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Group personalizes pillow cases to show support for troops
By Phyllis Coulter
pcoulter@pantagraph.com
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NORMAL — Diane Dodson was comforted knowing her son slept better in Iraq on a personalized pillowcase. The Normal woman made the case with a big American flag and his name about two years ago. He loved it so much that others in his unit wanted similar patriotic pillowcases.

“When they lay their heads on the American flag, they are closer to home,” she said.

She embroidered about 150 pillowcases, and has since inspired her embroidery club to make the personalized gift for an entire Bloomington battalion.

On Friday and Saturday, the Sew Much More Embroidery Club in Normal, along with members of the community, sewed, embroidered, ironed and wrote personal notes at the Sew Much More shop on College Avenue.

The volunteers, including families of those serving overseas, made more than 70 pillowcases for Illinois National Guard members from the Headquarters 33rd Military Police Battalion in Bloomington.

When she brought her project to her embroidery club for show and tell months ago, she got so much support from the shop’s owner and club members, volunteers joined her efforts.

Dodson’s son, Justin, returned from Iraq in 2006, but she just kept on sewing and embroidering for others. She sought special clearance from military officials to handle the names of those serving in the Bloomington battalion.

She also worked closely with the Family Readiness Group, a local support group for military families, on gifts for the battalion, which left Bloomington last June.

Dodson talked to mothers as they embroidered pillowcases for their sons. “They made us cry all the way through,” she said. “They’re (families of servicemen and women) so thankful for this.”

Getting the hang of it

Sheryl Walker of Cuba, Ill., who doesn’t usually sew, got help from Dodson when she embroidered her husband’s name on a pillowcase Saturday.

Her daughter, Erin, an Illinois State University student, and mother, Shirley Taylor, also of Cuba, both helped in the efforts. They also included a personal note.

“It’s really a good idea,” Sheryl Walker said of the project. “I’ve been surprised how much Bloomington-Normal has given to the troops so far. This town has been so wonderful with all its support.”

This was the third time her husband, a sergeant first class, has been deployed. He also served with the 233rd Military Police Company, a Springfield-based unit of the Illinois National Guard.

The pillowcases were made from 120 yards of a cotton blend, digital camouflage material donated by the Sew Much More shop.

Owner Valerie Haberer said they wanted fabric that was cool and comfortable on soldiers’ faces. She had thought that 120 yards seemed like a lot of fabric, but the military company she purchased it from said it normally didn’t supply such small orders.

Each pillowcase bears the words “Our Flag Our Freedom: Protecting Us Against Terrorism”; a red, white and blue flag; a soldier; and the future owner’s name.

Edie Lambert of Bloomington developed the pattern for the American flag that was embroidered on each pillowcase. She made certain it had 50 tiny stars and 13 stripes, knowing the troops would appreciate the details.

“We feel so good about it. It’s a small part we can do,” Lambert said.

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Reader comments on this story - 16 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Lucky Charms wrote on May 3, 2007 2:11 PM:

" What does one have to do to get the RW trademark Pillow case. I love you. "

Daddy's Little Princess wrote on May 2, 2007 7:21 PM:

" Dad I didn't know you had a fan club...PS are you still boycotting Tool?Love you, be safe. Oh, and tell Miller I made his pillowcase:) "

Cuba Curt wrote on May 1, 2007 6:43 PM:

" So I heard you are getting an extension? Is it hard?!?!?! Steve, your wife and I will be waiting for you when you get back. We will all have a few Old Styles and ride the sheep. Your Dear Dear Friend, Cuba Curt "

Doug Wells wrote on May 1, 2007 5:53 PM:

" Well Old Style is a token of the SFC Walkers tractor experiance.... It will be forever in my memory, the Amateur Goat Rodeos and PBR of the past. Return home soon Friend, you are in our prayers. "

SFC Walker's CSM wrote on May 1, 2007 3:06 PM:

" Thank you all for your wonderful thoughts, praise, prayers, and gifts for our outstanding Soldiers. Words just can't express how much it means to have so many people back home supporting us the way you all do. Thank you again and may God bless you. "

Bill Brasky wrote on May 1, 2007 2:31 PM:

" I also got word from Rusty's Mom that Harvester is now sponsoring the pulls. I am good with Old Style, anyhoo it doesn't get me as gassy as PBR. "

Tractor Trent wrote on May 1, 2007 1:42 PM:

" What are the dates of the pulls this year? I have gotten word from the mayor that Dog Style is the beer sponsor this year. Rusty enjoys that brand as well. Keep up the good work Rusty!!! "

Bill Brasky wrote on May 1, 2007 12:35 PM:

" The Fine state of Illinois is behind you SFC Walker, we look forward to your return, the John Deere Tractor pull has not been the same without you. We have your normal spot reserved in the PBR tent. Thanks for serving .. come home soon. "

Mrs. Walker wrote on May 1, 2007 12:35 PM:

" Keep up the good work. You and me and Steve will be together soon. "

Frankie's Friend wrote on May 1, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Did you get tickets for the concert? Is Rusty going to make it? "

Groundhog Main wrote on May 1, 2007 11:34 AM:

" Your my hero Rusty "

Frankie wrote on May 1, 2007 10:52 AM:

" Rusty, keep on keeping on, lifes a garden... dig it. Come back safe, you are the reason are country is great. When you return I look forward to the endless talks of what to do with all the corn. "

Tony wrote on Apr 30, 2007 10:17 PM:

" SFC Walker is a great NCO. I have had a close working relationship with him these past few years and I can tell you he really cares for his troops. God Bless and come home soon ; ) "

Miguel wrote on Apr 30, 2007 9:39 PM:

" Mr. Walker is a kind hearted man. He is a great leader of troops and is always there to offer a shoulder to cry on. I wish him the best over there and can't wait to spend some quality time with him when he gets back. ARMY STRONG HOOAH "

Randy M. wrote on Apr 30, 2007 9:26 PM:

" Rusty I hope to see you in 5 months. I'll say hello to everone in Cuba when I get back to the states in a few months. I am doing good in Kuwait, the room is a little cramped, but the food is great. "

SFC Walker's Biggest Fan wrote on Apr 30, 2007 9:17 PM:

" Rusty has and continues to do great work for our Nation. He is a great leader and an outstanding Battle NCO. "
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