MANSFIELD — U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alicia Bailey of Mansfield was presented a Quilt of Valor on July 6 in recognition of her military service during the post-9/11 era.
The Quilt of Valor is a civilian award presented to veterans touched by war as a symbol of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
A Quilt of Valor is a high-quality, handmade quilt specifically awarded to service members and veterans touched by war. Managed by the Quilts of Valor Foundation, these quilts provide both physical comfort and emotional healing, acting as a tangible “thank you” for their service and sacrifice.
Bailey served in the U.S. Navy from 1999 to 2006, deploying in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
From 1999 to 2003, she was assigned to the VF-31 Squadron aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
During this assignment, she served as an F-14D plane captain, supervising the launching and recovery of the fighter jets.
Following her sea duty, Bailey served with the Commander Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Fleet from October 2003 to December 2006, where she managed manpower and training readiness.
Operation Enduring Freedom began primarily in Afghanistan as part of the U.S. response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the broader Global War on Terrorism.
Operation Iraqi Freedom focused on military operations in Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein from power and stabilize the region. Both operations involved active combat, peacekeeping and support missions.