Grati-Tuesday 29th November 2022

Written by AHQ

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29 November 2022

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Happy Tuesday Friends!

Hope everyone has had a fantastic week.

Wow and just like that it's the last blog for the month. It feels like I just did the first one last week. LOL

Hope everyone is getting their Christmas shopping and sewing done. I am crazily sewing a few quilts as farewell presents for some work colleagues.

I am then starting on turning my scrapbooking room into my sewing room. Not looking forward to all the work but can't wait to see the results and stop sewing on my kitchen table!

Enough of that.... We have another lot of great thank you's and a couple of photos so grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and enjoy!

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Dear Jan-Maree,

My sincerest apologies for appearing to be so tardy in replying to your letter attached to the quilt that you had made for me in June. However, I only received it yesterday after my son returned from deployment in the Middle East, as he wanted to give it to me in person. I feel humbled and honoured by the gesture from you and don’t really feel deserving of the quilt. As you well know during the 1970’s and 1980’s we were well trained and highly motivated but never deployed during that time. It was not until East Timor that my Classmates were deployed in the 1990’s, at which time they were quite senior officers, but I had already left the Army by then to pursue a career in industry.

I would very much like to thank you, Kerry B and Alison C for the gesture and beautiful workmanship on the quilt. It will now take pride of place on my bed.

My son’s quilt and laundry bag are also great and he is very pleased with of both of them. Now he has returned from a deployment in the Middle East, he will continue to serve in the Army but in a very different capacity. He is now going to take up studying medicine at ANU and become a doctor in the Defence Force. We are naturally very proud of him.

Thank you once again for such a wonderful gesture.

Kindest regards,

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Hello Lynn K,

I received my laundry bag today and wanted to say thank you very much for the time and effort of making it. You absolutely nailed the colours and I love not only the horses but the koalas too!

I also really appreciated the hand written note and I loved hearing about your life. Thank you so much for volunteering to support us, I know the quilts and laundry bags mean a lot to all those who receive them.

I am currently serving on a peacekeeping mission and I have included a picture of me with my bag on our patrol base.

Once again, thank you.

Kind regards,

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Dear Philomena,
I want to thank you so much for your contribution to the AHQ.

I just received my quilt which was in memory of my late husband who passed in 1988. I have only been involved in making AHQ's for 3 years and I know how much work goes into them. To receive one myself was overwhelming.

Thank you again.

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Dear Angie T,

First of all I want to thank you for the amazing gift and letter. You absolutely nailed the laundry bag, it's perfect, thank you very much.

I really enjoyed reading your letter and it put a huge smile on my face as my theme was right up your family’s alley (fishing). I try to get out fishing as much as I can, for the sport and often for a fresh feed of fish.

Thank you for sharing the vast family Military history and I hope your son is enjoying it up in Darwin. We (HMAS ANZAC) pulled into Darwin just over a month ago exploring the beautiful waterfalls and national parks.

I joined the Navy in Jan 2018, as a chef and I’m now currently posted the HMAS Anzac. I’m currently on my third deployment with Anzac, two last year with Covid so it was a solid 200ish days at sea last year with the ‘no stepping’ rules. I’m looking forward for some respite ashore next year as I post off the ship and post into the shore galley (kitchen) establishment at HMAS Stirling (Western Australia).

I have served my whole career in Perth and absolutely love it. When I’m not working I’m usually out camping/fishing. There is an endless amount of camping in WA and I try to explore as much as I can.

I own a single cab Toyota land cruiser with all the bells and whistles and sleep up top in the rooftop tent.

Once again I want to thank you for the awesome laundry bag and letter. I also want to thank you for the support that you and many others are doing for those serving.

All the best

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Dear Deirdre B-L,

I write this as I've just received and opened the quilt you have so beautifully handcrafted. As I was expecting a simple quilt with my country's national flag, I'm sitting in my living room with complete shock, seeing that you've put so much effort into this quilt for me.

I'm looking at this quilt with such awe in my eyes. I am so amazed of your efforts into doing your research of Nauru. I love that you used all of what Nauru is known for in the design of the quilt.

Although I was born in Australia, I spent time on the island as a child where I learnt the language as my father is Australian and mother is Nauruan. The majority of my family live in Nauru.

I will most definitely enjoy this quilt so much and you have made my day.

Thank you and regards,

Below is the quilt made by Deirdre B-L. I was so intrigued after reading the recipients letter that I found the picture from the weekly dispatches. Thought others might be curious too!

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Hi Sheena B,

Thank you very much for my quilt, I love it! Please pass on my thanks to Bev F and all those involved in making it, I really appreciate it. And thank you for the lollies!

This is my first deployment and to be honest I wasn’t really set on requesting a quilt from Aussie Hero Quilts as I didn’t want to make a fuss. However, one of my colleagues convinced me to request one and I’m so glad that I did. It’s added a nice personalised touch to my room and it will be an amazing memory to keep for the rest of my life.

Thank you for your letter and for sharing some information about your family. That is very impressive that your son is establishing his own winery, I hope he invites you to all his tastings. My wife and I spent a long weekend in the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills prior to me deploying, it is a lovely part of the world and the wine is amazing. It would be an awesome experience seeing the country in your AVan camper.

You are very fortunate to experience the wildlife whilst still being able to live in a city. It sounds like you have quite the family of animals living around you. Oh and congratulations on winning your golf championship! I have recently started playing golf with my mate, however I am far from championship winning material. He bought me golf lessons for my birthday earlier this year so I’m looking forward to doing them when I get home.

Again thank you very much for your time and dedication in making my quilt. I genuinely appreciate it as do all the other guys who receive quilts.

All the best for your future travelling adventures and golf championships.

Cheers,

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Good evening Bridget R,

Firstly, thank you so so much for the laundry bag and quilt. I absolutely love them both. My favourite is the quilt and is much more than I could have hoped for. I love vibrant colours.

Apologies for not writing sooner, it is pretty busy here and best intentions are not always realised. This gift that you and the others give is wonderful and very much appreciated by all.

Thank you so much for your work on the quilt and laundry bag. They are gifts I'll keep and cherish always. I'm almost at the end of my deployment, and should be home just in time for Christmas. What a year!

Sincere regards,

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Good morning Jo H,

I received your quilt and can say I certainly has made a great addition to my accommodation when on the ship.

I want to thank you for the awesome work you do for the sailors out there as it does make a difference.

Receiving things like this do add to moral, especially on a long trip or when we have been sent away on a humanitarian aid operation with no return date at the time.

Thank you and keep being awesome.

Regards,

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Good Morning Sheena B,

Firstly, I apologise for the delayed response. I went overseas and only got home a few days ago so I have just opened and seen the amazing quilt that you have created.

To say you have done a spectacular job is an absolute understatement. I couldn’t be happier with how it came up and you have honestly don’t such an amazing job.

What you do for Aussie Heroes is such a selfless thing and I appreciate it more than you can believe. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your caravanning and your family. My Dad just bought a caravan which is delivered in Feb next year so maybe you will end up crossing paths one day at a park. That would be quite funny.

Your house sounds amazing. I am originally the area, whilst not amongst the trees, we have quite a lot of butcher birds visiting us every day which we/my parents hand feed every day.

I wish you and your beautiful family all the best over the Christmas and hope you have some well earned rest.

Again, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the amazing job you did with the quilt. I am absolutely wrapped with it. It couldn’t be any better.

Regards,

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Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.

Tuesday's would be so totally boring without them!

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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,