MADISON, Neb. --  The Madison County Fair kicked off its Thursday rodeo with a special presentation of quilts of valor. 

"4-H is all about the hand heart and health," Kristen Sindelar, 4H Staff Support with Nebraska Extension in Madison County said. 

Sindelar helped organize the giftings to: Trevor Dredla, active duty Army Sgt. 1st Class; Allen Fuller, Army veteran; Scott Henery, Army reserves veteran; Scott McGinnis, Navy veteran; Randy Ritterbush, Marine Corps veteran; Jeff Wickett, NE Army National Guard veteran; and Scott Schmidt, Lt. Colonel.

The veterans gathered first for a small ceremony together, then walked over to the rodeo where the handmade quilts were given in front of the festive crowd.

"It's an honor [...] it's one of the many reasons that my family decided to come back here, because of the awesome people that make this community what it is," Schmidt said. 

The quilts took three years of work from 4-H members and their families, who then chose recipients through nominations.  

"It's special that the community gets youths involved; it's pretty cool," Dredla said. 

Organizers said they hope the quilts bring them comfort after their brave service. In fact, Sindelar shared, the first quilt of valor came from a woman whose son was serving in the military. She dreamt of a veteran who was suffering, but found comfort in a loving quilt.