Loren Mentjes’ 85th birthday last week was not your typical celebration. Yes, there was cake, and there were balloons, but this day was about more than a birthday.
Last Friday, Mentjes, surrounded by friends and family, received his Quilt of Valor at Country View Senior Living in Walnut Grove, recognizing his service with the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam.
“This is quite an honor,” the soft-spoken Mentjes said Friday, his red-white-and blue quilt wrapped around his legs.
Mentjes served in the Air Force from 1964-1969. He went to the Sioux Falls processing center with several classmates right after high school graduation, completed basic training in Colorado and advanced training in Texas.
Mentjes was assigned to the 114th CAMRON at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls as part of the 3700th Personnel Processing Squadron of Lackland AFB in Texas. He received his marksman certificate and was trained as a weapons mechanic.
Mentjes was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist, E-5 Sergeant.
Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF), was established in 2003 by Catherine Roberts to “cover Service Members and living Veterans with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” Since 2003 more than 450,000 quilts have been created and awarded to American veterans and active military service members. Quilts of Valor is fueled by donations and powered by volunteers (more than 10,000 in over 700 groups across all 50 states).
The Patriotic Piecers Group 107287 was formed in October 2025 and has already awarded 62 quilts to veterans in southwest Minnesota.
Anyone can submit a QOV nomination for a veteran or active military service member to receive a QOV quilt. If you have questions or would like assistance with a nomination, or would like to help sew or quilt, contact Kerry Cassens at kerrycassens@ yahoo.com, or call 480-205-0746, call or Paula Domena at 952836-4596. Monetary donations are always welcome, and are used to purchase fabric, batting and other supplies to make the quilts. Mail donations to Patriotic Piecers QOV, 321 7th St SW Pipestone, MN 56164.
KERRY CASSENS OF THE PATRIOT PIECERS AND GARY MENTJES pause with Vietnam veteran Loren Mentjes after Loren received his Quilt of Valor in Walnut Grove last week. Photo / Per Peterson
