Honored for his service with Quilt of Valor ...

Mr. & Mrs. Andy Gassman and family of Big Lake, MN and Mr. & Mrs. Garrieth Franks of Oelwein hosted a Quilt of Valor presentation and reception for Duane Franks of Waukon earlier this year. Jan Franks, Quilt Of Valor volunteer, provided information about the Quilt Of Valor’s history and purpose, then awarded a Villa Rose Honor Quilt to Duane Franks (in photo at right) as an expression of gratitude and thanks for his service, sacrifice and valor in serving this nation and its people.

Duane Franks, formerly of Wadena, entered the United States Army in 1965. He received Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and First Class Hawk Missile Fire Control Crewman Training at Fort Bliss, TX. As a soldier with the 32nd Air Defense Command, he was deployed to the 7th Army Training Base in Grafenwohr, Germany with the duty assignment of Electronic Missile Maintenance. Sergeant E5 Franks was honorably discharged in 1967. He has been a member of his hometown American Legion Post 631 for 25 years. Submitted photo.