Grati-Tuesday and we have LOGO!!!

Written by AHQ

5 August 2014

Grati

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STOP PRESS – HOT OFF THE EMAIL – WE HAVE A LOGO – WHAT DO YOU THINK?  
The Tri-Service colours to represent all three services and our defence civilians.  It is unmistakenly Australian and it says who we are.  I love it and I hope you do too!

EXTRA BIG THANKS to the wonderful girl who took my ideas (and Joan’s) and drew it up for us for the paltry fee of some of my ANZACs and Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Thank you!!!

Hi all. 

Hope you have all had an awesome day. I certainly did.  I took a big bagful of parcels to the post office this morning and came home with another bagful of parcels that I picked up and all of the surprised.  There was a fabulous Aussie Flag quilt from Fran W, two gorgeous Aussie quilt tops from T Doyle,  two more great quilt tops from Pam D, and some BOMs as well.  WOW!  that was a nice surprise!   Photos will be in Caroline’s Happy Mail Post tomorrow night.  


HMAS Toowoomba set sail from HMAS Stirling in WA on Saturday, bound for the Middle East and Operation Manitou.  

With the new shorted deployment we need to be more proactive with getting the quilts and laundry bags done and so this time we started whilst the crew was on their pre-deployment work up and also their pre-deployment leave.  I am pleased to say that we have already sent over twenty quilts and a bunch of laundry bags on their way!  


For every parcel that is sent I send an email to the recipient to let them know it is on the way.  Being able to anticipiate the arrival of your quilt or laundry bag is part the Aussie Hero Experience.  I always info the chaplain on these emails and late last night I had an email from the chaplain and I hope he doesn’t mind me sharing part of it with the names changed to protect the innocent of course…

I just passed AB Whatshisname in the passageway and told him that his quilt was on its way today.  It was something that I wish I could have filmed.  He came down this ladder looking like the weight of the world was on him, and then after pleasantries were exchanged I asked him if he got his email.  When he looked confused I told him that he had been sent and email about his quilt being sent today.  His face was beaming like a child receiving a Christmas present when they never expected to get one.  The next ladder he descended the steps with much more bounce.  You and your team are doing great things in this business…. thanks again.


After reading that I have to say that AB Whatshisname was not the only one beaming!


And we have some more reason to smile with our thank you messages.  This first one is a little special and in case you are wondering I sought, and received, permission to publish this gentleman’s message…..



Dear Evelyn


Thank you so very much for the quilt, it is amazing. It adds plenty of colour to my otherwise dull and dreary bed space. A few of the guys over here have received quilts through the program and all are very much cherished.


A bit about me. I have just clocked up 25 years service with Army having spent 15 of those years in Artillery before changing over to Signals. This is my second deployment to Afghanistan, 2007 was my other, and I also went to East Timor in 08/09. 


As for the running, it is my ‘hobby’. I have always enjoyed jogging but never took it seriously until 2011 when I was diagnosed with a sleeping disorder and depression. I had lost the will to run and needed a challenge. After some internet research and reading some books I decided that a 24 hour race in Brisbane would be my target. I trained for a good 6 months and when I showed up at the race I discovered I had entered the national titles. Somehow I finished 4th overall, 3rd male and have been hooked on 12/24 hour racing since. Due to work I have not raced since 2012 but that should change next year when I move to SE Qld. The altitude here helps and I still have 6 months left before I head home. My family are also great supporters of my hobby.


Thanks for what you and the other ladies have done, please pass this email on to Christine and Robin if you wish. I like that you also do quilts for other organisations, those that are far more worthy of us serving members. 

A big thanks for your support 


This is the quilt he was sent – top made my Christine C, Runner added by Evelyn and quilted by Robin!

…..


Hi Joan and Robin,


I am writing to thankyou for your laundry bag! I am a junior officer in the RAAF currently serving in Afghanistan and received your bag to help me get all my clothes too and from the laundry on base. I am very grateful for your time and generosity in making the bag and I will definitely continue to use it when I am back home in Australia!

Keep up the good work as the soldiers, sailors and airmen appreciate gifts like this immensely when serving in these remote locations!

Thanks again!

Regards,


…..


Good Afternoon Rachel

I can’t thank you enough for the gift you have sent me.

it is so lovely and really did brighten my day. 

i appreciate it so much 

Thank you 
….


Pennie,


Wow, absolutely love the laundry bag. Thank you so much.

Sounds like to have a very smart tribe with so many engineers!
Once again, thank you very much for the laundry bag, makes the routine task a little brighter.
Regards,

…..

This quilt was made from a panel that I bought and sent to Lynn.  The quilt top was then quilted and bound but the dynamic duo, Evelyn and Robin.   

Hello, 

I am glad to say that i have recieved the quilt and i am over the moon about it, it is amazing, thank you guys at Ausie hero quits for making this happen. 


…..


morning,


yes my amazing quilt has been received and has been keeping me warm on this cold transit back through Australia and an email was sent a bit over a month ago. once again many thanks! love my quilt and all the work that has gone into it 

…..


This email comes with an apology to all the mums, wives, girlfriends and partners whose parcels are set aside till the Aussie Hero Quilt parcel is opened ……I am sure it is just so that they can take their time and savour yours….


Hi Maree,


I’m writing as the owner of a new, fantastic quilt and laundry bag. I’m sorry for taking so long to write to you, it has been a very busy deployment, but we are almost home!!

I received my quilt and laundry bag at the start of June when we were in Dubai. At that point we were 5 months into the 7 month trip and I had only received one package to date. I had been expecting care packages from my girlfriend and family for a couple of months but they never turned up, despite the numerous large mail drops for other members of Ships Company. On this particular day in June, we received a relatively small mail drop and I didn’t give it any thought. I later walked through the Wardroom to see a huge pile of mail in the corner which was all mine. I think my mail had been following the Ship around to different countries for several weeks and finally caught up all in the one go! I received 8 other packages that day from my girlfriend, family and friends but I was most excited about opening the quilt. 


When I listed “Scuba Diving” as a hobby for my quilt, I was worried that this theme would be too difficult. I love what you did with both the quilt and laundry bag, especially the underwater material and silhouettes of the divers and the “OK” signal. I quickly put my quilt on my bunk as a prized possession and the laundry bags does wonders to brighten up my locker. I look forward to using the quilt on the couch when I get home (now that it’s winter) and taking them both with me when I go to sea next! Please also thank the other people who contributed the blocks with the crosses. I agree with your kids, the quilt “is just like a bought one, only better” and “really sick”.


We reach Australian soil in the next couple of days and then we will be home in Sydney in about 12 days. I look forward to being at home with my partner, good coffee, normal food and some time to relax.

Thanks again for the thought and effort you put into the wonderful quilt and laundry bag.
Take Care, 

You might recognise your blocks in this quilt.  We sent Blocks of the Month (BOMs)  to Maree and she put this awesome quilt together.


…..


Well that is all from me for tonight.

Till next time……………..keep speading the word and happy stitching!  JMxx



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,

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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

❤❤❤

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,

❤❤❤

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. 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,

❤❤❤

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,

❤❤❤

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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