Ark Valley News - Tears and Joy

Claudene Anspaugh of Elk City, Okla., wraps a Quilt of Valor around Bruce Anspaugh, her brother-in-law and retired Valley Center elementary school principal, May 29.

Tears and Joy
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: June 13, 2019

It's not uncommon to hear Bruce Anspaugh laughing.

This time, though, the fun-loving former Valley Center elementary school principal was crying.

But they were tears of joy and appreciation.

"So many people are just so kind to you and open to you," said Anspaugh, who retired in 2007 after 20 years at West Elementary School. "It's showing you what they think you're worth."

Anspaugh was given a Quilt of Valor May 29 to recognize his years of service in the U.S. Air Force. Anspaugh, who has early symptoms of dementia, lives in the memory care unit at Oxford Grand near Maize. He is 76 years old.

"It's our way of saying thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation," said Claudene Anspaugh, Bruce's sister-in-law and a representative of the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Claudene wrapped the handmade blanket around Bruce's shoulders.

"I certainly never thought I'd get to this achievement," Bruce said.

Anspaugh served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation's goal is to give quilts to all returning service men and women, even if they are a few years late. So far, more than 100,000 have been given. Each quilt is unique.

"Our desire is to see returning troops welcomed home with love and gratitude," Claudene Anspaugh said.

Bruce Anspaugh grew up in northcentral Kansas and went to Kansas State and Fort Hays State, where he earned his education degrees. He taught elementary school in Goodland and Liberal and was a principal in western Kansas and northern Minnesota before coming to Valley Center in 1989.

He spent his career trying to make education fun for his students, often dressing up as farm animals or other characters.