United States Army veteran Clifford Martindale was given a Quilt of Valor in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by his family and friends this past weekend.
Presenting him with the quilt was Sue Campbell, who has spent the last ten years making Quilts of Valor for veterans, this being her very last one. He was also given a pillowcase with his name embroidered on the binding.
“Clifford, we are here to honor you today for the service that you’ve given to our country,” Sue said. “This is a plaque from the Quilt of Valors. We want to say thank you for your service and in doing that, we have made you a Quilt of Valor. It represents comfort and strength that you have given to our country.”
Mr. Martindale’s wife, kids, grandkids, siblings, and close friends were all in attendance to witness the moving event, with one particular friend who Mr. Martindale has known for many years, shared a few special words and lead everyone in prayer.
“This is a day that God has brought you to, and this morning I was thinking about what I could share with you about what Scripture says. Here’s what Paul said: ‘The things you have heard of me upon many witnesses, the same commit you to a faithful man who shall be able to teach others. Thou therefore endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’ From my heart to yours, thank you for being a good soldier, thank you for protecting all of us, and thank you for giving your life so that we could live. I just want you to know that you’ve been a great man in my sight and in my heart, and you’ll always be in my heart. God bless you, Clifford, and thank you.”
Mr. Martindale’s wife, Molly, also shared a few words, thanking everyone for making the day so special.
“Thanks to all of you. It was a rough morning, but it smoothed out. This has been a blessing that he needed today, so thank you.”
After pictures were taken and words were spoken, the kitchen was full of smiles, laughter and tears on that gorgeous Saturday afternoon, and to have been invited to bear witness to it was truly an honor.
Mr. Martindale entered basic training in 1945 at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, and upon completion, traveled to Ft. Lewis in Washington and then to Camp Beale, California.
After receiving an honorable discharge, he was called back years later in 1955, where he went back to Camp Chaffee and then to Fort polk. During his time in the Army, he served as Private First Class.
Clifford Martindale is Pampa’s oldest living veteran at the age of 98.
Thank you, Mr. Martindale, for your service to our country, and thank you to the family for sharing this special moment with us.
