The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Red, white and blue - Veterans we honor you ... this was the theme for the Phillips County Fair held in July in Holyoke.

The Haxtun American Legion Auxiliary sponsored a Patriotic Quilt Contest to honor Veterans and provide support to wounded military personnel.

Operation First Response uses cot quilts for the backpacks to wounded military personnel when they first arrive at an overseas hospital, often with little to no personal belongings. These plain backpacks are filled with a homemade red, white and blue quilt, suitable clothing and other personal items.

Along with cot quilts, Operation First Response also accepts larger size quilts which are delivered to rehab and other medical facilities in the United States. This year the Haxtun American Legion Auxiliary donated 16 quilts. The group's efforts will continue in the future.

Quilts are welcomed as the Auxiliary carries on the Operation First Response program. Quilt sizes include 35x35, 45x45 and 70x90. Larger quilts will go to rehab centers for soldiers.

The Haxtun American Legion Auxiliary welcomes new members to join the efforts to serve fallen and recovering soldiers to let them know they are not forgotten and to thank them for their service to the United States.

To join, contact Lennette Hutt at (970) 520-2701, Twila Squires at (303) 244-1598 or Carrie Anderson at (970) 580-2594. For time and place for the September meeting, contact any individual listed above.

"We work for a cause, not the applause. Live life to express, not to impress. Don't strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt." Serving Americas Finest.