Quilt of Valor given to army veteran, alderman D.I. Smith

Quilt of Valor given to army veteran, alderman D.I. Smith

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RIDGELAND — An alderman here has been recognized by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Ret. United State Army Col. and Ridgeland Alderman-at-Large Douglas Irving “D.I.” Smith, Jr., was awarded a Quilt of Valor by the VFW. The official presentation date will be recorded as Nov. 11, 2022, Veteran’s Day.

“I was quite blown away and surprised and moved,” Smith said.

Smith served in the Army for 30 years from Nov. 23, 1969, to Dec. 1, 1999. Smith said he has over six years command experience in Field Artillery and Army Aviation including combat in Vietnam and the Republic of Panama. His last assignment was Inspector General, Mississippi National Guard. 

“I was extremely moved by this unique symbol of appreciation for my years of service to our Nation,’ Smith said. “Especially having served in Vietnam. And, no welcome or thanks whatsoever upon return from Vietnam.”

During his career in the Army, he received numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit(2), the Bronze Star(2), the Air Medal(10), and the Meritorious Service Medal (6). He has also earned Master Aviator Wings, Senior Parachutist badge, and the coveted black and gold RANGER tab. Aircraft qualifications include UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, and UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter. Additionally, he has a commercial pilot rating in airplanes and helicopters.

D.I. and his wife, Linda, are members of Highland Colony Baptist Church in Ridgeland. In addition to the Trace-Reservoir VFW Post 6809, Smith is involved in a number of other organizations for veterans.

A Quilt of Valor is a “quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted.” It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The VFW website notes that The Quilt “unequivocally” says, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.” To use the term Quilt of Valor, the organization states, the quilt must be a specific size, must have a label with required information, it must be awarded and must be recorded. 

The quilt was made by Cynthia Bates of the Jackson Quilters. The quilt was presented to Smith by Eleanor Mills, a representative with Quilts of Valor.

“Ms. Mills spoke last night that the purpose of the quilt is to comfort those touched by war,” Trey McClure, VFW Post 6809 Commander, said. “D.I. surely meets that qualification,”

Smith said he first became familiar with the organization in recent years when a friend from Kentucky was awarded a quilt.

“I just thought it was the neatest thing,” Smith said. “It is easy to just say thank you but that organization really puts a lot of effort into making a quilt like that. It is a nice, nice quilt.”

Smith said the quilt currently sits on the back of his couch and though it is nice for display, the quilt has proven to be functional as well. Smith said he reached for it on a recent cold morning and found the quilt to be warm and comforting.

McClure said the presentation went well for their regular November meeting, which is traditionally held at the Commemorative Air Force hangar at Bruce Campbell Field in Madison.

“Their memorabilia gives a change of scenery to our members and an opportunity to reminisce,” McClure said. We have dinner brought in. It's a good time for all.”

VFW Post 6809 has about 65 current members, though McClure said any veterans living in the area are encouraged to join or attend meetings when able.

They meet each month on the second Thursday at 6 p.m. usually at the small house next to Strawberry Patch Park, across from Madison-Ridgeland Academy football field. Any veterans interested or needing more information can contact Trey McClure at 662-719-8855.






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