Group makes presentation to Centre Hall veteran

CENTRE HALL — On Aug. 15, Centre Hall resident Nathan Summers was presented with a quilt from the Quilts of Valor organization in honor of his military service in the Vietnam War. About 50 family members and friends gathered in the Old Fort American Legion building for a presentation of the quilt to Summers.

The quilt was presented by Carolyn Foust, Merilee Barner and Edwina Sims, members of the Happy Valley Quilts of Valor, the local chapter of national organization.

According to its website, the Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003, when Catherine Roberts began the foundation in Seaford, Del., following her son’s year-long deployment to Iraq. She came up with the idea of linking quilt-top makers with machine quilters in a national effort to reach out to all service men and women touched by war. These Quilts of Valor would be a tangible reminder of America’s appreciation and gratitude.

Foust noted that more than 142,000 quilts have been awarded nationwide since the foundation began.

Summers served in the U.S. Army from August 1961 to February 1967. He was stationed in France and Germany, and then served a one-year tour in Vietnam in 1966. He was a truck driver, transporting aviation fuel in Vietnam. “I carried 5,000 gallons every day,” said Summers. It was a dangerous job, as fuel trucks were often targeted by enemy troops.

After returning from Vietnam, Summers worked for the Corning Glass Company for 35 years before retiring. He has been active in the Centre Hall Lions Club, and serves as chaplain of the Old Fort American Legion Post No. 779.

Foust said the Quilts of Valor are awarded to thank and honor veterans for their service.

“As a gesture of gratitude from a grateful nation, we award you this Quilt of Valor,” she said during her presentation. Summers accepted the quilt, and expressed his gratitude to the organization, as well as to his family and friends for their support.

“There aren’t enough words in the unabridged dictionary to say ‘thank you,’” he said. “Thank you, each and every one of you, for your support over the years.” He encouraged the ceremony’s attendees to continue to pray for peace in the world.

Summers and his wife, the late Dorcas Fohringer Summers, had three children, Dawn, Sean and Heather, who were present at the ceremony and stood with their father to share his moment of honor. “These are the greatest supporters that any person could have in this lifelong journey,” said Summers.