Caledonia Argus

Mother of soldier puts sewing skills to use

Posted: 4/15/03

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Mavis Moe of Caledonia never dreamed that her sewing skills would be useful in wartime, but it turns out that they are.

It all started several weeks ago when Mavisís son Darin, 32, a Captain in the Army Reserve, called to ask her if she could make something for him. She said she couldnít imagine what he could possibly need, until he explained that he wanted a ìvisual aidî to assist in defensive training exercises. He asked her to sew a robe and headpiece similar to those worn in the Middle East. He felt that it would be helpful in training soldiers who will be going to the Middle East to fight. Having soldiers dressed for the part would make the training exercises seem more realistic. When all the people in the training exercise are dressed in camouflage, itís harder to react.

Mavis, who has been sewing for many years, came up with a design that she hoped would work. She did have a little experience in sewing that type of garmentóshe had made several disciples costumes for her churchís reenactment of the Last Supper.

The robes had to be large enough to fit over a uniform, and able to be worn by both men and women of various sizes. It had to be durable and able to withstand many washings. Mavisís husband, George, was her model as she worked out a design. She attached a belt to the robe in the back so it wouldnít get separated from the main garment. She also attached a tie to the headpiece so that it could be adjusted as needed.

The robes were a hit at Fort McCoy. In fact, a few days after Darin began using the robe in his training exercises, Mavis received another phone call. A sergeant from Fort McCoy who had seen the visual aids was on the other end of the line and asked, ìI was wondering if we could lean on you maíam for additional garments?î

ìApparently, everyone saw them and wanted to use them,î said Mavis.

Mavis hadnít worked from a pattern when she made the first garment, so with more to make, she jotted down the dimensions so that the new garments would be the same. The fabric was supplied, five yards for each, and she made six more garments for use at Ft. McCoy.

Mavis reports that the garments she made are well used and well appreciated by the soldiers.

ìItís an honor to do it,î she said.

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