The Vernon (Beatle) Koch family were present as he was awarded a Quilt of Valor September 12, 2026, at his home in Eads, Colorado. His granddaughter, Ashley, had this to say about her grandfather’s military career: “When America called my Grandpa Beatle to service, he was proud to answer the call. In 1971, at 20 years old, he was drafted into the Army and went through basic and AIT training at Fort Lewis in Washington. When he completed his training, he went on to serve during the war in Vietnam and at Fort Riley in Kansas. During his nearly two full years of service during the war, he was a mortar platoon gunner in the 196th Infantry Brigade. He has many amazing stories about his time in Vietnam and shared that he received an Infantryman’s Badge for his bravery while under fire in combat. Not only is my grandpa a brave soldier, but he is also a venerable man our country and our family is proud of. Grandpa, we can’t thank you enough for your service, and you more than deserve the honor of receiving this Quilt of Valor.”
Beatle also received a certificate that states, “The Quilts of Valor Foundation wishes to recognize you for your service to our nation. We consider it our privilege to do so. Though we may never know the extent of your sacrifice to protect and defend the United States of America, we award you the Quilt of Valor as an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.”
The quilt was presented by Colorado Prairie Quilters member, Carole Spady.