The Forest Acres Quilting Club had the honor of awarding a Quilt of Valor to Jeffrey Zajicek of Beatrice on June 27, 2024. It was a lovely evening as the ceremony was held at the Adams Community Building with several of Jeff’s friends and relatives in attendance. Also present were several residents of Adams.
Since many of those in the audience were not familiar with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, we included the following information in our presentation: The Quilts of Valor Foundation was started by Catherine Roberts. In 2003 her son was deployed to Iraq. One night she had a dream that showed a young man in despair. Then someone put a quilt around his shoulders and his demeanor was calmed by the warmth of this quilt. The dream’s message to Catherine was clear: quilts bring comfort and hope. The mission of the Foundation is to cover service members and veterans with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Early on, its mission was to award quilts only to combat wounded returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Later, it expanded to include veterans from any conflict, past and present. This mission was expanded still further a few years ago when the word “combat” was removed from the mission statement. The foundation feels it is appropriate and important to recognize and thank our fellow Americans who have put their lives on hold to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. As of today, 393,702 quilts have been awarded.
Jeff Zajicek grew up in Wilber and entered the United States Navy in July of 1973. After attending Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida he received his commission as Ensign. He was then assigned to serve aboard the USS Wichita which was stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station in Alameda, California. This ship was an oiler that replenished fuel and supplies to other Naval ships. His first assignment on board this ship was to go to Western Pacific waters to support the continuing efforts of the U.S. military as the Vietnam War was declining. This was still a dangerous place to be as the communists felt that they could continue to advance even as the United States began its withdrawal.
Jeff provided leadership on the Wichita in several ways including 3rd Division Officer, Flight Deck Officer, Legal Officer, Weapons Distribution Officer, Cargo Handling Officer, Voting Officer, Midshipman Training Officer, Helicopter Control Officer, Under-Way and In-Port duty watches, Naval Special Warfare Liaison Coordinator, Shore Patrol Officer while on temporary duty in Hong Kong, and South Korean Liaison Officer. Jeff was honorably discharged from active naval service in June of 1977 with the rank of O-3 full Lieutenant.
Jeff’s quilt was constructed using the pattern called Cascade of Stars designed by Ann Parsons Holte. It used a variety of red, white, and blue fabrics for a scrappy look. I found this pattern in the All-Star Quilts of Valor book that was compiled by the Quilts of Valor Foundation. This book features 25 Quilts of Valor patterns designed by 27 designers. I stitched all-over stars using white thread to quilt this special quilt.
Our group was thrilled to award a Quilt of Valor to this veteran as his wife and one of our group members, Meredith Smidt, spent many years working together as nurses in the Beatrice area. We were excited to learn even more about his service through the memorabilia that he brought along that evening. In addition, he was as interested in getting to each of us as we were to learn about him. Congratulations on your Quilt of Valor award, Jeff!
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