A veteran visiting the Grand Strand is the latest person in the area to be recognized with a “Quilt of Valor.”
Stephen Gaglio, of Pennsylvania, was surprised Wednesday with a quilt at the Veteran’s Café in Myrtle Beach. Gaglio is a veteran of the Army National Guard and the Air Force. He served overseas during the Korean War.
One of his friends is a member of the local Rolling Thunder, and that friend organized the presentation.
“I feel great about it. I didn’t expect this. It makes me feel good,” Gaglio said afterwards. “It really hits me right here [in the heart].”
Quilts of Valor started in 2003 as a way to recognize service members returning from war. It has now expanded to recognize all veterans of war. More than 100,000 have been awarded nationwide.
In the Grand Strand, more than 400 veterans have received Quilts of Valor. Local organizers Jim and Joan Wobbleton said they still have about 115 more veterans on their list to honor with a quilt.