The Cotton Rose Quilters Guild hosted a heartfelt winter meeting in 2025, honoring local veterans with handmade quilts as tokens of appreciation for their service. Pike County Veterans Affairs Officer Randy Ross attended the event, expressing gratitude to veterans for their dedication and commitment to the country. He highlighted his role in assisting veterans with various benefits, including vocational rehabilitation, education, and burial services.
During the gathering, each veteran was presented with a quilt, crafted from blocks made individually by the quilters. Ross emphasized the significance of the quilts, stating, “The Cotton Rose Quilters honored each veteran with a special token of appreciation — a quilt of blocks handmade by the quilters.” The quilts served not only as a symbol of gratitude but also as a heartfelt recognition of the contributions made by each veteran.
Recognizing Veteran Contributions
The event included a formal introduction of the honored veterans, each recognized for their unique service. The quilts were accepted with deep appreciation, reflecting the love and effort that went into their creation. Notably, Elaine McLeod, a dedicated veteran and community leader, was absent as she attended another veterans’ celebration in Ozark. McLeod, who served in the Army from 1974 to 1977, has made significant contributions to the veteran community, including founding the non-profit Vet 4 Vets and currently serving as the Commander of the American Legion in Ozark.
In July 2025, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville recognized McLeod as the “July Veteran of the Wiregrass,” acknowledging her tireless efforts in addressing veteran needs, such as homelessness and food insecurity.
Among the honored veterans was Ronnie Baker, who joined the National Guard in 1968, serving with the 11-33rd Medical Unit. His military journey included deployment to Panama and Hungary during Operation Joint Endeavor, where his unit received the Maintenance Award for outstanding service. Baker retired in April 2003, having received numerous awards for his service.
Another honoree, Lawrence Bishop, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1983 and trained as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic. His distinguished career spanned 30 years, during which he participated in significant operations, including Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bishop retired as a Colonel in 2017.
Personal Stories of Valor
Christopher Carroll enlisted in the Army in February 1989, earning an Army Scholarship and serving as a Combat Engineer. His deployment during Operation Desert Storm earned him various accolades, including the Saudi Arabian Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait. After leaving the Army, Carroll graduated from Troy University and has spent the last 13 years working for Lockheed Martin, providing support to modern-day soldiers.
Staff Sgt. Kellie Davis Curtis shared her unique journey in the Air Force, beginning at Lackland Air Force Base. Her career took her around the globe, where she trained as a Medical Laboratory Technologist and served at numerous bases, including those in Turkey and Guam. Curtis’s experiences showcased the diverse challenges faced by service members and the importance of resilience.
Lastly, Michael Warren volunteered for service during the Vietnam War. His reconnaissance missions in Vietnam were fraught with danger, leading to an incident where he was saved by Capt. Terry Gardner, who disobeyed orders to rescue Warren and his team from enemy fire. Warren was honorably discharged in 1966, having served with distinction.
The Cotton Rose Quilters Guild’s meeting served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans. The handmade quilts symbolize not only individual stories of service but also the collective gratitude of the community towards those who have dedicated their lives to protecting their country.
