Guild awards 200,000th quilt to retired veteran

WARWICK - The Warwick Valley Quilters' Guild gave its 200,000th Quilt of Valor to a retired U.S. Army veteran last month, the group announced.
According to the guild, the honorary quilt was presented to U.S. Army Major Teresa M. Tarbox, of Granby, Conneticut on Nov. 15,
Marilyn Martin, a member of the Warwick Valley Quilters’ Guild, presented the quilt that was made by guild members Helen Boheim and Evalina Ems to Tarbox. According to the organization, each local group celebrates the 200,000th quilt awarded by the national Quilts of Valor Foundation by giving one locally.
Martin met Tarbox at a quilt and crafting retreat in Massachusetts, where Tarbox was confined to a wheelchair and on oxygen.
Upon talking to Tarbox, Martin discovered that she is a retired U.S. Army nurse who medically retired in 2003 with the rank of Major, the group said.
According to the group, Tarbox worked as a nurse in intensive care, emergency room and as a medical unit nurse participating in a multi-nation exercise in the White Sands desert as well as in operation Desert Storm.
Tarbox also performed funeral notification/assistance service.
Her disability is a chronic progressive non-curable illness associated with medical care providers, military personnel and most recently in 9/11 rescuers, the group said.
Warwick Valley Quilters support Quilts of Valor by providing donations of material, making quilt blocks and quilt tops, longarm quilting the quilts, and binding the quilts.
The group said that more than 203 quilts have been made since August 2011 for the national Quilts of Valor Foundation whose mission is “to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”
The guild said it also supports Orange County Social Services by providing cheerful bags for belongings when relocating children in foster care.
According to the guild, more than 200 bags have been made this year and will be presented at its holiday luncheon on Dec. 11.