GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The talented artists of the Monday Quilters work together as a group to craft beautiful quilts to present to honored local veterans.  This is their seventh year presenting Quilts of Valor to veterans who have served “down range.” With this year’s presentation, the group has presented 41 quilts.  The quilts were presented to the following veterans:

Sergeant Koady Terry served our country in the United States Army in Afghanistan and Korea. He earned many awards including the Joint Service Commendation and Achievement Medals, Army Achievement Medal, and the NATO Article 5 Medal. He was decorated with the Combat Infantry Badge, AirBorne Medal and the German Schützenschnur.

Chris Cox served in the Air Force and retired after 20 years of service as a Technical Sergeant. She worked as an Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman on many different airframes and helicopters. Her deployments were in support of the Desert Storm, Global War on Terrorism, and Enduring Freedom campaigns. She was awarded many decorations during her career, including an Air Force Achievement Medal, an Air Force Meritorious Unit Award, and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor.

Cliff Wagner served in the United States Army and retired with the rank of Major after 28 years of active and reserve military service. He served as a tank gunner, paratrooper, and drill sergeant. Mobilized in 2005 for Operation Iraqi Freedom as company commander, he served 12 months with the Multinational Division Central South. For his distinguished service in Iraq, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal, among many other honors.

Michael Sexton enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at 17 years old and served 20 years, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant before retiring in 1982. He served in the Air Defense Command that watched our skies for Russian missiles during the Cold War. He served in Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan, helping guide pilots to their destinations and back. On a dark night, a very lost CIA pilot had no idea where he was or what direction he was flying. He called for help, and Mike heard him and guided him back to where he was going. The pilot still owes him a case of beer that he promised Mike for saving his life that night.

John Rice was drafted into the Army and served our country for one tour of duty in Vietnam in the 199th Infantry Brigade from 1968-1969, including during the Tet Offensive. He received four commendation medals and three service medals. On returning to U.S. soil, John competed in several sporting competitions at various military bases while completing his two-year assignment.

Bernard “Bernie” Brich joined the Navy in November 1943, at age 17. He joined so he wouldn’t get drafted into the Army when he turned 18. He was a member of the Army National Guard and served as a gunner on three merchant ships during the war, all in the South Pacific. He served on an ammunition ship during the Battle of Iwo Jima. His ship sat in the harbor for a week and soldiers shuttled ammunition to shore. When asked about it, he shook his head and said, “Man, they were fighting like hell.” He was in Okinawa when the war ended in 1945. He continued to serve until January 1947.