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Longview Today
By the People, for the People
Quilts of Valor Presented to 3 Bagley-Area Veterans
Clearwater County residents Karen Surdez, Kayci Styles, and Cindy Leija honored for military service
Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:06pm
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Three women from the Bagley, Minnesota area were recently presented with Quilts of Valor during the Bagley American Legion's monthly meeting and 107th birthday dinner. The recipients - Karen Surdez, Kayci Styles, and Cindy Leija - all have military service backgrounds and were recognized for their contributions.
Why it matters
The Quilts of Valor program honors U.S. service members and veterans who have been touched by war. Presenting these quilts to local veterans helps recognize their sacrifices and builds community support for those who have served.
The details
Karen Surdez, a Clearwater County native and Bagley High School graduate, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2008, earning several medals including the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Kayci Styles, also a Bagley High alum, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1996 and was deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch, earning an Expeditionary Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal. Cindy Leija, born in Washington but raised in Bagley, served in the U.S. Navy from 1991 to 1993 during the Gulf War, receiving a National Defense Service Ribbon.
- The Quilts of Valor were presented at the Bagley American Legion's monthly meeting and 107th birthday dinner.
- Surdez enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2003 and was honorably discharged in January 2008.
- Styles enlisted in the Air Force in August 1996 and was deployed to Saudi Arabia in June 2007.
- Leija enlisted in the Navy in January 1991 and was honorably discharged in 1993.
The players
Karen Surdez
A lifelong resident of Clearwater County and a 1999 graduate of Bagley High School who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2008, earning several medals.
Kayci Styles
A 1996 graduate of Bagley High School who enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1996, was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2007, and served until 1999.
Cindy Leija
Born in Longview, Washington but raised in Bagley, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1991 during the Gulf War and served until 1993.
Linda McPherson
A member of the Headwaters Quilt Guild in Clearwater County who helped present the Quilts of Valor.
Linda Gulbranson
A member of the Headwaters Quilt Guild in Clearwater County who helped present the Quilts of Valor.
What they’re saying
“Quilts of Valor were presented to three area veterans at a recent Bagley American Legion meeting.”
— Linda McPherson, Clearwater County member of the Headwaters Quilt Guild
The takeaway
The Quilts of Valor presentation highlights the ongoing commitment of the Bagley community to honor and support its local veterans, even decades after their military service. This tradition of recognizing sacrifice and service helps strengthen community ties and inspire the next generation to follow in the footsteps of these decorated service members.
