A Quilt of Valor was presented to Wapwallopen resident Sgt. Timothy J. Ammons by Marie Shulenski, group leader of the Hazleton Area Chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Shulenski was joined by Quilt of Valor member Debbie Kessell, as they represented members and volunteers all over the country. The organization began in 2003, when a quilter named Catherine Roberts started the movement as her son was deployed in Iraq. Since that time, over 350,000 Quilts of Valor have been awarded throughout our 50 states.

Sgt. Ammons served in the United States Marine Corps from 2006-2014 during Operation Enduring Freedom. During his career, he served in Fuji, Japan; 29 Palms, California; and two tours in Helmand province, Afghanistan as a motor vehicle operator and as part of an EMT Transport Fleet.

He received the Presidential Unit Citation-Navy; Navy Unit Commendation; two Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations; two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three stars; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan.

As Sgt. Ammons received this Quilt of Valor, his family was by his side. His daughter held the flag as the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Sgt. Ammons’ Quilt of Valor was pieced by Rose McAnnich, quilted by Laura Lyman, and bound by Debbie Kessell, all members of the Cranberry Quilt Guild. In addition to this quilt, he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for his service.

To nominate a veteran or make a donation, contact Marie Shulenski at mshulenski@yahoo.com.