Quilt Honors September 11 Victims

Tech. Sgt. Jim Brabenec, Chief, Internal Information

Capt. Ray Powell of the Officers’ Christian Fellowship here began to mull over the idea of creating a quilt to honor those military personnel who served and died at the Pentagon.
 
"Together with the Beale Officers’ Spouses’ Club and countless other volunteers, that idea became reality recently when the OSC stitch-and-sew group put the finishing touches on Beale’s Spirit of America quilt.
 
Powell took his idea to Kelly Spencer, the head of the OSC stitch and sew group, and better yet, someone who could take charge of the project.

"Kelly and the ladies from the OSC were a godsend, because quilting is a very specific art that requires the right people to make it happen," he added.

Together the two groups canvassed the base searching for units, groups or individuals interested in creating a square for the quilt. In the end, diversity certainly played a part in the 20-square quilt with squares donated by Beale squadrons, Army recruiters, the Air Force Sergeant’s Association and individual quilters.

"The support from people on base, many of whom had no prior experience with quilting, was fantastic," said Spencer, who has gained an appreciation for quilting herself. "Putting this quilt together has been a great honor and privilege for the OSC."

"Shortly after the terrorist attack, we discussed ideas of what we could do to show the people at the Pentagon that they were in our thoughts," said Spencer. "Captain Powell’s idea came at the right time and provided everyone at Beale the opportunity to show how much we care."

One last panel will be added to the quilt offering a summary of those people who contributed to its creation and the words that can serve to bring people of various cultures together:

"Let the seams in this quilt by the Beale community represent the Spirit of America’s Unity. A united spirit as we honor those who died and were injured, while saluting those who continue to courageously defend freedom."

On Tuesday, May 28, 2002,Capt Ray Powell, USAF, presented the quilt to LtCol Archie Davis of the public liaison office in the Pentagon.