News release
The Santa Clarita Elks Lodge No. 2379 proudly honored Lecturing Knight Larry Finley with a Quilt of Valor, recognizing his decades of dedication and sacrifice in service to the nation, the lodge announced in a news release.
The presentation was made by Donna Kiger, a representative of the national nonprofit Quilt of Valor Foundation, whose mission is to award comforting, handmade quilts to veterans and service members touched by war, the release said.
Finley served in the United States Army from 1986 to 2011, and his service included four combat tours: Operation Desert Storm; Operation Iraqi Freedom (two tours); and, Operation Enduring Freedom.
Beyond combat deployments, Finley also served overseas in Ecuador, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and South Korea (two tours), as well as two additional tours in Iraq.
“His extensive service reflects a lifetime of dedication to protecting our country and supporting missions around the world,” the release said.
Finley moved to California in 2013 from Kentucky, where he and his wife Dee became part of the Elks family here in Santa Clarita. The Quilt of Valor was presented in front of Dee, their family members, and a gathering of lodge members who filled the room with heartfelt appreciation, the release said.
“The moment was warm, emotional, and deeply meaningful — an opportunity for our lodge to honor not only Larry’s military service but also the leadership and kindness he brings to our Elks community,” the release said.
