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Tracy Shaw, Sue Freden, and Ed Bleitz display the Quilt of Valor presented to Bleitz in honor of his military service.
COURTESY OF NORM MANLY
Episode 3135 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Quilts of Honor presentation in Washington State. The featured story is titled: Local veteran honored with a Quilt of Valor. It appeared in the Lake Chelan Mirror and was submitted by Quinn Propst, Ward Media Staff Reporter.
Propst reported that on October 21, U.S. Army veteran Ed Bleitz was honored with a Quilt of Valor in a heartfelt ceremony at Bayshore Court in Chelan, recognizing his lifetime of service and sacrifice. Hosted by the Quilts of Valor Foundation and the Lake Chelan Quilts of Valor group, the event was led by Tracy Shaw and Sue Freden, who wrapped Bleitz in a handmade quilt—a powerful national symbol of gratitude and respect for those who served.
Born in 1943, Bleitz enlisted in the Army at just 17, training as an aircraft mechanic and later serving as an aircraft operations specialist. Though he volunteered to serve in Vietnam, his request was denied, and he was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, until his honorable discharge in 1964. His life afterward reflected the same resilience that defined his generation—working in sales, racing cars, running a service station, and ultimately answering a spiritual calling as a pastor and chaplain. He and his wife, Sharon, built a large, faith-filled family and devoted their lives to service, both in ministry and through community leadership.
Bleitz’s story echoes the experience of many Vietnam veterans, a generation of warriors who returned home without fanfare or thanks. Unlike modern veterans, they often faced rejection rather than recognition. That’s why ceremonies like this one matter deeply—they reclaim the honor long overdue.
The Vietnam veteran generation stands as one of America’s greatest: courageous, loyal, and steadfast despite the hardships they endured. Through programs like Quilts of Valor and the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, the nation now stands united in gratitude—ensuring heroes like Ed Bleitz are finally celebrated for the strength, sacrifice, and service that defined an era.
For more information about the Lake Chelan Quilts of Valor group, contact Sue Freden, group leader, at lakechelanqov@gmail.com.
Listen to Episode 3135 and discover more about the Quilts of Honor presentation in Washington State.
