[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 159 (Friday, September 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING SHARON LEDBETTER

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2023

  Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Sharon Ledbetter of Colfax, WA for her selfless service and the 
incredible impact she has had on the lives of veterans and their 
families in Eastern Washington.
  In 2009, Sharon was instrumental in organizing the Lewis Clark Quilts 
of Valor, the Eastern Washington region's local branch of the Quilts of 
Valor Foundation. Her goal was simple and honorable: Award 
servicemembers and veterans with hand-made quilts that recognize the 
bravery and sacrifice of our heroes, in the hopes of providing comfort 
and healing now that they have returned home.
  As the wife of a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran, Sharon understood 
these Quilts of Valor can be lifesaving for veterans. That's why, for 
the last 14 years, she has organized countless Sew Days, taught 
quilting classes, and raised financial support from local businesses 
and veterans' groups. Under her leadership, the group has grown to 60 
members and honored more than 3,000 veterans with high-quality quilts 
to recognize their dedication and sacrifice to our country.
  Each Quilt of Valor is dedicated to the veteran it was made for with 
their name, service branch, and era of service sewed on, making them an 
incredibly personal gift of recognition and honor. The quilts--many of 
which Sharon made herself--are then presented at beautiful ceremonies 
that have been known to move even the most stoic veterans to tears. 
Thanks to Sharon, these presentations are now conducted by volunteers 
and members across Eastern Washington and North Central Idaho.
  Mr. Speaker, Sharon Ledbetter is a truly remarkable woman who 
deserves recognition. As she enters her retirement, I ask that my 
colleagues join me in celebrating her tremendous work and tireless 
dedication to the veterans in the greater Eastern Washington region. 
The profound impact she has had on our communities and the veterans in 
them will not soon be forgotten.

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