02 Oct Quilt of Valor® Awarded to Port Commissioner Skip Novakovich
Kennewick, Wash. – Sandy’s Quilts of Valor® and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5785 awarded Port of Kennewick Commissioner Skip Novakovich a Quilt of Valor® during the port’s September 22 commission meeting.
A Quilt of Valor® award is presented to service members or veterans who have been touched by war for their service and sacrifice to defend our country’s freedoms. During the presentation, the quilt is wrapped over the shoulders of the recipient to represent comfort and healing.
The local VFW Post #5785 and Sandy’s Quilts of Valor® nominated Commissioner Novakovich for his service.
In presenting the award to Commissioner Novakovich, Joan Gribskov, Group Leader of Sandy’s Quilts of Valor® stated, “Though we may never know the extent of your sacrifice to protect and defend the United States of America, we award you this Quilt of Valor® as an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.”
Commissioner Novakovich is the 12th community veteran nominated to receive a quilt this year by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5785. Nearly 1,000 Quilts of Valor® have been awarded to Washington state veterans so far in 2026. Nationwide, more than 457,000 quilts have been awarded since the organization was established in 2003.
“It’s an honor to be Skip’s friend and be able to be a part of this Quilt of Valor® presentation to a most deserving veteran and volunteer,” said Kevin Veleke, VFW Post #5785 member during the ceremony.
Commissioner Novakovich’s wife, Shannon, and son, Michael, attended the award ceremony.
“I’m really humbled by this and very honored, and it’s something I’ll remember all my life,” said Commissioner Novakovich after receiving the Quilt of Valor®.
Every Quilt of Valor® award is recorded with the National Quilts of Valor® Foundation. Learn more at QOVF.org.
About Novakovich’s Military Service
Novakovich enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in April 1969. He was assigned several duties, and at the discretion of the Army, he was transferred between the 385th Evacuation Hospital unit in Spokane and the 1st Battalion 2nd Brigade 104th Division 6th Army unit in Vancouver.
Novakovich was promoted quickly, receiving a divisional merit promotion to Staff Sergeant (E-6), as a Personnel Specialist (71H20 Military Operational Specialist), then to an Operations Sergeant (11F40 Military Operational Specialist).
In 1974, Novakovich received a direct appointment to First Lieutenant from the President of the United States, bypassing the first officer rank of Second Lieutenant, which was rare.
He continued serving in the 1st Battalion 2nd Brigade 104th Division Reserve Training Battalion as an Assistant Battalion S-3/Training Officer then as a Company Executive Officer/Supply Officer. In 1976, he was transferred back to the 385th Evacuation Hospital as a Training/Supply Officer.
In 1977, with no position in the Medical Service Corps for his rank, he was transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve where, because of his commission, he remained subject to active-duty recall at any time for an indefinite period.
In 1998, the Army reassigned him to the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group (Reinforcement). Finally, in 2007 Novakovich was officially retired and credited with 7 years and 8 months of active duty.
Novakovich was promoted to Captain in 1977, to Major in 1984 and to Lieutenant Colonel in 1991 and the Army awarded him with a special Military Operational Specialist of 67H Medical Operations Economics Specialty.
During his time-of-service, Novakovich graduated from several Army leadership schools including the Army Medical Officer Basic School, Army Medical Officer Advanced School, Army Command and General Staff College (where he was placed on the Commandant’s List), and Army Logistical Management College Logistics Executive Development course (also placed on the Commandant’s List).
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The Quilt of Valor® award is draped over Port Commissioner Skip Novakovich’s shoulders by his wife, Shannon (far right), son Michael (left), and Group Leader of Sandy’s Quilts of Valor® Joan Gribskov.
Group Leader of Sandy’s Quilts of Valor® Joan Gribskov (second from left) and members of the local VFW Post 5785 Kevin Veleke (left) and Jim Witt (second from right) award Port Commissioner Skip Novakovich (center) a Quilt of Valor® on Sept. 22, 2026. Novakovich is joined by wife, Shannon (far right).