qathet veterans honoured with Quilts of Valour

On Saturday, March 25, at a home in Townsite, warrant officer Michael P. Koestlmaier, CD, retired, and sergeant Jason Hygaard, CD, retired, both received Quilts of Valour.

Nerissa Thomas, presenter and volunteer from Quilts of Valour - Canada Society - North Island (Vancouver Island), wrapped both former military men in a handmade stitched quilt. They were nominated by qathet resident Colleen Martinig.

According to the society, the quilts are made “to ensure that all Canadian military members, past and present, who are ill or injured as a result of their service and sacrifice to our country, are recognized and honoured with a Quilt of Valour.”

Koestlmaier served in Afghanistan and Hygaard completed three tours in Bosnia, and is currently the first vice president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164, Powell River.

Edmonton quilter Lesley Zwaal started Quilts of Valour in 2006. She presented them to three Canadian Armed Forces members who were recovering in hospital from injuries they received in Afghanistan. There are approximately 185,000 veterans living in Canada, and the society has presented more than 18,000 quilts, each one handmade by quilters across the country.

Koestlmaier and Hygaard were with family and friends to receive the honour