Blankets of Honor is a nonprofit organization that was formed to honor veterans, first responders and others by presenting them with a fleece blanket as a lasting gift to recognize them for their service or accomplishments.

The most recent Blankets of Honor recipient is Daniel Hiltebeitel, who was presented his blanket during a ceremony held on Harmony Day, Sept. 16, at The Long Way Home Grill & Pub in Honey Brook. Hiltebeitel, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1972 to 1975, where he was a platoon commander, was nominated for the honor by Jim Mimm, a fellow Honey Brook Lions Club member.

The presentation, which was a complete surprise to Hiltebeitel, was led by Manny Acuna, CEO of Blankets of Honor.

After introducing himself to Hiltebeitel as a fellow Marine, Acuna stated, "(Blankets of Honor is) a veterans organization that lets you know that you are truly not forgotten. We are here to thank you for your service and your commitment and your outstanding sacrifice and your love of country."

Acuna offered an opening prayer and then provided a brief biography of Hiltebeitel, including his accomplishments.

Hiltebeitel graduated from Downingtown High School and West Chester University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in health and physical education. He also earned a master's degree from Temple University in vocational education. He was a masonry instructor at the Center for Arts and Technology, Brandywine Campus, Coatesville.

Through the years, Hiltebeitel has coached baseball, softball, wrestling, soccer and football and was a Boy Scout leader. He is a member of American Legion Post 422 of Honey Brook, where he is color guard captain.

"He consistently executed a meaningful impact on students and athletes, who were inspired by his outstanding example," said Acuna. "He was loved by all his Marines and students alike, respected and admired by all."

Hiltebeitel was then wrapped in the blanket by his son, Dan, and daughter Carrie-Anne Haag and was also presented with a challenge coin, a framed certificate and information about Blankets of Honor, which also seeks to help veterans in need.

Hiltebeitel thanked all those in attendance, saying he was very surprised at the honor. He thought he was attending lunch with his family members, including his wife, Joy. "My lovely bride is usually chilly," he stated. "I'm sure she will make good use of the blanket."

Dave Chobanoff, chief operations officer for Blankets of Honor, reported that 330 blankets have been given out since the organization formed in 2020. "Anyone can go on our website, and there is a form to fill out to nominate someone," he said. "Part of what we do is (present the blanket) as a surprise, so we get the emotion. They are fleece queen-size blankets, and (they depict) the branch of service (the veteran served in). We also (give blankets) to first responders and supporters of veterans." He added that World War II veterans are given priority to receive blankets due to age and health concerns.

More information about Blankets of Honor is available at http://www.facebook.com/BlanketsofHonor and http://www.blanketsofhonor.org. To view the entire ceremony, visit http://www.youtube.com and search for "Daniel Hiltebeitel 72nd Blanket Presentation of 23."