This past summer three Clearwater veterans, Kellen Utpadel, Melissa Olson Wiese and Glen Schreiner, were awarded ‘quilts of valor’ by the local organization Three of a Kind. All three are members of the Clearwater American Legion Post 323.

 

Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nation-wide nonprofit organization whose mission is to “Cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” The quilts are handmade by volunteers to thank them for their “service, sacrifice and valor.”  

 

Each quilt includes the names of the people who quilted it along with the poem, “May this quilt keep you safe from harm, may it be your good luck charm, I do not know your name, nor the mountains you face, but what you hold in your arms, is a quilter’s embrace.”

 

Along with the quilt, recipients are given a handwritten card explaining where their quilt came from and thanking them for their service.

 

Utpadel, Wiese and Schreiner’s quilts were presented during a ceremony held after Three of a Kind’s annual motorcycle ride fundraiser in June. Veterans are nominated by people in the community and recipients are chosen by Three of a Kind members.

 

Kellen Utpadel served in the Army National Guard from 2001 to 2007. He works at the Clearwater American Legion as a bartender and helps out with different activities. As a veteran  he enjoys helping other vets, and says the Legion is filled with good people.

 

Melissa Olson Wiese served in the Army from 1994 to 1999. For the past nine years she’s been the first vice commander for the Clearwater American Legion and president of the Clearwater Legion Auxiliary for 18 years. 

 

“I have a hard time considering myself a veteran because I served during peace time,” she said. “So, I didn’t join the Legion right away. One day a gentleman said to me, ‘You took the oath and signed the contract, so you’re just like everyone else,’ and handed me a membership form.”

 

Wiese has always been involved in the community and says it’s important to her that Legions survive and thrive. She helps out with the Legion’s meat raffles, breakfasts and fish fries as well as their other activities. She is the first female to be awarded a quilt of valor from Three of a Kind.

 

“You’re voted on by your peers, which for me has been enlightening,” Wiese said. “I’ve worked pretty hard to get these guys to accept me. It’s been one of the best experiences of my life. It keeps me grounded and thankful.”

 

Glen Schreiner served in the Marines from 1980 to 1984. He had always enjoyed helping people, so he became involved with the Clearwater Legion, the Clearwater Legion Riders and the Clearwater Lions. 

 

He helps out with all the activities the Legion sponsors, including bingo, meat raffles, fish fries and breakfasts. He’s also on the Legion’s housing committee and works with the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary. 

 

None of this year’s recipients knew they were being awarded a quilt of valor before the ceremony.

 

“I was pleasantly surprised and honored,” said Utpadel.

 

“I knew Kellen and Glen were getting quilts and I was so excited for them,” said Wiese. “I was very shocked when they said my name.”

 

“I had no idea,” said Schreiner. “I was shocked and proud.”

 

All three are strong advocates of the Legion and encourage others to join.

 

“You don’t need a lot of time,” said Schreiner. “Whatever you can help with. Some do a little, some do a lot.”

 

“Joining the Legion is an opportunity to be part of another family,” said Utpadel. “A good family that does things for vets and the community.”

 

Three of a Kind is a nonprofit organization that was started by Shawn Thomas after three of his friends, Matt Steffens, Jeff Colbenson and Brett Johnson, each passed away unexpectedly.

 

The organization sponsors a motorcycle ride each year to raise money in their memory.

 

Thomas became involved with the Clearwater Legion Riders, who help with the fundraiser. The money raised goes to a variety of causes, which include scholarships for Monticello High School students, which is where his friends had gone to school, and Eagle’s Healing Nest, a refuge for veterans who are looking for help to get their lives back together.

 

The Clearwater American Legion is always looking for new members. Anyone interested in joining is invited to stop in or call 320-558-6627.