NEWARK — The Mount Vernon-based Grateful Quilters of Ohio presented Nick Shannon with a Quilt of Valor on Oct. 18.
“This quilt is an expression of gratitude meant to thank and comfort you,” quilter Belinda Hughes said. “We can never know your sacrifice while keeping us safe. This Quilt of Valor says thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
Nick’s parents, Rick and Laura Shannon, nominated him for a quilt. Rick Shannon is also a veteran.
“We are here to honor United States Army National Guard Specialist Nick Shannon, who served from 2017 to 2025,” Rick Shannon said.
Nick served with the 16th Engineer Brigade of the Ohio Army National Guard as a geospatial engineer, providing visualization of the land and battlefield before troops entered unfamiliar terrain.
“As a member of the 16th Engineer Brigade, Nick was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq from 2020 to 2021 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve,” Rick Shannon said.
“While deployed to the Middle East, he provided geospatial support for United States and allied forces in Kuwait, Iraq and Syria.”
Nick received numerous commendations:
•Army Achievement Medal
•Meritorious Unit Commendation
•National Defense Service Medal
•Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
•Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
•Army Service Ribbon
•Overseas Service Ribbon
•Armed Forces Reserve Medal
•Ohio Award of Merit
•Ohio National Guard Basic Training Ribbon
“Nick, on behalf of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, welcome home,” Hughes said. “Thank you for your service, and thank you for allowing us to recognize you.”
About Quilts of Valor
In 2003, while her son deployed to Iraq, a quilter named Catherine Roberts started the movement that became Quilts of Valor®. Since that time, over 457,000 Quilts of Valor have been awarded.
The movement’s mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.
A Quilt of Valor is a lifetime award. It is not bought, nor sold, nor is it a gift. It is an award earned by the veteran and is priceless for that reason.
Each quilt layer has a meaning. The top consists of many pieces, colors, shapes, and sizes of fabrics which represent the many faces of all who serve in the Armed Forces.
The center contains the batting, the part of the quilt that emits warmth. Held between the layers, it represents comfort and healing.
The back of the quilt is its strength. Together with the thousands of stitches, they represent veterans, their families, and communities – all coming together to support one another.