Quilts

Standing inside of a C-17 feels like being in the belly of a whale. Ribs arch overhead, the vent conduits could be a circulatory system while cables trace across the walls and roof provide the nervous system of the beast.

Dulls colors prevail, a dusty green-grey paint, silver metal decks with charcoal skid strips, uninspiring black seats line the outer walls. Even the crew uniforms are dull, sand colored flight suits with subdued patches.

The only built-in spots of brightness are the yellow warning and hazard signs plastered in the appropriate places. Otherwise, think olive drab.

On a stratevac flight there is also the occasional spot of red-orange medical equipment. Ambulatory patients sit in the seats mentioned above. The litters for the serious ill and injured are held in stanchions, four sets on each side – up to three high in each location (yes, that is 20-24 litter patients). Looking like pieces of an erector set, the metal assemblies provide both bracing and conduits for power hook-ups.

Otherwise, the only bright, cheerfulness comes from the quilts which wrap each litter patient in warmth and comfort. All the colors and patterns convey love from the volunteers who are making quilts; letting those who are injured know that people care. Care enough to send their love across in the form of a quilt; effectively a hug, to combat that long dark transport from theater to Landstuhl.

(for further information – www.landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org )

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7 Responses to Quilts

  1. Alison says:

    WOW. I had no idea. On the military drab, yes; on quilts being made and
    shipped and used, no, I had no idea. Wow. Thank you.

  2. Angeluna says:

    How interesting, I didn’t know about the quilts. Sounds lovely, if not very practical.

  3. Lynne says:

    are more quilts needed? I have several quilters in my charity group that I’m sure would be happy to help. What size is needed?

  4. Steve says:

    Technical info… the green-grey ‘paint’ is actually Zinc Chromate, used as a corrosion inhibiter.
    While I’ve never flown in a C-17, have had the chance to crawl in, around, and on TOP of one several times. You have no idea how neat it is to see part of an airshow from on top of the fuselage, it is only then that you REALLY appreciate this size of the beast (and how FAR is it to the ground)…

  5. Barbara says:

    I used to belong to the http://www.landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org, which sends quilts downrange for wounded service members. I never made any quilts for them, but I did make cloth medicine bags, which someone wanted.

  6. Janet says:

    I was not aware that such generosity is being given our service people. How wonderful that people volunteer their time and their needles to make quilts for our wounded and injured. I wonder why no one knows anything about this?

  7. Kris says:

    Quilts…how nice is that?!

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