Rural Elgin resident Mona Benson displays the topper for her third Quilt of Valor that will soon be quilted, bound, labeled, and placed in a presentation bag for wartime veterans in Germany. Benson has already sent one quilt overseas and said that it’s just a small gift to soldiers to honor them for their courageous service. (Becky Walz photo) 

A small gift for great sacrific

Becky Walz
News Editor
bwalz@fayettepublishing.com

Every veteran is a hero, and it is up to the citizens of the United States to understand what each soldier and his or her family has sacrificed for this country.

Mona Benson of rural Elgin has been touched by family members who have served in wartime, and she recently decided it was her turn to give back by taking an active role in creating handmade quilts for the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF).

The quilter has been quilting for over 20 years but her focused has changed. Her grandfather had served in World War I, her father during World War II, and in 1970 her husband, Mark, served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam,.

“When you know the struggles of what a veteran has gone through, what they have given for their country, you know how difficult life is after those soldiers return,” said Benson.

See the complete story in the Dec. 25 issue of The Elgin Echo or by purchasing our e-edition!