Seven local veterans were honored Friday for service to country and community.

The Village Quilters Quilts of Valor group presented Quilts of Valor to six veterans at Toqua Pavilion. Each veteran also serves Loudon County Habitat for Humanity in its mission to eliminate poverty with a focus on safe, affordable housing.

Sammie Shanks, Habitat volunteer coordinator, said several veterans were honored by the nonprofit three years ago. The meaningful service prompted this year’s recognition at Veterans Day.


Worthy veterans were nominated for the award in the spring.

“It’s our honor to do this for these veterans that have given so much to all of us,” Shanks said.

The Quilt of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003 with the mission to cover service members and veterans with comforting quilts. The Village Quilters became a Quilt of Valor Foundation member in 2009. All Quilts of Valor are certified through personalized labels and a certificate.

The quilts are a one time, lifetime, civilian award intended as a “thank you” for service.

“It’s heartwarming for us to be able to do,” Arliss Barber, foundation group leader and local coordinator, said. “I always say it’s one small thing we can do in return for the very big thing they did for us and our country.

“It’s wonderful to be able to say ‘thank you’ to someone for their service, but it’s really I think the perfect thing to be able to give something tangible like this quilt to go along with the words because it’s a constant reminder that someone said ‘thank you’,” she added.

Retired U.S. Army Major Gen. John Cardwell said the veterans honored had a combined 140 years of service to the nation. He emphasized the seven continue serving their community through Habitat.

“Each of the individuals represent some kind of intersection with the affiliate ...,” Tony Gibbons, Habitat executive director, said. “Many of the individuals have worked with us in multiple fashions.”

He said the affiliate’s Veterans Build program created a special partnership with military personnel who focus on service and commitment to a greater cause.

Each veteran was called to the stage to receive their quilt as Barber read a summary of their history and service. Veterans were then wrapped in their quilts.

Douglas “Doug” Davis served 1963-1989 in the U.S. Navy and was involved in black ops secret assignments across the globe, including the North Pole, Egypt and Vietnam. He was also involved in drug interdiction efforts and has received numerous commendation and achievement medals.

Davis was a founder of the local Habitat branch.

Louise Williams served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years as a senior airman and was discharged as a sergeant. She was a supply and contract specialist in addition to being a special agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations in stateside assignments.

A resident of Tellico Village, Williams has volunteered for Habitat for more than 15 years in Florida and Alabama. She now works as a cashier at the Habitat ReStore in Lenoir City.

“It means a lot to be nominated and to receive one of these honorary quilts,” she said.

Brandon Jolly served 2007-2016 in the U.S. Marine Corps during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As an anti-tank assaultman and machine gunner for the 3rd Battalion, Jolly served two combat deployments in Afghanistan and later became a combat instructor for the School of Infantry.

Jolly has been director of construction for Habitat for nearly a year.

“I think it’s really awesome that there are people out there that are taking veterans into consideration and trying to do something special for them,” Jolly said. “I very much appreciate it.”

David Gillum, Tom Greene and Joe Tedesco each served in the U.S. Army and were presented quilts. Nan Elizabeth Zeigler, who served in the U.S. Air Force, was honored but unable to attend.