Matt Kozakiewicz is a combat veteran who received his Quilt of Valour on Aug. 29 in a presentation ceremony at CFB Shilo. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
Two veterans were wrapped in the warmth of Quilts of Valour at a presentation ceremony at CFB Shilo on Aug. 29. A third was honoured at his home.
Quilts of Valour Presenter for the Western Manitoba Region, Bernard Verreault, said the countless hand-sewn stitches in each quilt represent a million hugs of warmth and appreciation of sacrifice for each recipient.
Matt Kozakiewicz is a combat veteran and served in Afghanistan on TF-106. He was injured as a result of a car bomb but still completed his tour. He took part in the largest Canadian-led offensive since the Korean War, Operation Medusa. The goal was to establish government control over an area of Kandahr Province. While it was a tactical victory, it resulted in the deaths of 12 Canadian soldiers and 14 British military personnel.
Kozakiewicz is decorated with a wound stripe, sacrifice medal, and general campaign star. He suffers from post-traumatic stress and injuries incurred from combat, and his experience with the suicide car bomb, his wife, Meghan Woloshen, stated in his nomination for the quilt recognition.
Todd Ricker joined the Canadian Armed Forces straight out of high school. He retired from the Military in 2009 and spent two years as a stay-at-home dad caring for his two children, Alyssa and Nicholas.
Nominated by a friend from Alberta, Ricker said during his career he completed four tours overseas, in Cyprus in 1990, the former Republic of Yugoslavia in 1993, Bosnia in 2000, and again in 2003.
He completed basic training at CFB Cornwallis and Battle School in Wainwright. He was soon posted to CFB Winnipeg, where he served for 20 years with the Second Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, spending 12 years with the Mortar Platoon.
Born and raised in Moncton, NB, he was the youngest of 14 siblings and now works for the Manitoba Government as a Trades helper. Ricker said he hopes to retire soon and spend the numerous winter hours honing his billiards skills and enjoying time in warmer destinations.
Chief Warrant Officer (retired) James Brown was wrapped in his quilt of valour at his home in the presence of his wife, Jann Brown, who put his name forward as deserving to receive the hand-stitched comforter.
CWO (Ret) Brown committed to more than 29 years of service in the CAF after rolling in to Air Defence as a technician from the Winnipeg Reserves in 1980. He has worked in all three elements of the CAF — Army, Navy and Air Force.
Brown told Shilo Stag News that he had always been enamoured with the Forces through the influence of his great-grandfather and great-uncle, who fought in the Second World War.
“The Military offered different options for me, rather than the run-of-the-mill schooling,” he said.
“The highlight [of my career] was being able to serve on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s team after the elections. I got to live with him for a week in Khandahar. “
Brown completed five tours in foreign operations; three in Afghanistan, one in Cambodia and one in Yugoslavia. His wife, Jann, said soldiers need to be recognized for their sacrifice for our country and our families.
“[Quilts of Valour] are significant for them to have a reminder and for the memories,” she said.
Reflecting on his own days in overseas missions, CWO (Ret.) said there were difficult times in Khandahar, leaving him with poignant memories.
“The quilt is a reminder of everyone I served with. It encapsulates my time as a soldier. Each time I look at it, it is a reminder of previous times.”
Todd Ricker was nominated by a friend who lives in Alberta and completed four tours overseas. He was presented his comfort quilt on Aug. 29 by Quilts of Valour representative Bernard Verreault at CFB Shilo. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
Bernard Verreault, presenter for Quilts of Valour, shows CWO (Ret) James Brown and his wife Jann, the comfort quilt hand-stiched for him and presented at his home in Brandon on Aug. 29. (Photo: supplied)
Bernard Verrault of Quilts of Valour wraps Matt Kozakiewicz, Veteran, in a hand-stitched quilt chosen specifically for him and presented at CFB Shilo on Aug. 29. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
Todd Ricker is a combat veteran who served four overseas tours and was nominated by a friend in Alberta to receive a Quilt of Valour, which was presented on Aug. 29 in a presentation ceremony at CFB Shilo. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
CWO (Ret.) James Brown receives a hand-stitched quilt at his home in Brandon from Quilts of Valour presenter Bernard Verrault on Aug. 29 (Photo: Supplied)
