Grati-Tuesday February 25th

Written by AHQ



25 February 2014



Back when I used to write my old Blog (Cherry Red Quilter) in Pre-Aussie Hero Days I used to care about how many blog posts I had written. I might have had a giveaway of some sort – really just a way to promote the blog and lots of Bloggers do it. With Aussie Heroes things are different and I don’t really have time to focus on things like that, but I did notice the other day that I was approaching another significant posting birthday! I figured it was at least worth a mention. So, tonight’s post is my 700th post for Aussie Heroes.

LOL

No giveaways sorry! Only to the Heroes!

If you want prizes you will have to enter our ANZAC Day Laundry Bag Challenge.

I know I usually share photos of our Heroes and their quilts and I never name them but this is a little different. When one of our recipients told me that he had a blue cattle dog at home called Tango that became the theme for his laundry bag (and possibly his quilt but I can’t say as he has not received it yet.) Michele was able to embroider this very handsome blue cattle dog which I sent to 17 year Amy with some cattle material and she sewed up this awesome laundry bag. Once he received his laundry bag he sent it home to his wife so that she could show it to Tango and take the photos.

Meet Tango!

Our recipient tells me that he thinks she was pretty impressed with her name sake!

This week has been a great one on HMAS Darwin. They received their first mail and that included a few quilts and a box of laundry bags. Happily that also means we have received our first thank you messages.

At my request Joan sent a box of laundry bags so that the chaplain could show them around as the crew did not know about them. We sent five and it seems they disappeared in short order and when the chaplain wrote to me to say thank you he said he was still getting people knocking on his door asking if he had any left. Needless to say we will be sending more laundry bags to HMAS Darwin as they become available.

The following three messages came from recipients of those first laundry bags, including the chaplain.

…..

Hi Joan and Robin,

I am the Chaplain onboard HMAS Darwin. We haven’t met yet, but I just wanted to let you know that I received you package today with the laundry bags in it. It was such an amazing gift considering we have never met. I opened the box in the Wardroom and people were literally arguing over who deserves one the most!

The people I did give them to will be writing to you. Thank you so much for your generosity. We are all missing home so much at the moment, and these special gifts remind us why we do what we do and keep us in touch with home.

You have made some sailors really happy today and I hope one day we will be able to repay the love that you have shown us.

Every blessing,

…..

Joan,

Thank you so much for the wonderful laundry bag that I received today 22 Feb 14. Incidentally, it was my birthday today and it, along with the carepack that arrived by Replenishment at Sea somewhere in the middle of the Indian Ocean, made my day in a big way.

I received a yellow and green bag with my favourite activity which is camping. I love the fact that it can be reversed and you have a nautical side with anchors and the like. It is certainly made with a whole lot of care and well wishes and that is immediately apparent to the touch – I almost did not want to use it for laundry! It has taken pride of place in my cabin and has certainly brought a hint of colour and brightness, individuality and happiness to my little piece of real-estate within the Mighty Warship Darwin.

I understand that your son is also in the Navy and so I am even more proud to have received this gift as the Navy always seem to have a greater family back home.

Lastly, I cannot thank you enough for the bag – it certainly will bring happiness in a place that can be at times a bit lonely and far from home. Please know that your bag will have a special place in the Wilson household when I get home. Thank you

…..

Dear Joan and Robin,

I was a lucky recipient of one of your laundry bags.. Thank you!!! Funnily enough, the bag I was given suited me rather well – I got the one with green trim and farm pictures – featuring cows… I am originally a country girl, with a family history of cattle farming!! My parents have recently moved from their cattle farm (to a smaller (hobby) farm!), so the bag very much reminds me of them and home! I was extremely excited when I heard that you guys were around and doing this for us….. All of the girls in the mess who have already got their quilts/laundry bags are the talk of the town and much envied by those waiting / that didn’t put an order in.. If I could sew (even a little bit!!) I’d definitely help out – it is a wonderful thing that you are all doing and we are all so very grateful… Thank you!!!

Again, thank you so much for your thoughts, time and effort – the contribution that you have has put smiles on a lot of faces and improved morale noticeably! In just one day!!!! Pretty sure the girls that have received their items will be hanging on tight to them with pride and joy for a long time to come… I almost didn’t want to use mine!! It’s too sweet… But I think now that having it out and being used is the best thing as it’ll continue to bring a smile to my face thinking of my family and the lovely people who made it for me! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wishing you both all the very best of health, fun and happiness

…..

For a quilt that Stephanie T has sent off – our first quilt recipient from HMAS Darwin

Dear Jan-Maree,

I am happy to say that I received my quilt today thank-you very much for the gift, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I requested one but I love what I have received it put a smile on my face and I’m sure it will continue to do so for the remainder of my deployment. Thank-you very much.

all the best,

…..

and now for a couple of thank you messages from those on the ground.

…..

Dear Julie Ann,

You made a laundry bag for me and also sent it with a few little treats that I gobbled up very quickly.

I really appreciate all the work kind people like yourself put in for Aussie Hero Quilts in order to bring joy to soldiers over here in Afghanistan. I have been lucky enough to receive a deployment quite early on in my Army career and I feel so very lucky to be part of the whole picture over here. I really really am enjoying myself, more than one could expect really.

Thank-you again for the laundry bag, makes life easier than you think.

…..

Joan & Robin,

I received my lovely laundry bag in today’s mail. Thank you so much. It looks too good to be used to put my dirty laundry in it! I will hang it on my door to add a bit of colour to my sleeping quarters.

…..

And finally I have a special message for one of my “distributors” on the ground. She is one of those special people who cheers herself up by making sure that everyone around her is having a good day. She organised the Australia Day celebrations for her area and goes out of her way to make sure everyone is well looked after. I didn’t find out it was her birthday until last week so there was no time to send her a special parcel, or even a card, but there will be one in the mail soon. In the mean time, although I can’t name her, she will know who she is, and I want to wish her a very

I can’t send you a cake but if I could it would look just like these as I know these would tickle your fancy!

I hope you have a really happy birthday and that those around you return the favour and spoilt you rotten in a sugar free kind of way. xx

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

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

❤❤❤

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

❤❤❤

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. 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,

❤❤❤

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

❤❤❤

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,