Quilts of Valor, a national private organization, makes individually designed quilts and presents them to American Vets who qualify for this very nice and patriotic award. JoAnn Rawlins, the local representative for Quilts of Valor, presented the award to Jim and also made his beautiful quilt. She also presented Jim with a lapel pin for Vietnam vets expressing the gratitude of the US government for those vets who served in Vietnam.

About 15 of Jim’s family and friends were in his and his wife Pamela’s home in Lehi for the brief ceremony. During the ceremony, Jim reminded all those who were there, as he always does, that freedom is not free and he was proud to have served his country in Vietnam.

Jim’s harrowing combat adventures as an Army Ranger in Vietnam are documented by several Provo Daily Herald articles written over a two-month period starting on Feb. 21. The Provo Herald published eight of Jim’s stories as part of the 250 year commemoration of the founding of America. They can be read on the Herald’s website.

After Jim returned from Vietnam, he also saw the need for a Vietnam War memorial at the Utah State Capital. He worked tirelessly and with great tenacity to raise the money for this awesome memorial. Please go and see it!