• JB ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has helped nurture the availability of veteran-owned handcrafts to this military community via a popular veteran-owned business.

Delma Edwards, owner of Eagle River Quiltworks, is selling her handmade products at the main BX and hosting free beginner sewing classes for shoppers.

THE PERFECT FIT

After retiring from a 24-year Air Force career as a master sergeant in 2017, Edwards joined her husband in his move to Alaska for work — her first time in the state.

In search of ways to fill the time early in the move, Edwards decided to buy her first sewing machine, then donate blankets and quilts to local organizations such as Covenant House, Scouts and the JBER Community Center.

“At first, I had nothing to do, so I bought a little sewing machine at the BX, learned the basics on YouTube and couldn’t stop,” Edwards said. “I sewed for everybody and did a lot of community service, too — giving away blankets and quilts to local organizations that needed them.”

Wanting to share her sewing with more people, she found that the Exchange at JBER was the perfect fit.

“I needed a little bit of cash to keep sewing since the fabric and materials get expensive, so I applied at the BX,” she said. “Coming out to the store and sharing my craft with people has given me confidence to continue doing what I’m doing.”

WORKING WITH THE EXCHANGE

Working with the Exchange has given Edwards and her products direct access to local military shoppers and the Exchange’s business support while allowing her to directly support the JBER community.

“I feel like I’ve found my place here, and I love seeing people’s reactions when they see something new that I’ve created,” she said. “It brings back memories for people who grew up in the military and it keeps me connected to them.”

LOFTIER GOALS

Now a firm part of the JBER community, Edwards is also working on loftier goals to continue to serve those who serve.

“I enjoy the teaching and training since that’s what I did in the military,” she noted. “I have a lot of goals with my sewing that I still haven’t accomplished. I would really like to one day have a non-profit of my own with a sewing team that can donate quilts to military families who have lost a loved one in service. This is my passion.”

Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka