Many gathered at the Box Butte County Fair on Aug. 12, to see three local veterans recognized for their service to the nation as they were presented with Quilts of Valor.
John Fistler, Amanda Schnell-Kildow and Tom Macke were presented with Quilts of Valor. Fistler, of Hemingford, was drafted into the U.S. Army in August of 1970, and attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He went on to Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Ord, Calif.
Initially, Fistler was expected to go to Vietnam, but after two diversions, he was stationed in Alaska at Ft. Wainwright near Fairbanks.
“We did cold weather indoctrination where we had five to 10 mile cross country ski or snowshoe exercises almost every other day,” Fistler explained. “The year I was there 144 inches of snow fell. For part of our training we crossed the Artic Circle and camped out at Pt Barrow (the northernmost point of USA territory) in tents.”
Fistler was discharged in 1972 as a Spec 4. His Quilt of Valor was pieced and quilted by Suzanne Walker, and bound by Carol Wacker.
Schnell-Kildow joined the U.S. Army in 1986, attending basic training and AIT in Ft. Jackson, S.C. She served active duty from 1986-1988 and served inactive duty from 1988-1994. During her time, she served as an E-4, Specialist, 71L, Administrative Specialist, was the head clerk and driver for the commander and First Sergeant for the HHD, 62nd Medical Group. She was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Wash. Schnell-Kildow was also the head clerk for the 47th Combat Support Hospital.
Schnell-Kildow completed training in nuclear, biological and chemicals. She received an Expert Badge M-16, an Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, Army Good Conduct Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).
Schnell-Kildow’s Quilt of Valor was pieced by Kathy Dye, quilted by Vivian Spencer and bound by Beth Daugherty.
Macke entered the Marine Corps on March 21, 1988, traveling to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Calif. After completing basic training, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he completed AEI training to become an 0341 infantry mortar man. Macke drew orders to be stationed in Sigonella, Sicily for two years as a roving patrol doing barracks duty.
After his time in Sicily, Macke was stationed in 29 Palms, Calif., in the First Battalion 7th Marines. Three weeks after arriving, Macke was deployed to Saudi Arabia and took part in Task Force Ripper during Operation Desert Storm. While serving in Desert Storm, he was promoted to Corporal and was a gunner on a 60mm mortar team.
Macke returned in May of 1990, serving the remainder of his enlistment in 29 Palm, Calif.
“I had the privilege and honor to be surrounded by some of the best men I know while representing our country,” said Macke. “I am forever grateful for our great Country.”
Macke’s Quilt of Valor was pieced and bound by Janet Clark, and was quilted by Chris Wolf.