Retired Colonel Dale Marks received a Quilt of Valor Heirloom quilt Thursday, July 10, presented by the Flying Needles Quilt Guild of Valparaiso.

• Marks currently serves as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, where he advises on Department of Defense matters relating to energy, installations, and the environment. He oversees the department’s extensive real property assets, including millions of acres of land and more than 500,000 buildings and structures at over 800 installations.

Previously, Marks served as Executive Director of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, directing a workforce of over 10,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel. His role included leading developmental testing and evaluation of advanced weapon systems and directing base operating support for the Air Force’s largest installation.

His military career spanned over 24 years of both Active Duty and National Guard service in the U.S. Air Force. As a combat fighter pilot, Marks logged over 3,000 hours in A-10, F-15E, AT-38, and F-16 aircraft. His service included a deployment as Chief of Staff for Operational Sustainment in Kabul with U.S. Forces – Afghanistan and NATO RESOLUTE SUPPORT.

• Among his decorations, Marks has received the Bronze Star, the Department of the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and the Joint Civilian Service Award. He holds degrees from Bowling Green State University and the National War College.

The Flying Needles Quilt Guild, based at 108 Aurora Street in Valparaiso, began in 1989 with eight women who shared a passion for quilting. The group became an official guild the following year and later formed a non-profit organization focused on community service.

The guild now has over 100 members who meet monthly for general meetings and workshops. Their activities include creating Christmas stockings and quilts for charity projects, completing Quilts of Valor for military veterans, and working on “Opportunity Quilts” for fundraising.

According to the guild’s mission statement, the organization aims to preserve and continue the traditions, culture, and history of quilting while serving the general public through donations to community service organizations. The guild provides education through exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations, and workshops.