HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED
Valor Appreciation Quilts
The Heart of the Hills Quilters Guild is proud to honor veterans with handmade quilts that express our gratitude for their service, courage, and sacrifice.
How It Works
1. NOMINATE
Anyone can nominate a veteran who lives or has lived in the Black Hills.
2. WE SEW
Our guild members create a quilt with care and gratitude.
3. WE HONOR
Quilts are presented during our Veteran's Day Program in November.
A Tradition of Gratitude
Inspired
Our Valor Appreciation Quilt Program began when the Heart of the Hills Quilters Guild was invited to create Quilts of Valor for veterans staying at Operation Black Hills Cabin in Custer. Inspired by the experience, guild member Lori Comer envisioned a way to honor veterans closer to home.
Honored
Today, our guild honors up to six local veterans each year through community nominations. During the Hill City Veterans Day ceremony, each recipient receives a handmade quilt as their story of service is shared with students, families, and the community.
Presented
Working together with Hill City School, that idea became a reality. In 2015, we presented our first quilts during the Hill City Veterans Day Program, beginning a tradition that continues today.
Past Recipients
We are honored to recognize these local veterans.
2015
- Fay M
- Jay H
- Howard S
- Vicki P
2016
- Merlon B
- Harold P
2017
- Gary D
- Arnie B
- Cesar M
- Steve A
- Todd G
- Steve E
- Robert D
2018
- Ron K
- Sharon M
- Ron S
- Chad R
- Ralph K
- Fred T
- Alton B
- John R
2019
- Matt S
- Alan C
- Jack Y
- Keith H
- Don G
- Shawn B
2020
- Steven L
- Brandi F
- Val M
- Paul U
2021
- Jeffery N
- John S
- Paul B
- Bill K
- David S
- David G
2022
- Christopher O
- John K
- Tim M
- Dennis Schrier
- Terry S
- Chace L
2023
- Donna T
- Dale G
- Dean M
- George K
- Don A
- Charles S
2024
- Darcey G
- Jim J
- Charles J
- Lloyd E
- Joanne M
- Alan G
- Simon G
2025
- Gary L
- Staci R
- Rob T
- Taylor S
2026
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
2027
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
2028
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
2029
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
2030
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
- To Be Annonced
Community Recognition
Our veterans program and Quilts from the Heart have been recognized throughout South Dakota for their impact on veterans and our community.
Community Recognition
Featured in local and regional newspapers, our veterans program has been recognized for its impact on veterans and the community.
Award-Winning Service
The South Dakota Arts Council recognized our veterans program for its creativity, service, and lasting impact on communities across South Dakota.
Quilts From the Heart
Handmade quilts and dedicated volunteers continue to honor veterans while inspiring compassion throughout our community.
Nominate Your Favorite Vet Today!
Honor a Veteran
Know a veteran whose service deserves to be recognized? Complete the nomination form below. Each year, the Heart of the Hills Quilters selects local veterans to receive a handmade quilt presented during the Hill City Veterans Day Program.
Presentation Ceremony
Selected veterans will be honored during the Hill City Veterans Day Program held in the Hill City Elementary Schools Gin’s Gym.
Valor Quilt Committee
