Veteran Butch Gardner to Receive Quilt of Valor Sunday

The community is invited to celebrate the military service of Butch Gardner, a lifelong Lyerly resident and veteran, as he receives a Quilt of Valor this Sunday, January 11th at 12:00 noon at Lyerly Methodist Church.

Gardner is well-known throughout Lyerly as a former city councilman, retired prison guard, and dedicated leader in Lyerly Methodist Church. What many may not know is that Gardner served his country as a U.S. Army IMJIN Scout in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in 1967 and 1968.

Like many combat veterans, Gardner has remained modest about his military service. Those who know him describe him as a man who “says what he believes and means what he says,” but by nature is humble and private about his time in service—not out of embarrassment, but out of the quiet pride common among those who have witnessed the trauma of war.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nationwide organization whose mission is to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” Each quilt is handmade and presented to selected combat veterans as a tangible thank you for their service and sacrifice.

On Sunday, Sergeant Butch Gardner will receive his long-overdue Quilt of Valor in recognition of his service as an IMJIN Scout in the DMZ. The presentation will take place at noon at Lyerly Methodist Church.

Community members who know Gardner, those interested in learning more about the Quilts of Valor Society, or anyone who wants to honor his service to the country, are encouraged to attend. Those who wish to arrive early are welcome to attend the church service and Pastor Bryan’s sermon before the presentation.

The ceremony will be held at Lyerly Methodist Church on Sunday, January 11th at 12:00 noon.