- February 6, 2025
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"Attention on deck!"
Those were the words of U.S. military veteran John Coffin bringing attention to a small award ceremony in the sitting area of the Brookdale assisted living community on Saturday, Jan. 6. Coffin, 96, had served as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II in addition to serving in the Pacific aboard five different ships, including the William C. Cole anti-sub destroyer DE641.
That morning, Coffin was awarded a quilt from the Port Orange Quilts of Valor group, which provides patriotic-themed quilts to active military members and veterans to thank them for their service. This particular quilt was made by Terry Burtchell, Volusia County QOV group leader.
"We go around and just give them to our veterans to say thank you for their service and their valor and their sacrifice that they've made for our country," Burtchell said. "Even many years later, they still need thank yous."
Coffin wasn't alone that day. Two other men also received quilts that had been made by Burtchell.
"It's important that when we see our veterans to shake their hand or just say thank you to them," Terry Burtchell, Volusia County QOV group leader.
To Coffin's right was Jim McGuthie, and to his left was Howard Peterson Sr., both of whom are 95-year-old Army World War II veterans who served in the Battle of the Bulge with General Patton. After McGuthie and Peterson retired to Port Orange, they met together for ice cream every Saturday afternoon; every Sunday they attend church together.
Burtchell had first awarded a quilt to Peterson who told her about his friend McGuthie. Burthchell then awarded a quilt to McGuthie who then told her about his friend who had also served in the military. This was Coffin.
And on Saturday, the three men sat together, quilts wrapped around them, connected not only by friendship but by service to their country.
"It's important that when we see our veterans to shake their hand or just say thank you to them," Burtchell said. "That's why I'm here today."
To learn more information or make a donation to the Quilts of Valor organization visit qovf.org or email [email protected].
