By Billie J Olson
In the heart of Treasure State, a profoundly personal mission of comfort and honor is unfolding, one stitch at a time. This mission belongs to the dedicated volunteers of the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF), who tirelessly craft handmade quilts as tangible tokens of gratitude for America’s veterans and service members. These aren’t just blankets; they are powerful symbols of healing, sacrifice, and deep appreciation.
The national QOVF began with a powerful dream in 2003. While her son was deployed in Iraq, founder Catherine Roberts dreamed a quilt appeared, instantly transforming a despairing young veteran to one of hope. The profound message was clear: quilts equal healing.
This vision drew in people like Lindie Tribby-Windecker, the current Montana State Coordinator for QOVF. After serving in the Montana Air National Guard and receiving her own Quilt of Valor in 2025, Lindie was compelled to lead. Her personal goal is to ensure more of Montana’s veterans, particularly the women who paved the way in the military, receive this well- deserved honor.
A Quilt of Valor is formally awarded to a veteran in a meaningful ceremony. The quilt itself carries deep symbolism: the top represents the community’s contributions, the inner batting provides the warmth of the community’s embrace, and the sturdy backing symbolizes the veteran’s strength.
Montana’s QOVF effort is powered by five main groups serving the state’s high veteran population. The five groups are Montana Treasured Piece Makers of Shepherd, Big Sky Quilts of Valor Glendive, Ruby Valley Patchwork Pals Quilt Guild of Two Bridges, The 406 Piece Makers of Vaughn, and Western Montana Quilts of Valor Frenchtown.
You can become a crucial part of delivering a tangible piece of comfort and honor, one beautiful, healing quilt at a time. The foundation urgently seeks financial donations to purchase essential supplies like batting, backing fabric, and binding. Funds also help cover logistics for award ceremonies.
Groups desperately need volunteers to cut kits, organize events, assist with logistics, attend “sew days,” and coordination roles. If interested in volunteering, contact lindie. tribby-windecker@qovf.org.
If you know a service member or veteran who has been touched by war—physically or psychologically—nominate them for a Quilt of Valor through the website at qovf.org/state- coordinators/montana.