News : Corporal Jonathan Healzer USMC receives Quilt of Valor

Quilts of Valor presents Corporal Jonathan Healzer with quilt #296,669 from the organization - 1 of the 92 that Rita Moore has made (or still in progress) for the organization.

Daddy gets a hug

The companion quilt being presented to Sherman

Camel traffic can be heavy in the desert

Fox Company Weapons Platoon 0351 Section Anti-tank Assault men, 2003 Initial Invasion of Iraq.

Behind the scenes in Iraq, demo prep and range, 2003 Initial Invasion

Preparing to leave Iraq 2003

.50 caliber watch in Alkute, Iraq in 2003, Initial Invasion

Corporal Jonathan Healzer, U.S. Marine veteran was presented with a Quilt of Valor for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VFW Post #8884 hosted the Healzer family along with one of the largest groups of friends and family for a presentation so far.

Healzer served from 2001-2005 during the initial Invasion Operation OIF in Iraq, OEF in Afghanistan and during the Battle of Nasiriyah. He served with the 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

As part of his service in the Battle of Nasiriyah he was part of the team that helped to free P.O.W. Jessica Lynch. Lynch was a former United States Army soldier who served in the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States and allied forces. Private First Class Lynch was serving as a unit supply specialist with the 507th Maintenance Company when her convoy was ambushed by Iraqi forces during the Battle of Nasiriyah. Lynch was seriously injured and captured. Her subsequent recovery by U.S. Special Operations Forces on April 1, 2003, received considerable media coverage; it was the first successful rescue of an American prisoner of war since World War II and the first-ever of a woman.

Healzer's job as part of the rescue was to engage in diversion tactics drawing the attention of Iraqi militia at the hospital. Healzer was one of the troops at the location. His job was to fire rockets into the building so that troops could secure it. Following the rescue, he was able to see the room where Lynch had been held and tortured.

Another account of the rescue, (see the link to the CNN story below) explained that other members of the Marines landed by helicopter. "The assault team persuaded a local physician to lead them to Lynch's room."

For many of us who remember that day, we watched from the safety of our homes. As one of the presenters of the Quilts of Valor said, "When I say to a member or former member of the military, 'Thank You for your Service' this is what I'm saying to you. When my little boys were all under the age of five, I put them to bed safely. I didn't have to worry about car bombs, snipers, or someone gassing my family because we didn't believe what they believe. It's all because of men and women like you. So the next time someone thanks you, they've got a story just like mine. To all of the veterans, that's the right and privilege that you give to us, and we thank you every single day for that. God Bless you and thank you for your service."

"He's the most patriotic person I've ever met. He loves America and absolutely would sign up again," said Elise of her husband's service. Signing up for the Marines during peacetime, in the spring of 2001, he began serving during the fall of 2001. Then 9/11 happened. As soon as that occurred, he realized immediately that he would be going to war. Shortly after, he was sent to boot camp.

His first tour took him to Iraq, his second deployment was to Afghanistan followed by a third deployment on a Navy Medical Float, spending time again in Iraq.

On Healzer's return from his military service, he worked at the Duane Arnold Energy Center as an Armed Nuclear Security Officer.

Jonathan, husband and dad is also usually accompanied by his service dog, Sherman. Sherman is a Golden Retriever trained through Kevlar K9 based in Wichita, Kansas.

Healzer received 1 of the 92 quilts that Rita Moore has created for the Quilts of Valor program. The quilt that Healzer received is quilt number 296,669 given by Q.O.V. The organization is made up of volunteers.

Along with the quilt presented to Healzer, Moore also created a small companion quilt for Sherman. These are something Moore does as an additional gift to the soldiers who require a service dog. Sherman is 2 years old.

As the ceremony wraps up, those present are invited to share a moment with the quilt recipient as they play, "God bless the USA."

If you know someone who has been touched by war, and you would like to nominate them to receive a quilt, reach out to Quilts of Valor.

CNN Story

Video of the Jessica Lynch rescue that Healzer assisted with.