From left are Quilt of Valor creator Bonnie Davis, quilt recipeint Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix, and Carol Pickering of the Southwest New Mexico Quilters' Guild American Legion Post 18 Commander Ray Davis is in the left background.

Photo and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Medal of Honor winner Drew Dix, who lives in the Mimbres, was in attendance at an American Legion meeting on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at the invitation of Allingham-Golding Post 18 Commander Ray Davis.

The main topic of the meeting was to elect new officers, but Davis had other plans. He invited his wife, Bonnie Davis, and Carol Pickering of the Southwest Quilters' Guild to come forward.

He talked about the quilts of valor, which are made by quilters in the local guild, as well as in quilters' groups all over the country.

"Quilts of valor are presented to those in military service who came away with everlasting memories of their service," Davis said. "We need to recognize them. The local guild has given away 47 in the past year. All told, more than 100,000 have been given away throughout the country and even the world."

Davis said: "A Medal of Honor winner will be the recipient of a Quilt of Valor made by my wife Bonnie." He called Dix forward and gave some of Dix's background to why he received the Medal of Honor, as a result of service in the Vietnam Conflict.

Dix was a staff sergeant in the Tet Offensive, Davis said. He rescued many of his own troops and eliminated many of the Viet Cong that came into the battle. "For details read 'The Rescue of River City' written by Dix. He later became a lieutenant and retired as a major. He still works with the federal government. And he was a bush pilot in Alaska."

Bonnie Davis and Pickering draped the Quilt of Valor around Dix's shoulders. Pickering said Dix should consider the quilt as hugs for his service. She also gave Dix the ceremonial bag, but instructed that the quilt was never to return to the bag, but should be put in a place of honor or used. She said the ceremonial bag could have a pillow put in it, but never again the quilt.

Dix expressed his surprise and pleasure. "Ray pulled me in by asking me to attend what would be his last meeting as commander. I doubt that. I think he will remain quite active in this post." He said he was honored to receive the quilt.