Grati-Tuesday 13 November

Written by AHQ



13 November 2018



1 Comments

Post Views: 855

Recently one of our RAAF chaplains has the opportunity to present an Aussie Hero Quilt on our behalf. I think the pictures say it all.

…..

Bev and Geoff,

I just received my quilt and it is AMAZING.. I absolutely love the colours, theme and the personalisation.

When i saw the box said ‘linen’ i knew that it was my quilt and it is something i will cherish for a long time.

It is getting cold here in Afghanistan and it will keep me warm at night. I also have a lovely laundry bag with the same colours and theme so i am just thrilled. I am a nurse the Air Force and do Aeromedical evacuations as my main job here for all ADF personal if needed, as well as working in the hospital here.

Making quilts must be a lovely experience to do together as a couple and wish my husband and i had something similar. i have two boys under 4 so…. maybe in a few years we might be able to do something similar.

Hope you hold the love dear to your hearts and keep making the deployed personnel happy and smiling.

…..

Dear Ann,

I have just received my Aussie Hero quilt and laundry bag. Thank you very much for doing this for me. It is certainly a work of art and a labour of love and will have pride of place when I return home.

Thank you also for the letter with the quilt. You certainly have an active family, and it is nice to see the different generations all having a connection with horses.

Back home my wife and I both ride. We are both interested in eventing and dressage, but I am still ‘learning the craft’ (you never stop learning with horses). We live in a country town in South Australia near the Clare Valley. When I return home I can reacquaint myself with riding, which I miss, and I’m sure there will be a long list of chores around the house and at the paddock to attend to.

Again, thank you for the quilt.

Regards,

…..

Hi Joy,

I just received a quilt and laundry bag that you made. It has defiantly lifted my spirits and means a lot!

I have served for 17 years full time now but this is the first long term deployment I have been on. I am married with 3 children at primary school.

I can see you have put a lot of thought into the designs. The quilt has transformed my room adding colour and the laundry bag will get plenty of use! Thank you so much, the work you do is much appreciated!

I wish you all the best for the future.

Kind Regards

,…..

Hello Ruth,

I have received your laundry bag and it’s fantastic. I love the initials which is a great touch. I’m currently deployed until 2019. I am an Avionics Technician on the E-7 Wedgetail 737 surveillance aircraft. I appreciate you taking the time to make the laundry bag as the small things can mean the most. Take care and once again thank you.

Merry Christmas and happy new year.

……

Hi Connie,

Thank you so much for the Washing bag it caught my eye straight away!,

I am a Seaman in the RAN and work as a communications and information’s systems sailor,

I am currently posted to my first ship, HMAS Adelaide.

Home for me is on the central coast, NSW. Although I was supposed to be living in Canberra right now, I had an apartment reserved in Lyneham,

but as you would probably know with your daughter that the defence force changes its plans a lot, so ended up being posted home in Sydney!

Again thank you for the bag, Muchly appreciated

……

Hi Connie,

By way of introduction, I’m a Naval Officer serving in HMAS Adelaide, and I was very fortunate to receive a Laundry Bag, made by you. Adelaide is currently on its way to PNG for Operation APEC 2018 Assist. PNG is hosting the APEC forum of 21 (mostly Pacific) countries – and Australia is providing much of the security for the event.

It’s only a short trip this time, but when we get home, that’ll be a little over 6 months away from home for the year. Given one of your daughters is serving in the RAN, you’re only too well aware of how time spent away from home, creates a little emptiness of the home we leave behind. I’ve been on the road for much of the last six years, and am looking forward to getting posted to the same location as my family. One of these days I guess.

I was delighted to get the laundry bag – but perhaps even more excited to get a hand written letter, telling me a little bit about you, and of your story. I’m 45, and I well remember a time, when hand written letters were a much treasured source of comfort from loved ones. Thanks for your time, thanks for your contribution, thanks for your efforts. You, and others like yourself, are the real heroes. Not us.

I joined as a 17 year old kid in 1991. I’m married to a nurse, and have two children 13 and 1. We live in the South, and have been Canberrans for 10 years. I’ve served all over the place, and love it. I admit that it would be nice to have a regular job, where my family get to see more of me, but that’s all in the nature of what we do. They’re heroes as well, for the sacrifices they make to support me.

Anyway how, I’ll wrap it up.

Take care, and thank you once again for such a splendid, and thoughtful gift.

Sincerely yours

…..

Hi Ruth, thank you so much for my laundry bag, it is great, beyond my expectations. I will use it with pride everywhere I travel from now. Your cousin’s daughter was right, the laundry bags and quilts do add to the morale, they bring a bit of home to the UAE or IRAQ and Afghanistan.

I know how hard it must have been for you being a Port supporter to make the North Laundry Bag. Port has been very good to North this year, giving us two pretty good players – Polec and Pittard. I won’t barrack as hard the next time North plays Port, I will be thinking about my great laundry bag made by a lovely Port supporter. Oh by the way – you have a very smart Son-in-law – haha.

I am married with grown children, like you I have grand children – 6 ( 3 girls and 3 boys) and can’t wait to see them again.

Ruth thank you very much, I will enjoy the laundry bag and if I can ever assist you in any way please let me know. Your support of deployed Australians is very much appreciated.

GO NORTH and PORT
…..

Hi Dorothy,

I would like to say a big thank you for the effort you have put in to sewing such beautiful quilts and Laundry bags for our troops. I can say it is such a beautiful gesture receiving these bags and watching everyone’s eyes light up with Joy.

I loved reading your letter and your story, it reminded me a lot of where I am from!

All the ladies I share a cabin with have each received a beautiful laundry back, and it has certainly brightened up our space in our cabin. It has given it a rather homely feeling to a stark un-personalised space.

Thank you again for my beautiful Laundry bag, It is the small tokens of appreciations that are always felt the greatest.

……

Hi Sue,

I’m a Chief Petty Officer currently deployed on Operations onboard HMAS Adelaide. I received your laundry bag yesterday, there were quite a few to choose from, but I was really drawn to yours. I love the idea behind the quilt and laundry bag program and deeply appreciate your gift. It’s great to know that people like you are supporting those serving overseas.

Kind regards,

……

Hi Sue,

Thank you so much for the quilt and gifts. I was told mandalas would be hard to do, so very much appreciated. My deployment ends in Jan 19 so I will be away over Christmas time. I’ve only been here about 6 weeks so far, the days are long but it has started to cool down at least.

All the best,

…..

Dear Anne

Many thanks for your hard work and generosity in providing me with a laundry bag for our deployment. Prior to departure, I had scoured the malls looking for one half as good, without success, so was very happy to receive your kind gift. I will make good use of it.

Best wishes

……

Hi Jean,

Thank you very much for the beautiful laundry bag that you made for me. Having any sort of personalised items here make or day to day life that little bit more interesting. It’s funny how the little reminders of home like a Sydney Swans logo can bring so much morale while we’re deployed. As the son of a woman who has devoted the better part of a decade to quilting I can appreciate your work!

Thanks again for the laundry bag and your continued support to Defence personnel deployed overseas – we always love hearing from home.

Sincerely,
…..

Good Afternoon Maree,

I am 22 and an Electronics Technician on board HMAS Adelaide. I recently received a Laundry bag made by yourself from Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags, whilst on Operation APEC Assist 2018 in Papua New Guinea.

I would like to thank you for making this bag for me, I really appreciate the quality craftsmanship and vibrant fabrics that brighten up my room! Growing up I played tennis, which was the fabric on one of the sides, but what really caught my eye when choosing the bag was a fish, which reminded me of the book, The Rainbow Fish which I read a lot when I was younger.

Thank you for supporting us whilst we are away on operation, these wonderful gifts bring a smile to everyone’s faces on board!

Have a lovely weekend J

…..

Hello Sue,

I am a Petty Officer on HMAS Adelaide. I would just like to take the time to thank you for the laundry bag you have made. In my 18yrs in the Navy this is the first time I have received something like this (not including gifts from my mum). It has put a smile on my face, thank you for taking the time to make this gift for me.

All the best,

……

Dear Ellen

You are probably wondering who I am !
My daughter is engaged to XXXXX- the young man for whom you made a laundry bag and a quilt. She sent me photos last week of your beautiful items and I was so touched that I thought I would drop you a line. What a wonderful organization you belong to.
my daughter is a radiographer and after working at a Melbourne hospital for 8 years, decided to do something different and joined the Army! At the moment she is based in Sydney and also works as a radiographer at a Sydney Hospital.

Thanks very much for your kindness
.…..

Hi Jenny,

Thank you very much for the beautiful laundry bag and quilt that you made for me. Having any sort of personalised items here make our day to day life that little bit more interesting. It’s funny how the little reminders of home like can bring so much morale while we’re deployed – even if they come from Richmond supporters!

As the son of a woman who has devoted the better part of a decade to quilting I can appreciate your work. I sent Mum some photos and she was thrilled to know her nagging about quilting has had an effect!

I apologise for the delay in my response, we’re on the downward slope of a very chaotic period surrounding the Afghan elections so I’ve hardly had time to think!

Thanks again for the laundry bag and quilt, and your continued support to Defence personnel deployed overseas – we always love hearing from home.

Sincerely,

…..

Till next time… keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
Jan-Maree xx

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,