Historical Quilt Made in Ramona
By Tracy Rolling

Photo by Tracy Rolling

More than a handful of months ago, Ramona resident Heidi-Rose McFadden sympathized with other U.S. Marine families who were experiencing the stress of their loved ones' third deployment over the past four years.

McFadden's husband, Lt. Col. Roger J. McFadden of the United States Marine Corps Marine Heavy Helicopter Unit 466 (HMH-466), along with the other 250 members of the squadron, have been generously provided for.

Not so fortunate are the families who have had to quietly navigate through new challenges with limited assistance.

Like so many military families across the nation, the longevity of the war has somehow created a routine way of life.

McFadden said, "For some the crisis has been too severe - families have surrendered to failed marriages, withdrawn children and overwhelming pressures in the absences of their Marine."

A true go-getter, McFadden came up with an idea to make a quilt and auction it on eBay with the hope of raising some money to offset the pressures felt by these families.

With the help of Betty Adams and Susie Johnson, also Ramona residents, the three women produced a 65-inch by 84 1/2-inch, red, white, blue and tan quilt.

"It took a total of 41 hours," said McFadden, who chose a blue star pattern because of its patriotic symbolism. A blue star banner displayed in a window of a home lets others know that someone in the house is proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Little did McFadden know the quilt would become an historical item, selling on eBay for an incredible $2,550.

McFadden is confident the quilt will serve as a beacon of hope in one special home and is proud of being a part of a team of women whose efforts will lessen the burdens felt by Wolfpack families.

Additional tax-deductible donations are being collected through Soroptimist International of Ramona, a worldwide organization for professional women committed to working with service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.

Checks can be made payable to SI Ramona, c/o HMH 466 Quilt and sent to: Soroptimist, c/o HMH 466 Quilt, P.O. Box 1433 Ramona, CA 92065.