May 1, 2004  On April the 23rd Freedom Quilts presented quilts to the families of the fallen Iowa soldiers. The ceremony was held at the Capitol View Elementary School in Des Moines. Some of the Freedom Quilters came to the event to help honor the families and to reinforce their belief to continue helping with this project. It was a very emotional event for everyone there. The fifth grade students and Jody Benz made a quilt that was presented to the family of CWO Bruce Smith from West Liberty. Wife Oliva Smith's sister worked at Capitol View as the school nurse so this really made the students involvement with this quilt more special. After each family was presented their quilt they then had a chance to speak on behalf of their loved one. There wasn't a dry eye in that gym as one by one the families came up and spoke in memory of their loved one. Oliva Smith was holding back her tears as she said she had been to several award ceremonies but this was the one that touched her the most. She couldn't find the words to express her gratitude for the quilts that she and her children received that day. Her husband CWO Smith died Nov 2, 2003 when his helicopter was shot down in Iraq. Mrs. Smith's husband would have been touch for he loved working with kids. A true honor for Oliva to receive a quilt made from children. Nelson Carman eloquently spoke to the student letting them all know that each and everyone of them will make a difference in this world. Nelson and Marie Carmen, parents of Lance Cpl Ben Carman was killed April 6 in Iraq at the age of 20. He said his son died doing what he felt he was called to do. The young man was ready to give up his life for all of us so we would not have another 9-11 attack. So people in Iraq will be given the freedom we so enjoy. Specialist James M. Kiehl l eft behind his beautiful wife and son. James never got to see his son but he believed strongly that he needed to protect us. Roberta Brooks brought an oil painting of her son and a scrape book to share with us. All of the families said their loved ones believed in what they were doing and yes they are all heroes. Freedom Quilts was honored to bring some comfort to the families. Their loved ones gave their lives for us so the least we can do is make a quilt to comfort them. Senator Harkin attended the event to honor the fallen Iowa soldiers. He believes in freedom and he knows there is a price that has to be paid in order to keep America free. There are people that are afraid to stand up and defend our country but these men gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Jan 28, 2004  Well we are getting ready for our trip out east. From Feb 6 - 14 we will be heading to NJ first then Ct and then NY. When we get back we will let you all know how it went. One thing we keep forgetting and that is that the 9-11 victims' families are still very much hurting. I'm hoping that I can reach them all and then continue on my other mission to make quilts for our soldiers' families that are also hurting. There is so much pain. I believe that we can all make a huge difference if we take time to think of those that have lost so much. We can give the families some comfort. Our quilts bring comfort to those that have received. Some families may not write back to let you know how much you touch them. Some families do write and they let me know how we have touched them. That gives me the strength to continue this project. Yes there are times that I wonder how much good am I doing and then I receive a call or a letter from a family member. That gives me the strength to keep going. We give them comfort with a Freedom Quilt. They give me strength to help another family. Please we still need your help in making sure that no one is left behind. Do not forget all that has happen. Do not forget our soldiers that have given up their lives. Please help me honor the families. You can do that by making a quilt, or donating money for this mission. Spread the word to others to help. Keep the families in your prayers so they can receive comfort. Please include us so we can continue this project and never give up. I'll talk to you after our trip
God bless you all.
Betty