Making lap robes for veterans earns women congratulations

Sometimes the most simplest expression of gratitude can have the most profound impact.

Fully aware of the sacrifices our soldiers make, a group of ladies have taken it upon themselves to make lap robes for our veterans.

On Sunday, members of the ladies of the Comfort Group Club, as well as the Lafayette Council of the Knights of Columbus, were recognized for their generosity during a mass at the Sacred Heart Parish in Palmerton.

George Duell, Jr., Freedom Team Salute, Ambassador, U.S. Army, said the ladies have been making lap robes for our veterans, and most recently, have provided them for our recovering warriors at Fort Bragg, NC.

"This is an example of their caring and sharing that recognizes the service of our veterans and lets our veterans know they are not forgotten," Duell said. "And, assisting by providing the funds to mail the lap robes, our Knights of Columbus guided their goals of unity, charity, fraternity and patriotism, teamed with the ladies to support this project."

Duell then presented Ladies of the Comfort Group Club Mary Dutko, Mary Madar, Stephania Kurtz, Phyllis Wandell, and Ethel DeSousa, along with Grand Knight George Kattner of the Lafayette Council of the Knights of Columbus, with certificates of appreciation. Duell said Betty Pachkowski of the Ladies of the Comfort Group Club would also be recognized.

Father William Campion, pastor, offered a personal congratulations to the ladies.

The Freedom Team Salute program was established in 2005 to honor Army veterans, as well as family of active serving soldiers.

In 2008, the Army Supporter Program was established to recognize those not directly connected with the Army, but who, through various actions, support the Army and its soldiers.

Since its inception, Freedom Team Salute has honored over two million recipients with Freedom Team Salute Commendations.

The program allows all soldiers to recognize their parents, spouse and employer (of Guard and Reserve Soldiers) with a commendation thanking them for the value they bring to the Army family.

Freedom Team Salute also allows anyone to recognize a U.S. Army Veteran for his or her service to the nation, no matter where or when he or she served, or for how long.

Additionally, anyone can recognize an Army Supporter who has significantly contributed to supporting soldiers and the Army's mission.