A Quilt Of Valor For New Alsace Legion's Only Surviving Charter Member

“Butch” Schaefer has been a member of American Legion Post 452 for over 74 years.

The Quilt of Valor presentation on July 13, 2019 included (left to right) Hank Schmeltzer, Mike LaFollette, Dolores Chalker, Jerry Bondurant, Sheila Stevenson, Judi Sauerbrey, Ron Spurlock and Marty Sizemore. Recipient Butch Schaefer is in front. Photo provided.

(New Alsace, Ind.) - The annual Schaefer reunion was held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at the New Alsace American Legion Post 452.

The family surprised Harry “Butch” Schaefer with a Quilt of Valor in honor of his faithful and dedicated service as a World War II Veteran and a member of America’s Greatest Generation.

His niece, Theresa Schaefer, had coordinated with PG Gentrup, Ron Spurlock, Mike LaFollette and Jerry Bondurant while they were at Great American Ball Park for a Hometown Hero event. She wanted Uncle Butch to be honored at the reunion so the family could pay tribute to him, too.

Harry “Butch” Schaefer, will turn 95 years old on August 16.  He is the son of Alfred and Bertha Schaefer and one of 11 children. He has two daughters, Nancy and Karen, and his wife, Martha, is deceased.

Butch served in the Army as a Platoon/Tech Sergeant from February 6, 1945 to December 7, 1946. He is the only surviving Charter Member of Post 452 and has been a member for over 74 years.

Rivertown Quilters made the beautiful quilt and it was delivered and presented by their president, Sheila Stevenson and assistant, Judi Sauerbrey.

Hank Schmeltzer, representing the Korean War Veterans; Dolores Chalker from the DAV Chapter 75 and VVA 71; Mike LaFollette, Jerry Bondurant, Ron Spurlock and Marty Sizemore were representing the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 71.

Rivertown Quilters has been responsible for many veterans being honored by receiving one of these beautiful quilts.