Payne Receives Quilt Of Valor

U.S. Air Force veteran Robert Brooks Payne, a member of the PBHS Class of 1970, was awarded a Quilt of Valor on Tuesday, July 2, at his residence in Buckhannon. Sgt. E4 Payne served his country from 1970 to 1974.

On October 9, 1970, Payne began his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, as heavy equipment operator. After basic training, he went to Port Hueneme, CA, to train with the Navy Seabees on heavy equipment. Then, he went to Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, several temporary duty stations, and to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, KS. Payne was discharged on October 8, 1974.

A Quilt of Valor (QOV) is a Civilian Award for the individual’s service and sacrifice to defend our county’s freedoms. These handmade patriotic-themed quilts made by volunteers are tangible expressions of gratitude from a grateful nation. A QOV is a one-time, life-time award to a living service member or veteran. Classmate and QOV seamstress Rita White Gum made the award, assisted by QOV member Debby Shackleford.

As of December 2023, over 373,394 quilts have been awarded to active duty military members and veterans from all American conflicts. Visit the Quilts of Valor Foundation for more information on the nomination process and documentation of service at https://dev.qovf.org/.