How do you find ways to thank military personnel who return to Minnesota with bodies scarred by bullets and bombs? JoAnne Benoy has found a way 70 times and it keeps happening with handmade quilts that show appreciation and gratitude to those who have sacrificed.

The Scandia woman is now near the end of her third year of crafting quilts as part of the Quilts of Valor program. She has made 70 so far with some help from friends and fellow quilters and plans to do another 25 quilts — at least — in the year to come. See more in Editor Cliff Buchan's Forest Lake Times story.

JoAnne Benoy, left, with quilting friend Sue Dugdale, display quilt No. 70 with its patriotic theme. The quilt was made for a wounded Minnesota Armed Force member as part of the national Quilts for Valor program. (Photo By Cliff Buchan)