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Mar 31, 04 Ft Hood, Tx We arrived at Ft Hood Texas on the 24th of March. We needed a gate pass to get in so we went to sign in. While we were getting the pass I talked to a young man that had just come back from Iraq. He was happy to be back where he could actually have some real good food. He talked about how really hot it got. Can you imagine the temperature being 130 degrees? I asked how he survived that heat. He smiled and said lots and lots of water. We were treated like VIP's. We stayed in the house where Four Star General Tommy Franks and his wife stayed. As we signed the register we saw the General's name along with many other dignitaries. The house we stayed in is named John Bell Hood House at Ft. Hood. LeAnn and Valerie had everything setup for us. Valerie fixed us an awesome meal while we were there and LeAnn would also treat us to her home cooked meal which was out of this world. What awesome cooks both ladies are and how lucky Dennis and I were to enjoy their wonderful hospitality. We helped them set up for the quilt-a-thon they were having on the 25th of Mar. I was so eager to be a part of this and actually work side by side with these awesome ladies. We helped set up and then it was time to head off to bed. We were going to start quilting at 9:00 am. I had no idea how many were going to be there and either did LeAnn nor Valerie. You see some of the ladies that were going to help had a change of plans when they heard their husbands were coming home. As we arrived at the quilt-a-thon, Valeria was already there and so was LeAnn. Soon, ladies were coming with sewing machines and material and ready to go to work. There were 39 that signed in and soon the rooms were busy as each lady knew what she had to do. Just like the girls back home. The ones that didn't know anything about quilting jumped in to help. We worked from 9:00 in the morning until 8:30 at night. LeAnn was working all over the place. She reminded me of what I was like at home. We make a great team. As I was helping those that didn't know how to tie a quilt, I found out that many of the ladies were the wives of soldiers who were in Iraq. LeAnn's husband left for Iraq a month ago. Many had children and you can see their eyes twinkle as they talked about their children and husbands. These ladies were the best of the best -- beautiful inside and just as beautiful on the outside. We were so honored to be with them all. These ladies band together to help one another for it's their strength that keeps them going. After watching them they gave me the strength I needed to continue this project. We talk about their husbands being heroes but we forget those that are home taking on the roles of both parents and being there for those that need support. There were commander's wives and even a general's wife helping out that day. They all wanted to do what they could to bring comfort to those that lost so much. These ladies have to be strong and try and hold everything together. When they find out that someone from the 1st Cavalry Division has died it's their job to help the spouse of the fallen soldier. LeAnn has to watch and take care of her loving son and also for the other wives. If things are working smoothly at the home front the soldiers can do their jobs at the war zone. The Ft. Hood Ladies call themselves Operation Quilted Comfort these ladies have band together to help Freedom Quilts. I honor and respect each of those ladies that were there working so hard to make it possible for more quilts to be given out to the families of fallen soldiers. These ladies are dealing with so much; if they can do it then we can too. Why can't we take time to care and help make a difference? On March 26th we gave a presentation about our experiences with Freedom Quilts and I have to say there wasn't a dry eye. After our presentation was over we gave out quilts to the families that lost a loved one. My heart broke as I gave Linnie her quilt and also as Jackie picked out her quilt. As Operation Quilted Comfort will be helping Freedom Quilts, as I'm hoping others will also help us. We had a wonderful time at Ft Hood, one that will stay with us forever. I was truly blessed to be with all of the ladies. I will continue sending quilts to families and I hope that everyone will continue to support Freedom Quilts. Please help make a difference. Help us bring comfort to those that have already given so much for all of us. God bless and thank you all. Betty Nielsen