Gardnerville veteran receives Quilt of Valor

Warren Neale Richardson received a quilted hug Friday for his service during the Vietnam War.

The quilt was presented by Janet Kanter and Katherine Kotler of the Reno Quilts of Valor Comstock Lode Quilters Chapter.

“A Quilt of Valor is not a charity and is more than just a blanket,” Kanter and Kotler said during the presentation at Volante Senior Living of Carson Valley.

They said the quilts are formed with loving hands and awarded as a gesture of gratitude for the service, sacrifice and valor veterans have given in serving and protecting the United States of America.

Since forming in 2003, by founder Catherine Robert, more than 300,000 quilts have been awarded to veterans across the country.

Richardson served as a Vietnam helicopter support and jet aircraft servicer for the U.S. Navy.

“He got to go with a pilot up to the mainland with the Flying Angels and pick up a wounded solider, which he received a metal for,” said Richardson’s wife, Gale. “It’s one of his favorite memories.”

Gale said Richardson has Alzheimer’s and may not fully understand the honor he received, but she is proud for the both of them.

“He doesn’t take anything in cognitively and he can’t speak, but he smiles,” said Gale. “But as a proud wife, I am so proud of him.”

The mission of the foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with a feeling of comfort and healing. Visit https://www.qovf.org/ for more information.