This Veteran’s Day, Monday Nov.11, 2019, fellow soldiers from Co. D, 1st Bn., 8th Cav., 1st Cav. Division (AM) will be presenting Sgt. Richard F. Quinn’s family with a memorial quilt created in his honor, at the American Legion Post 1026 in Woodstock, on recently renamed, Sgt. Richard Quinn Drive. Sergeant Jay Selby from Chandler, Texas commissioned the quilt in honor of their friend, the Combat Medic, “Doc” Quinn. The inspiration came, Selby explained, after he’d heard from his friend and fellow veteran, Sgt. Donald Ketcham, about Ketcham’s having been present at last year’s street renaming. Selby thought that it was remarkable how Quinn’s family and friends, in working with the Town, had successfully honored their fellow soldier in this way.
Sergeants Selby and Ketcham spent over a year designing the memorial quilt — together with the talented and dedicated quilter, Brenda Taylor — in order to pay tribute to their friend, “Doc” Quinn. Both Selby and Ketcham had been only feet away when Quinn, armed only with a medical bag, had tried to save the life of his fellow medic, “Doc” Thomas Kloss, a conscientious objector from California. They were both killed.
The quilt is stunning, and is presently being displayed at the museum in Chandler, Texas, in anticipation of its arrival in Woodstock. “Doc” Quinn — the only Woodstocker to die in Vietnam — was awarded, among many other medals, The Distinguished Service Cross, and the Combat Medical Badge, both posthumously. Each of his medals, as well as his portrait, are entirely embroidered, as are all the names of his family, friends, fellow medics, and many of the soldiers who served with Quinn in Vietnam.
Quinn’s family, friends and fellow veterans will be coming from all over the country for this presentation. At 11 a.m., the traditional Veteran’s Day service will be held at the Woodstock Cemetery. After the ceremony, the participants will be returning to the American Legion Post 1026 for food and refreshments. At 2 p.m., the memorial quilt will be unveiled, and presented to the family. The public is invited to attend.
In recognizing Quinn’s service and sacrifice, Commander of American Legion Post 1026, Terry Breitenstein reflected that it was an appropriate moment to remember the timeless adage that “All gave some, but some gave all.”
Join the family! 
