By Mike Marturello - The Herald Republic on July 31, 2025
ANGOLA — Dave Hoffer of Crooked Lake has lots of friends, and they admire his service to the country.
He has lots of support from the community, The Heritage Club and of course, his family.
More than 50 people turned out for a celebration that saw Hoffer presented with a Quilt of Valor, a quilt meant to comfort men and women who served in the military who have been touched by war.
“This is an honor that I didn’t think I’d ever receive. I just want to thank you today, as an activity, especially when we come together, when we remember to say thank you,” an obviously moved Hoffer said the a crowd that had just given him a standing ovation and was remaining standing as he delivered a few remarks.
He particularly thanked his wife, Micci, for lifting up from despair and giving him a new lease on life. And the support of so many in the room, include those who participate in exercise class with he and Micci.
Dave Hoffer was presented his Quilt of Valor by Sue Mau of the Fort Wayne Quilts of Valor chapter.
The quits are handmade and machine made to certain specifications and intended to provide comfort. Shortly after receiving his quilt, Hoffer was wrapped in his.
Hoffer served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, from 1969-1973. He was a petty officer third class.
“Petty Officer Hoffer had several duty stations, perhaps none more familiar than Vietnam,” Mau said.
In Vietnam he served on an LCM-8 landing craft. When he returned to the United States, he served in Seattle on the USS Trenton as a boatswain mate.
Following that he went to China Lake in California and worked in testing the firing of munitions off of an aircraft carrier.
“He requested to be part of the fire and crash group. Still not a safe job. All of us here realize that you were one person in a very large Navy, and still, all of your work and effort were and continue to be important,” Mau said.
Hoffer was nominated for his Quilt of Valor by family.
The first quilts of valor were awarded in November 2003 at Walter Reed Army Hospital. On that day, half of the 300 quilts were awarded to those physically wounded and the other half to those struggling with psychological/emotional trauma. Today, QOV is over 10,000 volunteers strong in all 50 states and as of this morning, Quilts of Valor has awarded 416,817 quilts.
In addition to his quilt, Hoffer was presented with a certificate to commemorate the honor. And care instructions for the quilt, of course.
