Topeka veteran honored with Quilt of Valor

A local World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient was honored with a heartwarming gift Monday - and one that will keep him warm, too!

Crosby Powell, who goes by the nickname "Bing," was presented a quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Powell served as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army and was wounded in WW II. He said he developed trench foot and had to learn to walk again.

The presentation coincided with Veterans Day. It was slated to take place during a ceremony at the Great Overland Station, but, when weather canceled the event, they moved it to Thornton Place, where Powell now lives.

Powell said he thought all the fanfare was a mistake.

"I was completely surprised. I had no idea what was going on - I still don't know what is going on!" he joked. "Somebody must have had this in mind a long time ago because I sure would have never would have expected anything like this."

Quilts of Valor was started by a Blue Star mom nearly 16 years ago. Their mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war.