Local veteran honored with a Quilt of Valor

CHELAN — On Oct. 21, U.S. Army veteran Ed Bleitz was honored with a Quilt of Valor in a ceremony at Bayshore Court in Chelan. The presentation, hosted by the Quilts of Valor Foundation in partnership with the Lake Chelan Quilts of Valor group, recognized Bleitz for his service and sacrifice.

The ceremony was led by Tracy Shaw and Sue Freden, who had the honor of wrapping Bleitz in the handmade quilt—a national symbol of comfort, gratitude, and respect for military service.

Since its founding in 2003, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has awarded nearly 424,000 quilts to service members and veterans across the country. The organization’s 655 groups, supported by more than 11,000 volunteers nationwide—including 26 groups and 600 members in Washington—fund their own materials and quilting expenses. Last year, Washington volunteers awarded more than 1,200 quilts statewide.

Bleitz’s story is one of dedication, service, and faith. Born in 1943 in Portland, Oregon, he grew up in the rural outskirts of North Seattle. At just 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, completing basic training at Fort Ord, California, and advanced training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and Fort Lee, Virginia.

Trained as an aircraft mechanic, Bleitz later served as an aircraft operations specialist. When the Vietnam War began, he volunteered to serve as a gunner, though his request was denied and he was instead stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland. He was honorably discharged in 1964.

In the years that followed, Bleitz led a life marked by resilience and purpose—working in sales, racing cars, operating a service station, and eventually serving as a pastor. His path took him from Maryland to Washington, Idaho, and California before settling in Chelan in 1981.

After a mission trip to Guatemala in 1983, Bleitz attended Life Pacific University in Los Angeles and later founded Valley Hope Chapel in East Wenatchee. In his late 50s, he joined the Civil Air Patrol, serving as a chaplain for the Department of Defense, participating in search and rescue missions, and training pilots across Washington and Oregon.

Bleitz and his wife, Sharon, whom he met at a figure-eight race in 1977, built a large and loving family of seven children, 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Their faith carried them through both joy and heartbreak, including the loss of two sons.

Today, Bleitz continues to serve as a chaplain for Chelan Fire District 7, Orondo Fire, and the Chelan and Douglas County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as with the North Central Washington Chaplain Association.

For Vietnam veterans like Bleitz, the return home was especially painful. Unlike today’s service members who are greeted with gratitude and honor, many Vietnam veterans came back to a country in conflict, without recognition, without ceremony, and often without support.

“Today, we stand committed to changing that narrative,” Shaw said during the ceremony. “We honor Ed and all Vietnam veterans with the respect, gratitude, and welcome they deserved then, and now. Their service will never be forgotten.”

In 2017, the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act designated March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, ensuring that the nation’s gratitude for those who served during that era is never again overlooked.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation partners with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to present veterans with a special lapel pin as a lasting symbol of appreciation. The pin Bleitz received features an eagle’s head for courage and honor, stripes for the nation’s flag, and six stars representing the allies who served together. The reverse side reads: “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”

Freden also presented Bleitz with a Quilts of Valor certificate of recognition. Following the ceremony, friends and family shared cake and fellowship.

“At first, I didn’t want a ceremony,” Bleitz said. “I didn’t feel I deserved it. But after speaking with the folks from Quilts of Valor, I came to understand, and I said yes. A veteran is someone who writes a blank check to the United States of America, payable up to and including their life. I didn’t expect the award to move me the way it did. I had tears in my eyes.”

For more information about the Lake Chelan Quilts of Valor group, contact Sue Freden, group leader, at lakechelanqov@gmail.com. The group meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Chelan Fire Station.

Tracy Shaw contributed to this report.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.