WESTBOROUGH – Westborough native and decorated army veteran Nelson Ball was “covered” by Veteran’s Advisory Board representative Andy Toorock for his service, thanks to a new Quilt of Valor.
Ball was presented with the quilt at the Nelson Ball Pickleball Courts on July 25.
“I am so appreciative that all of this was done,” Ball said. “I want to thank the committee and all of the people who spent hours and hours putting this together. We’ve got a wonderful town here.”
Ball is the founder of the rotary club and music parents association. Plus, he brought pickleball to town.
Toorock discussed Ball’s military career, noting he held a counterintelligence job and was promoted to first sergeant after three years.
Toorock said the mission of the Quilt of Valor Foundation is to “cover” service members and veterans touched by war.
In 2003, founder Catherine Roberts, a mother of a soldier who was based in Afghanistan, envisioned her son wrapped in a warm quilt, so she delivered three quilts to Walter Reed Hospital.
The next day, the admiral asked her to create 100 more, Toorock said.
“The Quilts of Valor Foundation wishes to recognize you for your service to our nation. We consider it a privilege to do so,” Toorock said. “While we will never know the extent of your sacrifice to protect and defend the United States of America, we award you this Quilt of Valor as an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.”
RELATED CONTENT
Happy 90th birthday to Westborough’s Nelson Ball!
Nelson Ball to serve as Westborough’s Memorial Day grand marshal
Pickleball players get a boost as Westborough opens new complex
