presented to Rowland and his canine companion at Holy Cross Regional Catholic School during the Patches ‘n Pieces Triennial Quilt Show on Sunday. “It was the first time I thought about our animal soldiers suffering as much as our human soldiers,” Bennett-Collier said of her reaction to Kate’s story. “It really touched me.” The 6-year-old black lab, who served several tours in Afghanistan, is believed to have canine post-traumatic stress disorder, Rowland said. Four months into their tour together, he noticed she was acting different while out on patrol. Loud noises startled her. She was no longer sleeping well and became more reluctant to leave his side. Her transformation was not the result of one terrifying moment in particular, but possibly the result of trauma and uncertainty brought on by the sharp sounds and high emotion often characteristic of a war zone. “Once you’re a handler, and you’re with your dog 24/7, you know when there’s something wrong,” said Rowland, 21. “Believe it or not, your dog is like a human being to you. You can read them extremely well. And she was there before me. So, technically, that was like a second deployment, back to back.” He requested to have her retired from duty, which is common when these four-legged, wet-nosed troops used to sniff out mines, track down enemy fighters and clear buildings are struggling with the mental strains of combat. Rowland finished the next few months of his tour with a different dog. After he was transferred to Camp Lejeune, N.C., in August, he started the process of trying to get Kate back and, later, was able to adopt her. They were reunited last month. Savage, who served in Vietnam, said he understands what it’s like to be separated from the things that you care about during war-time and kept that in mind while crafting the quilt. He used the color yellow in a portion of it to symbolize Rowland’s return to the States. “It can be so lonely,” Savage said of serving overseas. “I had my happiest moment as a quilter today, seeing his face when we gave it to him. I was glad to do it.” [Anne] Jackson seemed to agree. [This is my mother!] She fashioned her quilt with a couple of doggy must haves — a large bone and a food bowl with Kate’s name on it. “I’m a dog lover,” Jackson said. “They need to be honored in the service, too. I hope she can put it in her bed and sleep on it.” Rowland doesn’t think that will be a problem. “It’s definitely going to get used,” he said. “This is my first time at a quilt show. It’s pretty cool what people can do with their imagination.” Members of the quilt guild who were present at the show spent hours talking with Josh and loving on Kate. The gift quilt presentation was a big hit with everyone! Josh looked at all the quilts and asked many smart questions; he was thoroughly impressed with us quilters. :thumbup: What a joy this day was! Jan in VA |
Awesome, Jan, simply awesome! Kudos to everyone involved! :)
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very nice jan!!!!!
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What a wonderful tribute to a deserving pair of soldiers! Kate's quilt is perfect. I cried when I read of her PTS and am glad Josh made the effort to rescue her. Liliana (who is frightened by loud noises) and Moira (who is afraid of nothing) send Kate the Power of the Paw.
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Jan, that is so wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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What a heart-warming story jan. I have to hand it to you and your mom for responding in such love to this pair for thier service to our country. Thanks for all of us.
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For those of you who remember the Barracks Quilt Project from over 2 years ago, this was a lovely opportunity for our local guild (who helped assemble so many of those tops you sent me) and members here to see the end result of a soldier receiving their quilts. I was so grateful that the show chair saw the wonderful PR it would bring us, as well as the chance to make note of the community outreach most guild have, and allowed us to use the show venue to present the quilts.
Our PR Chair arranged for THREE TV stations to film and the local newspaper (from which this article came) to be there -- all unbeknownst to me! It was a circus right in the doorway to the gym as the show opened for the day!:D I was interviewed on camera and was on the local news last night, not an event I particularly enjoy, but necessary in this case. Josh is adorable, so handsome up close, very quiet, humble, YOUNG!! My goodness, he looks like a 14 year old to me! Kate is hug-able, loves petting and her squeaky ball. We hid two dog treats in her quilt so she would search through it for them and appear to really look over the quilt for the camera. :thumbup:. All the members and visitors at the show kept Josh around for hours chatting and then he went through the show and looked at all of the quilts. I'm still glowing from the experience; it was truly a blessing. I'm determined to keep my eyes open for more opportunities like this locally. My personal reward is greater than the one who receives, I believe, when I see the thankfulness in the recipient's eyes.:) I encourage all of you to watch your local news and papers for stories about those you, too, can bless in this special way. We call it, "A hug from home." Thank you for your kind compliments, QBees. Jan in VA |
Oh, Jan, what a lovely story! Just wow!!
Dina |
Very deserving recipients. I love these kinds of stories. Good for you and all involved.
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I cried when I read about Kate having problems. If dogs have this type of a problem it makes you wonder just how bad it is for our young people. Love your story Jan and keep up the good worok. If I can get some stuff together (trying to get my stash under control) I would like to send you a box to help with your mission. Amy
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Wow! You (and your mom) are very special people!
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Such a lovely story so very sweet
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Great story. You and your Mom should be very proud of yourselves. I made a QOV quilt and donated some fabric to the group. It makes me feel good to think that the quilt that I made is keeping some soldier warm and comforting him (or her). Keep up the good work. I plan more quilts this year.
Sue |
What a loving story. Thanks to all those who support our military whether near or far; wounded or not.
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What a thoughtful thing to do. The quilts are beautiful!
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That is a most endearing story. Thank you and the others for reaching out and showing your appreciation and gratitude that ALL who serve deserve.
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What a wonderful gesture you and your mom had. You two (and the rest that helped) have earned stars in your crowns. God Bless you all.
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This is truly awesome. Thank you for sharing.
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Great story and wonderful picture of all. Nice work, Jan and Mom.
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Thank you Jan for this awesome story! My heart goes out to those young ones who put their lives on the line for our liberty. When our grandson went to Iraq, it was like sending a baby to war. He returned a different person. I believe they are permanently scarred. God bless our troops. BTW, kudos to the veteran who made the perfect quilt for Kate.
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What a touching story. Bless you for what you've done. Great job, Jan!
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Thanks so much for sharing this, and thanks for all you did for this soldier and Kate.
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Wonderful story! I had to go find a box of tissues before I could finish reading this. You deserve all the accolades that you are receiving!
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Aww, this what a wonderful way to spend the day.
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What a privilege to present quilts to our men and k-9 who serve to protect us. Thanks for sharing the store. Love Kate she is beautiful, black labs are one of my favorites. Thank you again for honoring our soldiers.
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What a great story! This made me cry. I'd never thought about the dogs having problems, but can see why it would happen. Thanks to you and your mom for making 2 beautiful quilts for a wonderful cause. Great job by both of you.
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Jan that is so cool! Love the dog quilt!
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God bless you, everyone envolved in making the quilts, Josh and Kate. You are all angels on earth.
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That is such a wonderful tribute. I am so touched by the loving outreach of so many of you. Thank you for your tender heart for reaching out to this young man and his wonderful dog-your love shows!
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Awesome job! How did you find out who the soldier and his dog were? This is a great idea ..perhaps my quilting friends and I could contribute also!!! Thanks! Paula
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Jan, this is a beautiful story you shared with us....so heartwarming and caring. Thank you!
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What a wonderful experience. It warms my heart to see all that you have done. Thank you for sharing with us.
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Originally Posted by WMD926
(Post 5940966)
What a wonderful experience. It warms my heart to see all that you have done. Thank you for sharing with us.
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Wonderful wonderful, you made me cry...
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Wow, what a great thing you are doing. Congratulations and good health to you. It was so neat to see you and to hear your story. Your mom looks great too! So happy to see the two of you together!
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I saw that on the news. Didn't realize it was you, Jan! Great story and very sweet of you to do that for them.
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Kudos to you Jan :)
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My hat goes off to you Jan. What a wonderful thing for you to have done. Gave me goose bumps reading about it. You truly are a blessing!
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Not your typical "quilter's day" story. Thank you for your caring and generous spirit.
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Thanks, Jan, for sharing this story. Great humbling work.
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