Guild delivers quilts to local veterans

In the quiet, patriotic town of St. Regis, gratitude was stitched into every thread at a recent celebration hosted by the Ray Welch American Legion Post 13. Veterans, community members and local quilters gathered for an evening that was part reunion, part recognition and entirely heartwarming.

Among the honored attendees were veterans Cody Stipcich (Montana National Guard/Army), Bruce McClelland (U.S. Air Force), and Rich Minson (U.S. Navy), each representing a proud tradition of service and sacrifice. Their presence was part of a special quilt presentation ceremony, a tradition that has become a beloved hallmark of community appreciation in Mineral County.

At the heart of the evening stood a simple but powerful gesture: the gift of handmade quilts. Delivered with care by the Cabin Fever Quilters Guild (CFQG), these creations are far more than cozy covers; they are expressions of honor and heartfelt thanks. Suzy Olson, a longtime guild member, shared that each quilt is the product of a team effort, with two to five quilters often collaborating on a single piece. 

“We brought about a dozen quilts with us tonight,” Olson said, gesturing to the vibrant display spread out across the pool table. 

Stipcich, McClelland and Minson were invited to select their own quilt, followed by a photo that would be added to one of three full albums chronicling this local tradition. So far, over 300 quilts have been gifted to veterans in Mineral County, a number that continues to grow with each gathering. These albums were proudly displayed at the event, allowing guests to flip through years of photos capturing smiling veterans wrapped in tokens of community love.

The evening wasn’t just about warm quilts as it was also a celebration of generosity and good food. Post 13 held a raffle drawing to raise funds for future efforts, with Terry Mesenbrink winning a $200 gift certificate and Skip Hancock’s name was also drawn for a $100 certificate to Superior Meats. These prizes were funded directly by the Post as part of their community engagement mission.

Veterans and guests enjoyed a classic American spread, including baked beans, fresh salads, desserts, and locally famous homegrown tomatoes courtesy of Bob Clyde. His wife, Nicki Clyde, who plays a key role in organizing the veteran quilt program, was seen serving up plates while ensuring the evening flowed smoothly.

According to data from Stacker.com, nearly 15% of Mineral County’s population are veterans, which is a higher percentage than most counties nationwide. While the county no longer has living World War II veterans, it still proudly honors those who served in Korea, Vietnam, and both Gulf Wars. Each name tells a story, and events like this one help keep those stories alive and appreciated.

American Legion Post 13 Commander Vince Triplett emphasized the importance of such celebrations, even as he acknowledged a familiar challenge for many community organizations: participation. 

“We’ve got a lot of members, but it’s the same 8 to 12 people who do the heavy lifting for events,” Triplett said candidly. 

Still, his pride in the evening’s success was evident, and the sense of camaraderie in the room spoke volumes about the enduring power of volunteer spirit.

At the recent Quilt Show during the Mineral County Fair, held at Superior High School, the CFQG had an impressive display honoring military veterans. There, six more names were added to the registry of those wishing to receive quilts, which is a sign that the tradition will joyfully continue. Another event is already being planned for November. Beyond honoring veterans, the Cabin Fever Quilters have extended their generosity to law enforcement, Mineral Community Hospital, churches, and families facing emergencies such as house fires. Whether comforting a child in an ER or warming a disaster survivor, their quilts represent community care in its coziest form.

As the evening wound down, it was clear this wasn’t just a raffle or a potluck. It was a reminder of what makes small-town America strong: service, stitching, and a whole lot of heart.

    Cody Stipcich and his family attended the Post 13 Potluck, quilt presentation and Superior Meats Raffle drawing. The Cabin Fever Quilters Guild wants every military veteran in Mineral County to have a quilt they made as their way of saying, “Thank You for your Service." (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Air Force veteran Bruce McClelland took his quilt with him through the potluck chow line on Monday evening. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    About a dozen quilts from the Cabin Fever Quilters Guild were laid over the pool table in the American Legion Post 13 Headquarters on Monday for the 3 veterans receiving them to choose from. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)