By Carol Ullo

Saturday, January 25 was my family’s post Christmas gathering. It was also the day of a Quilt of Valor award for my sister’s husband, Allen Bunn. Twenty-five members of my family on my mom’s side sat around the room and listened as I did the reading that I have done over 30 times before.  This time, it was different.  It was personal.  

I knew Allen in high school and remember when he enlisted at 17. I remember learning that he was stationed in Qui Nho’n Vietnam and writing and sending him packages.  He served two tours there in Military Intelligence, returned and went on with his life.  Four years ago he became my brother-in-law, marrying my widowed older sister.  

“This is the best gift I have ever received,” Bunn said, as he wiped away a tear.  “I have always felt that it was an honor and a privilege to serve my country.”

I, too, wiped away more than one tear.  It was the most poignant ceremony I have every been part of.  Now I truly understand how it feels. 

Gerald Stethers, World War II Veteran from Wyalusing, received a quilt of Valor at his home on Sunday March 1.

Margaret Gordon, long time family friend, nominated Stethers for the award. Stethers’ family, Lanny and Debbie Stethers and Lonny and Leslie and Caitlin Stethers, were present for the ceremony which was done by Renee Arnold and Carol Ullo representing Bradford County Chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Stethers served with the 104^th Infantry Division in Germany

In February of 1945, Private Stethers led his platoon through a mine field. His platoon, reduced to half strength, was surrounded in a barn yard by a strong force of enemy infantry and armor. Boldly exposing himself to enemy fire, Stethers engaged a burp- gunner in a fire fight, killing his adversary. Although wounded, he continued to fire on the enemy, refusing to be evacuated. He later received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, European Theater Medal, American Theater Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Lynn Maynard of Gillett received a Quilt of Valor on January 13, 2020 . Maynard, who had just celebrated his 98^th birthday was surrounded by family and friends when he received the award and certificates from the Troy VFW.

Maynard served from 1942 to 1945 primarily in Italy where he was a courier. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action after he and another soldier went behind enemy lines to deliver a crucial message to another battalion.