BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — World War II veteran E.T. Roberts closed out 2019 in style. He turned 96 years old right before celebrating Christmas surrounded by family and friends. And nestled amongst the gifts, was a unique present from a group he never met, but filled him with warmth.

The Silicon Valley Quilts of Valor presented E.T. with a handmade quilt. A project rooted in love, created by a military mom, with assistance from two dozen volunteers who have generated more than 200,000 quilts since 2003.

A special memento that E.T. will add to a room filled with reminders of his time in the service. Congressman Kevin McCarthy and his wife Judy taking a moment to stop by and honor E.T. on his special day. "He instills what is greatest in America," said McCarthy, "and it's an honor to be here." McCarthy presented E.T. with an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.