Rhoad Receives Quilt of Valor

DANVILLE, PA – At a T-Railer Quilt Guild meeting in Danville, Pa., Sept. 17, veteran Ed Rhoad of Allentown, N.J. was awarded a Quilt of Valor in honor and recognition of his service to the nation. He served in the Air Force from 1958-1962.
According to a release, Rhoad’s job was in computer management keeping track of supplies, knowing what planes were available at what bases and their status, and establishing an aerial photography database.
Rhoad helped install the first Air Force computer in South Korea. Most of his service was at the Tachikawa and Fuchu Air Bases in Japan with the 6000th Support Wing. He left the Air Force with the rank of captain.
His quilt was pieced and quilted by members of the T-Railer Quilt Guild and awarded by Pat Becker, Carol Shock, Linda Kashner, Renee Smith, and Jim and Bonnie Fiedler, all members of the Columbia County Quilts of Valor.
Cape May County Connection
Rhoad owned property in Avalon for 50 years. When he retired from IBM he became a full-time resident for 20 years until his late wife’s illness. Upon her death, Avalon remained a summer place for his family.
Rhoad’s link to Cape May County can be traced to the 1800s when his ancestors were founders. There are roughly 100 of those ancestors buried in the “little red (Cold Spring Presbyterian) church.”
His great grandfather, James Hewitt, was born in the area and became a sailing ship captain out of Philadelphia.
Rhoad spent childhood summers at his grandparents’ home in Cape May.
Rhoad is a founding member of the Avalon Lions, and also a member of the Stone Harbor American Legion Post 331.
He was active in the founding of the Volunteers in Medicine along with his friend Richard “Dick” Shea.
Additionally, he was active in the founding of Family Promise of Cape May until his wife’s illness caused him to resign.
Rhoad was the Lay Leader of the United Methodist Church of Avalon.