Retired SGT Robert Sessions Sr. was selected as a recipient of the first custom made quilt of the VFW Post 1638 Auxiliary/Quilt of Honor program. The quilt features details of his service and personal soothing memories. A surprise quilt dedication ceremony, co-sponsored by Marathon Lincoln Co. Mar-Lin VFW Post 10203, was held Sunday at the Hamburg Town Hall.
Quilt of Honor project coordinator Cheryl Coyer of Merrill had previously created and presented several quilts to local veterans through the nationwide Quilts of Valor program. Coyer has now brought her passion for honoring veterans through quilting into the Merrill VFW Post 1638 Auxiliary, creating the Quilt of Honor program.
Robert Sessions proudly served in the United Sates Marine Corps ACO 2nd Battalion during the Korean War. He saw combat action as an Artillery Gunner and Mortar Man. He also served as Chaplain when needed. Bob fought in the famous Battle of the Chosin Reservoir where a massive Chinese force surprised our Marines in a brutal 17-day battle in deadly freezing weather – earning him and his comrades the honored nicknamed as the “The Chosin Few”).
Robert has received many awards and decorations: Including two Purple Hearts, three Battle Stars, the Korea War Medal, Sharp Shooter of the Carbine Rifle and 45 pistol badges, plus several more.
Robert has many stories he can share about this war, and it was a cold one. Bob credits the bitter cold for saving his life by slowing blood flow from his wounds.
As a member of VFW Post 10203, Bob continues to serve as Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard Member. He has participated in veteran grave side honors and giving comfort to many dozens of families as Post Chaplain.
“Robert is liked by many, especially his family and many friends,” Coyer said. “As I was making this quilt and have to say I have never met this man but just by talking to family and friends and even his school bus kids (which are adults now) they have so many great stories and say how great he is. I would like to say what an honor that we can share this dedication with Robert and present this quilt to him to give him comfort and warmth. Thank you so much Robert for your services in the Korean War.”
“Dad was pretty shocked, he was caught off-guard,” adds Sessions’ son, Mike. “The plan was for him to think he was going to his grandson’s confirmation party, but instead he walked into a party and a celebration of his service to our country. We had around 140 family members and friends from as far away as Denver, Colorado, attend dad’s ceremony on Sunday. He was very surprised and grateful for everyone who attended. He thought that quilt was really something! After the presentation, he told me he never expected to receive something like that.”
VFW Post 1638 Auxiliary/Quilt of Honor is a new program of Merrill’s Schmitt-Manecke-Donner Post. Members are committed to continue to present healing quilts and warm memories to VFW members.
Donations by check can be made out to VFW Post 1638 Auxillery/Quilt of Honor; 205 N. Cleveland St. Merrill, WI 54452