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On the final day of the San Benito County Fair, a crowd gathered at the patio stage to honor outstanding community members with handmade quilts.
The Pinnacle Quilters of San Benito County began the tradition 10 years ago to highlight veterans. After the pandemic, it expanded to honor “hometown heroes” such as first responders and medical workers. This year, more than 100 years of nursing was represented through two honorees, Carolyn Yacovone and Gloria Torres, who both retired from Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital after lengthy careers.
Diane Mezerkor, chair of the Tribute of Heroes, organises the nearly 60 members of Pinnacle Quilters to make the quilts a reality. A single quilt may pass through several hands before it’s completed. With each one, they work to align with the individual receiving it, so that it represents a little about them and their service to the country.
“The ceremony is so meaningful for us,” Mezerkor said. “I was crying, you know, especially when there’s someone that I’ve gotten to know through this and they get just the right quilt.”
The guild has created and handed out more than 260 quilts in 10 years, according to Mezerkor.
2025 Fair Quilt Recipients
Manny Amaral
Steve Bongatti
Tyler James Gregory
Ruben Gutierrez
Brandon John Guzman
William C. King
Michaele LaForge
Jeffrey Leonard
Daniel Manning
Vincent Milazzo
Chuck McGee
William Eugene Morris Thomas Shatz
Walter Thomas
Carolyn Yacovone
Gloria Torres
“He loves his country so much and served it so well, and I’m so happy that he is being honored today along with everyone else.”
Susie Thomas, wife of Vietnam Veteran Walter Thomas
“I really enjoyed the fact that the county, county fair and our community does such a beautiful thing for the vets. It meant a lot.”
Michaele LaForge, former Navy Lieutenant
Carolyn Yacovone takes a photo with loved ones. She was a registered nurse at Hazel Hawkins Hospital for 52 years. Photo by Jessica Parga 
Navy veteran Michaele LaForge stands to receive her quilt. She was an aviator in Desert Storm and has received numerous awards for her achievements including a National Defense Service Medal and marksmanship award. 
Steve Bongatti served eight years active duty in the U.S. Army. Photo by Jessica Parga 
The crowd cheers as a veteran receives his quilt. Photo by Jessica Parga
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