Grati -Tuesday 15th June 2021

Written by AHQ

15 June 2021

Grati

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                                                                       Hey friends!

Another busy week for me, but it’s always great to stop and be able to enjoy the gorgeous notes and pics that come our way… How is your week treating you?

Enjoy Alex x

….

Dear Jenny,

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the awesome quilt. Absolutely fantastic.

A bit about myself; I live in Queensland, and I am married to an incredible, and tolerant lady. We have 5 adult children and 4 grandkids. We don’t see too much of the grandkids as they live in the United Kingdom. COVID meant that their annual visits came to an abrupt end. Let’s hope that international travel kicks back in next year.

My wife and I came to Australia in 2008 after spending 24 years traveling the world with the British Army. We had some great postings that included 2 years in Asia. In 2006, I decided to try my luck and apply to lateral transfer to the Australian Army. Thankfully, it was a successful application and here we are. We have never looked back, or returned to the UK, and have made a great life here in Queensland.

I have been posted to Western Australia, New South Wales and all over Queensland. QLD is home to us now.

I am on my 4th trip to the Middle East with the Australian Army, to couple with the 4 I did with the Brits.

I think that is it is important that the Service men and women, that are serving our great nation, know how grateful the population is. Another huge thanks for doing all this work in your spare time.

All the best.

….

Hi Clarissa,

I just wanted to let you know, my husband received his laundry bag this week.

I just have to say a massive thank you to all the ladies who sew these bags, who would have thought a laundry bag, would make such an impact.

He said it made his day, and when he sent me a photo of him holding it up, I was so emotional.

I can’t wait until he receives his quilt. We can’t thank you all enough or even express what it means to the Soldiers and their families.

Thank you

….

Hello wonderful volunteers,

I was chatting with JM the other day about an upcoming project and the topics of feedback to the volunteers came up. She mentioned that the team hears back from a small percentage of people who receive their bags. I am sorry to say that I potentially fall into this category.

I work as a psychological examiner and prior to that I was a dental assistant. I have served for nearly 15 years in the ARA. I was fortunate to receive a quilt and laundry bag a few years ago on my first deployment to the Middle East. Whilst I immediately wrote a letter to the artists who made my prized possessions, my call with JM made me realise I didn’t actually get back in touch with the organisation.

From the bottom of my heart, and with complete sincerity, I would like to say thank you to each and everyone involved with the work that you do. I can’t really quantify or even explain how excited I was to receive my parcel with my gorgeous quilt and laundry bag, but the mail that week was among my favourite of all my deployments (and there have been a few).

I now also take my quilt and laundry bag on all courses, exercises, tasks and ADF sports trips and it gives me great pride to hear all the beautiful feedback and to pass on the message of your excellent work.

Please know, that while it has taken me several years to write this to the people who actually deserve to hear it, I have done nothing short of sung your praises and gushed about how much I love both my items. 

With many thanks and warmest regards.

….

Dear Bridget and the ‘Garage Girls’,

Thank you so much for putting time and effort into making my quilt. The design and pattern on it is amazing, and definitely brought a smile to my face, and I couldn’t think of a better one. I received your quilt as we pulled alongside in the United States and it couldn’t of been better timing as it gets pretty cold at night. The quilt will definitely keep me warm.

Thank you for the hand written card and kind words on it, it means a lot.

Kind Regards.

….

G’day Janis,

First up I want to say a huge thanks for my Aussie Hero Quilt designed and made by you. Wow! Is the only word I have to describe it.

When I put a few words on paper regarding what I would like, I never thought you would be able to produce something so wonderful. It was like you were in my head and knew exactly what I wanted. I guess that’s what an artist is.

I also appreciate the time you took to write me a letter. Being away from my family is always hard but we are in touch with them a lot. Being here with so many is also good but it is very quickly becomes same same. The one thing we aren’t able to do is interact with new people so getting a letter from a total stranger is refreshing.

I am writing this to you as Victoria has just entered lock down again. I can only wish that it is over quickly. I have a 20 year old son in Victoria, who also went through lock down last year and I very much worry about him coping without family support.

I am from a small town in Western Australia. I still have family over there so I get across whenever I can. I have been in the Air Force for 34 years so am on my last deployment which is why I wanted a quilt this time. I have been based in ACT since 2020 with my partner but am edging closer to retirement. Our plan is to do the nomad thing in a caravan, picking up odd jobs for petrol but will eventually settle in Victoria. 

Again Janis, thank you so much for volunteering your time and skills to do the quilts and laundry bags. Everyone here is in awe of the work done by all the quilters and the products are very much appreciated. It is the one thing nearly everyone does as soon as they arrive, order a quilt. I reckon I got lucky, getting you to make mine, I will treasure it and it will be in the caravan with me.

Take care, enjoy your family and stay safe.

….

Hello Ellen,

I received one of your laundry bags! Thank you so much for taking the time to make it and sending it out. Yours and a whole bunch of other peoples made it to the Soldiers on Operation COVID.

I am a member of the Army but there were Navy and Air Force personnel there as well.

I really appreciate your effort, it goes a long way.

Thank you for continuing to support us.

Regards

….

Good Evening Ellen,

Thank you for the lovely letter and the care and time you put into making a laundry bag for me.

I’ve just come off shift from Operation COVID Assist where we are helping the government’s quarantine measures.

I’ve been seeing Aussie Hero Quilts (AHQ) for years and am honoured to have now received one of my own.

I am in the Navy and we use laundry bags constantly on ship.

I’ll take a photo when I am next in Uniform and put it on Instagram and Tag AHQ.

I’ve been in the Navy 19 years and am an Electronic Technician, meaning I fix equipment. Although these days I mostly manage staff.

Thank you again. Everyone I know who has received something from AHQ really appreciates the time invested, and we use the quilts and bags constantly.

Regards.

….

To Dear Hilary,

Thank you so much for taking the time to create such a beautiful art piece for myself, and my fellow serving members. I truly appreciate the effort and care that was put into making my stunning laundry bag.

Thank you for also sharing your story with me. 

For now, I am off on an adventure, of my own. My 5th deployment in just under 4 years of service. I have been a busy girl! My first time receiving such a gift though.

It has brought the biggest smile to my face. I now have something to remind me of home, to brighten my room, and something to carry my clothes to the laundry and back without having to roll them in a towel. 

Enjoy your next creations and know they are truly appreciated.

From a desert far far away.

….

Dear Sue-Ellen,

I hope you are well. I am writing to express my sincere thanks for the quilt that you made for me. I apologise for how long it has taken me to get back to you. The quilt is everything that I was hoping for and encapsulates not only my deployments but my military career so far.

Although I was rather specific I was very surprised with how well it was done, so well done.

I have missed my wife and three kids while being deployed.. It is always difficult being separated especially for things like Christmas. Facetime etc. are very useful in keeping in touch with loved ones.

I am currently posted in ACT although originally from Queensland. It is a shame this ANZAC Day will not be celebrated like we have previously, but tit is important to try and keep COVID-19 at bay in Australia and the rest of the world.

Sue- Ellen, once again, thank you for making the quilt for me. I am very happy.

….

Till next time… keep spreading the word and happy stitching!

Enjoy Alex x

Bobbie S and the Mystery BOMers. Emb Joan Quilted by Philomena and added to by Bridget
LB Ruth S

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Good afternoon Hilary P,

I am writing to say thank you so much for the lovely quilt, laundry bag and letter!

I am amazed at the detail and thought you have put into the quilt for me and I can not thank you enough!It is something I will treasure for a long time and I will definitely be using the laundry bag on my next deployed or trip!

I really appreciate the time you took to write the letter noting how busy you and all the other volunteers are at AHQ. I hope the annual dinner in Canberra goes well. You all deserve to be celebrated for the work you do.

Even though I am back from my deployment now, I am honoured to know there are people like you out there, looking out for those of us away from family, friends and loved ones.

Thank you again!

Kindest regards,

❤❤❤

Dear Sue-Ellen S,

I’m in the Royal Australian Navy posted to HMAS Stuart and currently on deployment in Asia. I am 25 years old and I grew up in Melbourne and joined the RAN when I was 19 and I now live in WA. The other week I received the laundry bag you made along with your letter. Thank you so much for the laundry bag as its well made and the perfect size. I greatly appreciate the work you do with AHQ and at your local RSL (pulling beers is essential work 😊) and all others who volunteer. As a sailor a sturdy Dhobey bag (laundry bag) is very nice to have and makes life onboard just that bit much easier as the standard issue bags tend to rip and tear. I enjoyed reading your letter and hearing about your family military history. I hope your retirement is going well and I wish your sons the best.

Kindest regards,

❤❤❤

Hi Ruth S,

I just received my laundry bag that you compiled. It is fantastic, so thank you for your time and effort to make us veterans feel people care.

Again, thank you and take care

regards

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Good evening Sue-Ellen S,

I'm an electronics technician in the Royal Australian Navy, proud father to a rabbit named Pickles, and as of the other day, the even prouder owner of a majestic blue laundry bag covered in platypuses (or platypies... whatever the plural may be).

I must admit, I wasn't originally looking for a new laundry bag we get issued a fresh one with every new posting, after all. But the moment I saw that vibrant blue pattern and the platypuses (which happen to be my mother’s absolute Favorite animal and that felt a little bit like the universe was trying to tell me something), I knew I had to grab it right away.

Fun fact about the humble platypus: because they lay eggs and produce milk. So, if you're ever stuck in the bush craving an omelette a platypus is your one-stop shop!

On a more personal note, I hope your sons are doing well. Reading your letter, your pride in them and the work they do shines through so clearly. They are incredibly lucky to have such a supportive mother in their corner.

I personally have not attended one of the charity dinners for the Doby bag cause, however a ex of mine has in 2024, and apparently it was quite the shindig.

Thank you so much for everything you do with your local RSL. The support you provide isn't just vital to active service members, it's a massive morale booster for the entire veteran community.

Please make sure to enjoy a well-deserved pint (or several) after reading this. You’ve more than earned it.

Warm regards,

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Dear Hilary T,

I would like to express my gratitude to you for the beautiful laundry bag that you so skilfully created. I was gifted it after completing a deployment. The design and craftsmanship is impressive.

I am a member of the Australian Army Reserves and work as a signaller. I too originate from overseas- I am Scottish, and like you moved to Australia for better weather and more of an outdoor lifestyle for our children to grow up in. It has been such a beautiful country to live in and we appreciate all of the opportunities that we have been given. I joined the Reserves as a way of serving and giving something back. (I am a Sonographer in my full time job. )

I will be proud to use the laundry bag whenever I am away with Army and once again, thank you so much.

Kindest regards,

❤❤❤

Good Afternoon Clarissa L,

I'm a Soldier at the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and was very fortunate to receive a laundry bag sewn by yourself from Aussie Hero Quilts. I know I and everyone who received one was very grateful for your token of appreciation and to know that we're being thought of. It will be very handy as I'm about to step off on a six week task within Australia. Again thank you very much for giving up your valuable time to help ADF Personnel across the globe, it's greatly appreciated!

Kind regards,

❤❤❤

Dear Janice L,

Thank you so very much for my new laundry bag (its going to get a good work out) it is very hot on our current deployment.

I just wanted to tell you a little about myself. I’ve been serving in the Royal Australian Navy for 15 years now. Durning that time I have had the opportunity to work across Submarines, Supply ships and ANZAC Class frigates. (currently on HMAS Stuart) It’s been a challenging career, but one that I am proud of and enjoy. I have also been lucky to have some incredible experiences.

I have a wife and Family of 4 children (not including our dog JJ) back home in Rockingham, WA. We come from Brisbane but I had to move to WA when I started working on Submarines. One of the hardest parts of the job is spending time away from them.

The Navy is a big part of my life but my family keeps me grounded.

I hope this gives you a little insight into who I am. Thank you to Aussie Hero quilts and your self for the quilt.

Kind regards,

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Hello Hilary T,

I'm the recipient of the Bag you made and had sent to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. I'm writing to thankyou for the lovely bag / letter and to express my gratitude for your support through Aussie Hero Quilts.

To let you know abit about the recipient of your bag, I was born and raised in Newcastle so I'm well aware of the beautiful country that is the Nelson bay area and try to take the opportunity to show it to my Cairns born partner whenever I get the chance, it just goes to show how close we probably were at one point even though we know live on the other side of the country.

I joined the Army in 2020 and commissioned through the Royal Military College - Duntroon in Canberra and was allocated to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps as a Cavalry Officer. Since then I have been posted to the School of Armour in Puckapunyal as an instructor then to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Townsville.

I thankyou again for your work and hopefully you know how much these bags were appreciated by everyone at the Regiment.

Kind regards,

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Hi Janice B,

I just wanted to email you and let you know I received my quilt and laundry bag.

I love them. I have read the Eragon series and recognised the Dragon right away. Not gonna lie, I squealed a little.
Also I did test the laundry bag and kept laughing.

My uncle was a submariner as well so we have a lot in common it seems! I loved reading your letter and about all your
adventures.

Thank you once again for my quilt and Laundry bad. I love them and appreciate all the effort you and your team put into
them.

Kind regards

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Hi Lois S,

Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt. I received it in perfect condition, and I wanted to let you know that it was exactly what I was after. The design, colours and space theme are fantastic, and I can see the incredible amount of work and care that went into creating it. The embroidered patches, ISS, Saturn V and Space Shuttle are particularly impressive, and knowing that they took around 250,000 stitches makes me appreciate it even more.

I also really enjoyed reading about your time in Florida and your visits to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Watching the launch of Discovery STS-120 must have been an amazing experience.

Like you, I have been to the Kennedy Space Center multiple times, and I honestly think it is one of the best places to visit in Florida. Every visit has been memorable, and as someone with an interest in space exploration, I never get tired of seeing the exhibits, launch facilities and history on display.

Thank you again for your generosity, time and effort in making the quilt. It will be something I treasure for many years to come. I truly appreciate the support you and the Aussie Hero Quilts community provide to veterans.

Kind regards,

❤❤❤

The following letter was published on the 26th August so it may be familiar. We have now received permission to publish the photo so I thought it was very tied in with the letter, it deserved a second publishing:

Dear Shirley D,

I hope this email finds you well.

I recently received the amazing laundry bag that you made for me through Aussie Hero Quilts while serving with the Australian Contingent in the Sinai as part of the Multinational Force and Observers. Thank you for the incredible time, care and generosity that went into making it. Receiving a parcel from home is always appreciated, but receiving something handmade by a complete stranger was something quite special and I couldn't be more grateful.

I also wanted to thank you for taking the time to write such a personal letter. I genuinely enjoyed reading about your family, your textile art, and the remarkable work you have done supporting Australian service personnel since 2015.

Of everything you wrote, it was the story of your father that resonated with me the most. During this deployment, I had the privilege of leading a battlefield study of Alexandria and El Alamein four our contingent, where we walked the ground, visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery and reflected on the actions fought there. Reading about your father's service with the 2/24th Battalion, and the sacrifices he made at both El Alamein and later in New Guinea, made me incredibly proud of his service and privileged to have stood on the same ground where he and so many other Australians fought. It also struck me that, more than eighty years later, an Australian soldier is serving in the same region while receiving a laundry bag made by the daughter of one of those veterans. That is a connection I will never forget.

I also wanted to say how much I appreciated the Egyptian theme of the laundry bag. It was clear how much thought went into making something that reflected where I was serving, and the pyramids, the colours of sand and the kangaroos could not have been more fitting for my deployment with the MFO. It has already become one of my favourite keepsakes from my time in the Sinai and will be coming home to Australia with me when I return.

I've attached a photo taken overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba at South Camp shortly after I received your parcel. I thought you might enjoy seeing where your laundry bag ended up.

There are many people who contribute quietly to Australia's military capability without ever wearing a uniform. Your generosity, talent and countless hours of volunteer work are part of that contribution. Although we have never met, your kindness reached me on the other side of the world and made a genuine difference.

Thank you again for everything you do for Australian service men and women. It is deeply appreciated.

Kind regards,



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Cheers Catherine D

Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in. Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!

🌼🌷🌹🌻🌼🌷🌹🌻

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