[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MAJOR STEPHEN REICH AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE QUILT PROJECT

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                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2015

  Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Major 
Stephen Reich and to recognize the compassionate work of the Home of 
the Brave Quilt Project.
  Today, we recognize the history and importance of quilting in our 
society as a symbol of Americana. Quilting can tell stories through 
fabric and stitches when words fail. For hundreds of years, quilting 
has been used not only as a means of communication, but also as a sign 
of respect for fellow community members. In keeping with this 
tradition, the Home of the Brave Quilt Project has taken on the task of 
honoring our brave men, women, and families touched by war through the 
gift of a quilt.
  Susan and Raymond Reich from Washington Depot, Connecticut, lost 
their son, Stephen, on June 28, 2005. Stephen graduated from the United 
States Military Academy in 1993. While studying at the Academy, he 
pitched for the baseball team. Two years into his military career, the 
Baltimore Orioles drafted the southpaw, and he played for their minor 
league affiliate team before the Army recalled him to finish his term. 
Choosing to answer the call of military service and relinquishing his 
pro baseball career, he returned to fight for our great country. 
Stephen was killed along with seven other Night Stalkers during a 
rescue operation to save a Navy SEAL team in Afghanistan; he was on his 
fourth tour of duty.
  Shortly after Stephen died, his mother and father received a quilt in 
his honor. As a quilter by profession, Susan understood the 
significance of this act. Receiving the quilt helped her family heal 
and it provided them with comfort, knowing that others were thinking of 
them during their difficult time.
  When Don Beld founded the Home of the Brave Quilt Project in July of 
2004, his goal was to give families comfort in the best way he knew 
how. Since Don did not serve during the Vietnam War like many of his 
peers, he knew in his heart that he needed to serve America's families 
in some way. With this idea in mind, Don embarked on a project that 
would expand to 59 states and territories, honoring those who have died 
from injuries while on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. Each quilt 
is based on patterns originally designed by the United States Sanitary 
Commission during the Civil War era. To date, the Home of the Brave 
Quilt Project has delivered over 6,000 quilts to more than 5,000 
families. They serve as a reminder that bravery will always be revered.
  On Sunday, June 28, the Reich family marked the tenth anniversary of 
Stephen's death. I hope that the quilt they received continues to 
provide comfort and reminds their family that we, as a nation, hold 
them in our hearts.

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