We’re so happy that we found such wonderful recipients for the Quilts of Valor. The quilts were made by Paul and Patricia Boynton of Ware, to honor their son SFC Christopher Boynton. Christopher Boynton died in October 2015. He grew up in Ware and served in the U.S. Army through two deployments in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003 by Blue Star Mom, Catherine Roberts whose son was deployed to Iraq. One night she dreamed of a post deployment warrior struggling with his war demons at 2 o’clock in the morning. She saw him sitting on the side of his bed, wrapped in a quilt. The quilt comforted him and fended off the war demons that troubled him. From this vision, Quilts of Valor Foundation began. Since then over 230,000 quilts of valor have been awarded to service members and veterans in the United States and abroad.
The recipients are:
Paul Kularski US army ranger 173rd Airborne Brigade Vietnam 1969 to 1970. He received a Bronze Star for “his meritorious service in military ops against a hostile force.” He also received the Army Commendation Medal, among other medals and ribbons.
Benjamin St. George Army Cavalry Scout, Specialist, April 2010 August 2013. He served in Afghanistan Feb. 2011-Feb. 2012 as a bodyguard for the Brigade Sergeant Major. He participated in over 240 Combat Patrols in Afghanistan, either Black Hawk helicopter or ground patrol. Some of his awards were: Army Commendation medal, Army achievement medal, Good conduct medal, Meritorious unit citation, National Defense Service medal, 2 Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Certificate of Achievement: Excellent in Armor
Anthony (Tony) Hurtado Army infantry 2007 and was deployed to the Kunar province of Afghanistan. Has served 12 years in Army and Army National Guard combined, and still serves in the Army National Guard. He received the Army Commendation medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Good Conduct medal, amoug others. He was also assigned to the Honor Guard and served as Squad Leader. Tony continues his meritorious service as a police officer in Palmer.