Grati-Tuesday 12 April

Written by AHQ

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12 April 2016

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I have been out of the “office” for most of the day today as I was the guest speaker for the Southern Highland Quilters in Mittagong. I have a few emails waiting for attention and will get to them as soon as I can. In the mean time, yesterday I received a very happy email from our chaplain on board HMAS Darwin which he said I was welcome to share….

JM – today was a big day for HMAS Darwin.

We had 98 bags of mail and a huge number of quits and laundry bags.

We will work on a disk of photos and I know many will send you photos direct.

The one thing to say is there have been a lot of tears of joy today.

So much love, so much incredible creativity, so much thoughtfulness, so much skill.

I am constantly amazed at the quilts and laundry bags that mean so so so much to those who receive them.

So often today – across all rank, and including the captain, someone has seen me and said…..

” Hey Padre – hey padre come and look at my quilt. ” I get to share in so much joy.

A tired crew from two long patrols all of a sudden has a spring in their step.

As you know Jan- Maree – sailors can be a tough lot- but the care, the love and the commitment of your quilters has melted many a heart on HMAS Darwin today.

Well that just made my day!

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and from other recipients….

Sue,

Today my quilt that you have so lovingly made, arrived. Thank you so much for the quilt, it is just perfect. I’ve attached a photo taken today, not long after opening the mail.

I really appreciate the effort you, Jan-Maree and the whole team put in to making the quilts and send to deployed personnel. We had a huge load of mail arrive today and there was a large number of quilts in the many boxes that arrived. Many happy sailors, proudly showing off their personalised quilts.

I do get many onboard here questioning my loyalty, noting my New Zealand background, but although I have lived in Australia for quite a while now, I still passionately support the All Blacks and now have the quilt to reinforce the message! And thanks also for the Melbourne Rebels scarf and chocolate!

Sue, thank you so much for the quilt, you have made my day today, and thanks for your support to us while we are deployed. I look forward to staying in touch and hopefully meeting up when I am next down your way.

Thank you

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Hello Irene,

One word – fabulous!!!

Thank you SOOOO much for the fabulous quilt. I love it, it is perfect!

And thanks too for the Easter goodies. Thank you SO VERY MUCH. It is fabulous and so special to receive such a beautiful handmade gift from Aus!

And Jan – please feel free to put a photo on the facebook page as well to show off such beautiful quilting craftsman ship.

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Hello Bridget,

I received my laundry bag today, it looks awesome, you ladies (and guys I guess) do a great job and provide a bit of “home” while we are away.

It is good to hear that you have found an outlet for your hobby, I know that every time one of the guys or girls here in the office get their quilt or laundry bag, everyone is excited to see what comes out out of the bag/box, and they are always beautifully made and the material is always what we have requested.

Anyway, thanks again for the support for the troops and the laundry bag, I look fwd to seeing the quilt.

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Hello Joanne,

I have received your wonderful quilt and laundry bag.

I was delighted to receive the items in our last port visit.

I absolutely love starwars and it makes a wonderful addition to the Darth Vader clock and 5 little stuffed toys I have beside my bed. It is funny how many other people on the ship also love star wars and are very jealous of what you have created for me.

We are nearly half way through our trip and it is these tokens which bring a massive smile to our faces after a long day. On the ship there are not many places to get away from it all. My cabin is also the flight office and briefing room and that small 1.8m x 1.3m bed is the only place I have where work does not touch. Seeing the quit spread out providing some colour and fantasy makes all the difference.

Thank you again very much!!!

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Hi Kaye,

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the laundry bags you sent. I chose one with an Aboriginal design and you’re right, it does remind me of home. I smile whenever I look at it. I miss my family in South Australia, so it’s nice to have that reminder. Thanks again for all your support. The work your group does brightens our day. Best wishes and thanks again.

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Hi Christine

Thankyou for the beautiful quilt, it’s perfect and I like older aircraft much more than the newer ones.

I have been deployed to this area twice before, but working on different aircraft and in a different country. All up I have been in this part of the world 11 months.

I appreciate the time you have put into making this blanket for me, part of my job is industrial sewing, so I understand the effort put into this.”

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Dear Sandy,

I have recently arrived overseas on Deployment for the ADF. I am a member of the Royal Australian Air Force and come from Newcastle NSW where my wife and children await me!

As part of my duties here, I am lucky enough to coordinate the distribution of the wonderful laundry bags and quilts the fabulous volunteers from Aussie Hero Quilts produce for us. I found your letter in one of the bags about to be allocated and could not help but write to you.

For me personally it is a great honour to serve my country, made all the better by amazing volunteers such as yourself. It means a heck of a lot to all the serving members knowing many people care for and think of us back home.

Please accept my thanks on behalf of all I work with.

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Dear Sue,

Thank you for the time and effort you have put into making the quilt and laundry bag for me.

I have the quilt on my bed and it is a colourful reminder of home. I will be heading back to Canberra soon as my deployment nears the end and I am looking forward to being reunited with my wife and my two young daughters after six months away.

Thank you again for your great service.

Gratefully yours.

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Dear Maree J,

Just a quick note to thank you for the laundry bag. I will now be able to recognise mine from the others and my two children who are Scouts will no doubt be using it for years to come.

It is great to know that what we are doing over here is appreciated back home. It is a shame that the Vietnam Veterans were not appreciated and treated in the same way.

Thank you again

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Not sure how you came across my details and tastes in motorcycles but thank you for the laundry bag and letter Di T. Australians like you are one of the main reasons Australian soldiers deploy to far away places. Service to ones country can be carried out in many ways. Thank you for yours.

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Clarissa,

Just wanted to write a quick thank you for the wonderful gift you made and sent through recently.

When I originally arrived on deployment, I noticed a quilt hanging proudly in our break-out room and enquired about who donated it. I quickly learned about the great work you all do there at Aussie Hero Quilts and how many people were proud of the ones they had received (most people had deployed multiple times with theirs). I was initially reluctant to ask for anything since I figured there would be plenty of people that would benefit from your generosity, but I was quickly convinced that something that had a personal touch would be a welcome addition when separated from my family.

So when you package arrived in the mail on Thursday and I received my personal laundry bag (complete with the space theme which I love), I was pretty chuffed. It does stand out in the laundry here…perfect.

Your personal note and extra goodies were also well received…I’m trying to be good but the MMs are already gone

So thank you again for your kind effort and will treasure the gift as a reminder of my time over here.

Thanks,

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Hi lovely quilters,

I was just skyping my daughter in the middle east and she was telling me and showing me the lovely laundry bag she just received with her initials embroidered on to make it personal.

Thank you from a very proud mother, who appreciates what you have done for her daughter.

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Hi Cath – and family,

Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness and generosity in creating the Singing in the Rain-themed laundry bag for me. I arrived in XXXX today to find it waiting for me in the ship’s mail bags, and although you describe it as a small token, it means a lot to me and will often make me smile – wherever I may be – and think of that infectiously cheery scene. Please feel free to let your sons know that their quality/lameness checks on your fabric selection are proving very successful. Even I can tell that the bag will last for years and years.

I had no clue how anyone would decide to approach the theme request, but the silhouette looks great – its quiet subtlety is also perfect for me. I also thought the Australian flags around the drawstring were a lovely touch. I am glad that you enjoyed creating one to this theme – I thought it might be a bit different.

I can’t say I’ve ever visited XXXX, though I spent a few months in Canungra in QLD last year, which seemed to be a very nice part of the country. I grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne, and have lived in Sydney, Cairns and Canberra since joining the Navy five years ago, so I can’t really imagine what it’s like to live on fifty acres, though I hope it is as peaceful and beautiful as I am imagining it to be.

When I’m not at sea, my favourite pastime is ballroom dancing – I thought of Gene Kelly when trying to come up with a subtle dancing-related theme to request (one has to keep up appearances). I’m also known to spend hours playing bridge on the slightest excuse, and for being nutty about dogs. My family currently own a Shetland Sheepdog and a Rough Collie, though unfortunately I need to cram a year’s worth of affection for them into one or two visits each year. Still, there’s nothing like a doggy welcome when one finally gets home.

Thanks again for the bag (and tim tams!), I will enjoy telling people that Cath from Aussie Hero Quilts made it for me when they inevitably ask about it on future postings. I will have to see how many countries in the world I can take it to over the years.

With warm regards,

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Morning Jacqui,

I would like to thank you for the Laundry Bag you made for myself.

I could not be happier with the design and colour scheme of the bag. I am a mechanic

looking after a fleet of over 40 vehicles and the laundry bag represents that. You have

done a fantastic job and it will come to great use whilst I’m here. Also I would

like you to thank the News agency that donated the car magazines, which have been

great reading.

Once again , thank you for everything. It makes me feel proud that people

back home in Australia appreciate the work we are doing over here.

P.S I hope you are getting on top of those bandicoots digging up you lawn.

Cheers

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Shared on Facebook this week….

Big thank you to Lesley Poole for my quilt. It means so much to all of us on deployment to receive these.

Thank you for all of your support for past and current serving members

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Got my Laundry bag a couple of days ago….thank you very much to Jan and the team of young ladies. I’d like to give a bigger thank you to Su J who made my Laundry bag…..I love it, it is just like I was hoping it would be

smile emoticon

For information, everybody who received a laundry bag the other day all had a smile on their face, especially when proudly telling everyone about them…..there are some very happy people over here

wink emoticon

Thank you again to all who gave their time for us to make the bags, Su….Thank you very much

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

Jan-Maree

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,

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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,

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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,

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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,

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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. During 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,

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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,