The Missouri River Quilt Guild presented Tami Kiso, coordinator of the Central Missouri Honor Flight, with 160 quilts to give to veterans who have served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Tuesday's meeting was not an ordinary guild meeting, as a variety of quilts lay across the backs of the chairs and across the table tops around the room. The quilts were an assortment of colors, patterns and materials, uniquely made to honor a special veteran.
"We would do anything in our power to support our veterans," said Eva Studley, president of the Missouri River Quilt Guild.
Studley said at least 100 people helped to make the quilts. Their group serves as the sole provider of quilts to veterans in long term care, as well as those who participate in the Honor Flight.
So far, 2,900 veterans have participated in the Central Missouri Honor Flights. Flight 46 on May 22 is set to take 78 more.
Veterans are typically flown to Washington, D.C., to visit all of the memorials and a host of other sites, including the White House. During this time, Kiso said each veteran who wants a quilt is given one.
At first, some veterans may have anxiety about going, Kiso explained, but by the end, they all have their head held high.
"Some of these guys have 50- and 60-year-old memories of being spit on and such, so it can be a bit overwhelming for them," Kiso said.
Arriving back in Missouri, the veterans board buses and are escorted by the Missouri Highway Patrol back to headquarters at the Marriott Courtyard in Columbia. On the way, hundreds of people on overpasses greet their return with applause.
At the headquarters, each veteran goes down the walk of honor where they are recognized for their service and granted the recognition they deserve.
"It's such an honor to work with the veterans, these flights really do provide a sense of closure for them," Kiso said.
For veterans interested in participating in an Honor Flight, fill out an application at www.centralmissourihonorflight.com.