Some stories are just too good to pass on. Soldiers do more than “terrorize women and children” as John Kerry says and are more than “cold blooded murderers” as Jack Murtha said.
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq, Oct. 2, 2008 – When Army Staff Sgt. Lani Yearicks was little, she learned how to crochet. Four years ago, after neglecting her skills for years, her brother invited her to take part in the prayer shawl ministry at their church.
Yearicks’ crocheting came back to her, and when she deployed, she began sending prayer shawls home – until she came up with a better idea.
“I was talking to my mom about the prayer shawl ministry at home, and decided to start one here,” said Yearicks, a member of the 10th Mountain Division Band.
Chaplain (Capt.) Mike Jones, Task Force Mountain chaplain, helped her to develop a PowerPoint presentation to advertise her crochet and knitting group and helped her find a location for the group to meet.
The shawls are being sent home to the families of fallen servicemembers and those heading home on emergency leave. The group and one or more military chaplains pray over each shawl before it’s sent, Jones said.
“As my brother says, ‘These shawls are like a hug made out of yarn,’” said Yearicks, a native of Gwinn, Minn. “Just the thought behind them can help to cheer up a heavy heart.”
Members of the group sit around a table talking about their week while working on the prayer shawls. Each meeting helps the individual blow off some steam and do something productive, said Army Lt. Col. Melinda Jackson, 547th Medical Company.
“Most of our group shows up around 2:30 p.m. when they get out of church,” said Jackson, a native of University Place, Wash. “So don’t be shy, whether you know how to knit or crochet (or not), you’re welcome to come. We are willing to help teach others how to knit or crochet during the meetings.”
By Army Spc. Tiffany Evans
Special to American Forces Press Service
I just wanted to say this is such a blessing.I have always held a very special place in my heart for service men and women and have been wanting to crochet or sew items for them, but have never found the time. My son recently enlisted in the Army and now I want to do something now more than ever. In fact he joined on Veterans day. Many members of my family have served in the armed forces.I ran across this on line and it has inspired me because if service men and women can find the time to do this, so can I. I have the utmost respect and admiration for all of you stationed all over the world, keeping us safe and allowing us the freedom we have come to take for granted. Thank-you and your comrads for all you do for me and my family. I appreciate the sacrifices you make on a daily basis.
With Many Prayers and Thanks,
Tina Hudson-Carp