By Cindy Zurn
Seven veterans were honored and wrapped with Quilts of Valor in a ceremony Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at the Alliance VFW lead by Kathy Dye of Panhandle Blocks, the local chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. The American Legion Post #7 and American Legion Riders Panhandle Chapter # 43 also assisted.
The seven veterans include:
-Sam Evans (Scottsbluff, NE) US Army –
his quilt was pieced and bound by Cindy Zurn & quilted by Suzanne Walker.
-Ethan Schurer (Scottsbluff, NE) US Army –
his quilt was made by Sharon Hulse & quilted by Jody Meer, bound by Kathy Dye & Sally Hanson.
-Mark Swires (Alliance, NE) US Army/US Air Force –
his quilt was made & quilted by Vivian Spencer and bound by Nita Spencer.
-Liam Swires (active duty) US Army –
his quilt was pieced and bound by Margaret Lienemann; quilted by Linda Schneider.
-Gloria Swires (Alliance, NE) US Air Force –
her quilt was pieced and bound by Virginia Campbell; quilted by Suzanne Walker.
-Jackson Griess (Scottsbluff, NE) US Marine Corp –
his quilt was pieced and bound by Linda Andersen; quilted by Linda Schneider.
-James ‘Steve’ Lickliter (Alliance, NE) US Marine Corp-
his quilt was pieced by Sue Williams; quilted by Linda Schneider & bound by
Kathy Dye & Cindy Zurn.
Steve was also awarded a Vietnam War medal.
A nice crowd of friends, family members and Panhandle Block members were in attendance.
Thank you, Sam, Ethan, Mark, Liam, Gloria, Jackson & Steve for your service and “WELCOME HOME”!
