4Patriots Video Spotlights U.S. Veterans

[VETERANS DAY UPDATE: With your help, we're TRIPLING our donation to Operation Homefront, & giving away 72-Hour Food Kits to help feed military families this holiday season. Click HERE to grab your Liberty Band Radios & help Operation Homefront]

If you’ve been a 4Patriots customer for any length of time, you know how important U.S. veterans, active-duty troops and their families are to us.

A vast majority of our financial and product donations – made possible by your purchases – go to organizations that support American military members and their families. 

We believe these brave men and women are deserving of so much more than they receive after risking their lives to protect ours. 

That’s why we feel it is both our responsibility and privilege to serve them after they’ve served us. And we believe the best way to do that is through contributions to reputable organizations established to do exactly that. 

Tracing roots to 1919

As you know, yesterday was Veterans Day. Originally known as Armistice Day, it’s a day on which we honor military veterans who have served in the U.S. armed forces. It was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

The first Armistice Day was November 11, 1919. In President Woodrow Wilson’s address to the nation, following the end of World War I, he said this:

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory.”

In 1947, the day was expanded to celebrate all U.S. veterans, not only those who died during World War I.

Veterans share a special bond

This year, in addition to our financial donations, 4Patriots decided to honor U.S. veterans by creating the short video above. I hope you’ll spend a few minutes watching it. 

We interviewed U.S. veteran Andrew Lee for this video, highlighting his quilt-making work on behalf of other veterans.

Andrew, who served his country for 20 years, starts off by describing what the word “veteran” means to him.

“Veteran, I believe, means that we, as veterans, endured something together that only us, veterans, can relate to. Filling sand bags, digging foxholes, sitting on a tarmac for eight hours, waiting for a bird to come pick you up...” 

He adds, “Being a civilian after being military for so long is tough. And it’s hard to transition to cuddly, touchy-feely, sensitive people. But I thought that this was my opportunity to do something to help myself.”

Combat Quilter displays patriotism

Surprisingly, that “something” turned out to be sewing. “I really feel that sewing allowed me to just completely compartmentalize and leave that stuff in the back of my mind,” he said.

But Andrew didn’t select sewing as merely a way to distract himself. He discovered a much higher purpose for this activity.

He began sewing patriotic quilts to give to veterans.

Andrew, also known as the “Combat Quilter,” has now completed 157 quilts, most of which are patriotic in nature.

Yes, you do deserve it

“What I did not realize was, when I awarded my first quilt of valor to a veteran… out of his mouth came, ‘I don’t deserve this.’

“My response to him was, ‘Mr. Carpenter, if you don’t deserve a quilt, neither does anybody else. You didn’t ride on a tank or in a jeep or jump out of an airplane. You walked into Normandy. Walked.’

“In that moment, I actually truly felt raw, pure emotion. Because when you’re giving or awarding a quilt to a veteran, they are broken and battered the same that you are.

“And now you don’t have to have some preconceived idea of how to form a bond. You just did it.”

If you're looking for a way to honor our nation's veterans...

Right now, through 11/15, when you stock up on Liberty Band Solar Radios during our Veterans Day event, you'll help us TRIPLE our donation to Operation Homefront and give hundreds of meals to military families. All while being a hero to your own family.

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Comments

  • Patricia Sikora - November 17, 2021

    I’m so happy he’s making these quilts.Giving is what heals.The more you give the more you receive.Their are so many homeless veterans,and that should not be.Their should be housing for everyone of them.We all should be giving to them.

  • Richard Clary - November 16, 2021

    I think these quilts are great and beautiful.i know several vets id love to give one. Can you purchase these and if so how much? Richard bfmcjed99@gmail.com

  • Barbara Clinkscales - November 16, 2021

    This video moved me to tears.
    What a splendid way to heal his own scars by reaching out to help heal the scars of others.
    Thanking God Almighty for all service members that gave of themselves that I might live in freedom in the U. S. of America!!!!

  • Theresa Palmer - November 16, 2021

    Thank you for all who served, from our family who gave it all. Remember those of us who lost our sons and daughters in the Navy in 2017.
    The Palmers♥️🙏

  • Robert “Chaps” Mercado - November 16, 2021

    This vid it’s quite inspiring to say the least. Every word vocalized hit close to home. There is not one day that goes by, that I’m in the battlefield. The times are really bad. I will not allow it to paralyze me.
    Semper Fi, Brother

  • Donna Tyler - November 15, 2021

    Thank you for showing this. My sister was an Army nurse in Viet Nam and and still could hurt someone if they came in back and startled her. She is s beautiful person. Lives on a farm. My Dad was in WW 2 and he was awesome. Marine in South Pacific. As a therapist I would work with soldiers and also get them pets by writing letters to help them have their own support. Thank you for celebrating them. With appreciation, Donna

  • Rheva Cyre - November 14, 2021

    Thank you so much for your service ❤. You are my hero’s and I am I am so grateful for all you and our many men and women who have given all to make America a safe and wonderful place to call home. God Bless you for your service.

  • Tracy L Pepper - November 14, 2021

    I really love hearing these veterans stories. I see homeless veterans every day with signs saying they’re hunger, I get them food and bless them. My question is what’s there store, why are so many of our veterans homeless. They should all be taken care of by everyone and the government. They gave their lives for us, what are we doing for them. This is why I love given to patriots because our veterans deserve more.

  • Beth - November 14, 2021

    THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SERVICES, GOD BLESS VETS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA, my son and many members of my family served and or are serving still . THANKS ❤️🙏

  • Elizabeth Labsrge - November 14, 2021

    The story you showed on the combat quilter was exceptional. Thank you for sharing it. Being a veteran it’s true that only veterans understand what we each go thru no matter the service you were in. Again thank you for sharing. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸⚓️⚓️⚓️⚓️

  • Carolyn Barndt - November 14, 2021

    Thank you for your service. Thank you for what you do for other veterans. You are a hero in many ways.

  • grandmasweigart@gmail.com - November 14, 2021

    What a kind heart you have. Thank you for your service to them.

  • Kelly Rauen - November 14, 2021

    Combat quilter is an inspiration! Thank you for the encouragement.

  • William Macchione - November 14, 2021

    I am a recipient of a quilt of Valor in this past May, I live on Long Island and traveled down to Myrtle Beach SC
    to receive my quilt, my sister in law Carol Walters knowing my background entered my name along with my DD214 to be considered as a recipient
    Of a quilt of Valor, when I was accepted I felt the need to receive it at the location Myrtle Beach that it was made and to be with several members of my extended family. What a wonderful ceremony it was. And my quilt will be cherished forever. I also now have an organization that I love to donate to. Bill Macchione former SGT. 11B40 A Co 1st Bn 52nd Infantry 198 LIB Americal Division Vietnam 1969. To all who devote so much time to Vets I thank you, God Bless the United States of America!!!

  • Nancy Higgins - November 14, 2021

    This is so heart warming that Andrew Lee does this for veterans. Does he take fabric donations? My daughter was a quilter and she passed on at age 42. I have fabric that she never used.

  • Robert W Geer - November 14, 2021

    Time is continuous, & while Each moment in time is a memory, of someone’s Efforts of Love & Currage , & while, with Facing all Fears, while Never knowing the outcome with high Hopes of giving a Greater Tomorrow of Freedom too others , to have a Happy & Healthy Life & all while Being selfless. Their is no Greater honor then too give of oneself, for the Greater of all . May Peace be with you Always & ❤ with many Blessings . This is my Prayer for all who have served .
    Thank you.
    From: Robert w.Geer, Dayton, Ohio,

  • Jeanne - November 14, 2021

    First, thank you for your twenty year sacrafice! THAT IS HUGE. We don’t know what you went through is right. I didn’t for my husband after Viet Nam. No help for extreme PTSD. So happy you found your way. What you are doing is beyond words to heal yourself and other’s. That’s the American way! God Bless You US Veteran Andrew Lee.

  • Colby Price - November 14, 2021

    Love the stuff you do for people.

  • Russell Meure - November 14, 2021

    Thank you for your Service….

  • Janmarie - November 14, 2021

    No one shall be left behind.

  • Donna - November 14, 2021

    Thank you for all you do to help the our beloved veterans. My husband is 100% disabled and he is happy to be able to help by buying from Patroit people. Your not a store to shop at, your family helping family. Loved the stories. God Bless you all.

  • Veronica Serrano - November 14, 2021

    Saying thank you to all our beloved and courageous military is not enough! You all have given up all your Holidays to keep fighting for our freedom that we as civilians always take for granted! I salute you all and ALWAYS keep you in my prayers! God bless you all and America(ns) are behind you, and we’re fighting for our freedom here at home, while you fight against all foreign and domestic enemies!

  • Mary Susan Moldenhauer - November 14, 2021

    I’m so pleased that you are doing this.
    As a widow of a 20 year veteran, I well know the sacrifices made & for the families left behind & how our support helped them continue on in their work. We kept the fires burning at home while they fought during Viet Nam & forward. I’m proud of what my husband did.
    Thanks again!🙏🏻

  • Jeffrey Harper - November 14, 2021

    This guy is great! I wish I could get in touch with him and ask him to quilt a flag from the late 1700’s that says “An Appeal to Heaven.”

  • Peaprincess - November 14, 2021

    The Combat Quilters story moved me to tears when he awarded his 1st Quilt of Valor to a Veteran who remarked, he didnt deserve the quilt. When he said , the Veteran didnt ride in on a tank or jeep or jump out an airplane in Normandy. "YOU WALKED INTO NORMANDY. YOU WALKED !😢😢😢😢😢. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR BRAVE VETERANS WHO SERVED YOUR COUNTRY AS MEN OF VALOR!!!

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