California Daughters,

It is my distinct honor and pleasure to announce, on behalf of State Regent Susan Broderick, that Gail Patrice Belmont from the Turlock Chapter is our California winner of the Outstanding State DAR Member Award from the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration for her work in honoring and thanking Vietnam veterans.

Gail’s outstanding accomplishments honoring and thanking Vietnam War veterans began over 50 years ago. At the young age of 18, just graduating from high school, Gail joined the Army and Women’s Army Corps Band. It was 1969, the height of the Vietnam War, and as a trumpet player, Gail’s duties included being part of the honor guard teams that were sent out to burial services in rural Alabama and Mississippi. Gail had to play taps for those killed in action in Vietnam and the horrors she experienced during those funerals changed her life, but her dedication to honor Vietnam Vets was planted deep within her.

Gail found healing, peace, and relief from pain for her own wounds was through the art of quilting. After 9/11, Gail began giving quilts to all those who had been affected by war and especially those who had served in Vietnam. By 2010, Gail had founded her own nonprofit, Quilts of Honor, with the mission of honoring and thanking those who served in combat. Gail has found an army of volunteers to help make the quilts and over 9,000 quilts have been given out since 2010.

So many doors have opened for Gail and Quilts of Honor to give out quilts to our Vietnam veterans. Veterans’ reunion groups, Army, Navy, and Marines have reached out for Gail to come to their reunions and give quilts to all their company. Gail has set up booths to give out quilts to several Vietnam Traveling Wall’s in our local California towns where she has been able to honor and thank hundreds of Vietnam veterans. She had the opportunity to give quilts to the Vietnam Prisoners of War (NAMPOWS), those who were held captive at the Hanoi Hilton for an average of seven years. At their reunion, Gail honored 85 of these heroes.

Gail is a member of the American Legion, a lifetime member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), and active as an honor guard member continuing to play taps. In 2012, Gail was at the White House in Washington D.C., to receive recognition as the Champion for Change for the Vietnam Veterans. In 2013, Gail organized an event held at the Vietnam Wall in D.C. to honor Vietnam Vets, thru wreath laying, prayer, and TAPS.

Now at 70 years young, Gail continues to make quilts as a way to thank our Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice. Gail will be honored by the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration for her outstanding work and will be recognized at Continental Congress as our state winner.

Congratulations, Gail. Thank you for your service and all that you do.

Laurie Smotherman
State Commemorative Events Chair
lauriesmotherman@gmail.com