Grati-Tuesday 15 Dec

Written by AHQ



15 December 2015



Hi all, ten days til Christmas… are you ready??? Stressed??

Take my advice, grab a cuppa and take a few minutes and read some of these messages. I guarantee you will feel better.

Enjoy

……

Hi Jan-Maree

I would like to thank you for the great quilt Sue N made. I’m currently in XXXX and while be here for a while. The arrival of this quilt has made my day.

Thank you.

Kind regards,

….

Hi Fran,

Wow, thank you very much for my quilt and laundry bag! It is amazing and so much more than I expected. It is very humbling to receive something like that personally made and with a thank you. I have sent my beautiful quilt home as a gift for my husband, he is the one really doing the hard yards at home with our two daughters aged 8 and 6, of course they are sad their mum is away however understand it is part of my job. They are counting down the days, as am I!

Your work and the work of the other volunteers is very much appreciated over here and everyone looks forward to receiving their ‘surprise’ in the mail. It is a very special thing to us and would like to thank you again.

Lastly, I’m glad to hear my Hawthorn quilt and laundry bag came from a fellow Hawthorn supporters home, it makes it just that much more special! Go hawks!

Thanks again Fran,
…..

Dear Cher T,

Today I received the quilt and laundry bag you made for me and I was blown away. They are awesome!! I will use them while here and give them to my boy when I get home, who will love them even more than me. They do indeed radiate with love and warmth.

Thank you so much.

Kindest Regards

…..

Good Morning Joan & Robin,

Thank you for the laundry bag it is much appreciated. Joan you need not worry about the choice of material as every time I see the bag the pirate island theme makes me smile, I love it.

Cheers

and from the same fellow when I sought permission to publish his photo…

Thank you for starting the Aussie hero quilts, it does make a difference. Please pass on my thanks to everyone involved.

…..

Hello Jan Maree

I am writing to say thank you for the lovely quilt you sent to me (made by Rita M). It is starting to get a bit cooler, but to tell you the truth, no colder than Canberra in February. Its not so bad here but I do miss my kids and have promised my daughter my quilt when I arrive back home. She graduates from primary school today.

You and your friends are doing a wonderful job, and I can speak from everyone who has received a quilt or laundry bag, they are very happy with the designs and obvious care that has gone in to producing them

Thanks again, have a wonderful Christmas

…..

Dear Anne and Alan,

We all appreciate the awesome Laundry Bags we have received. They have been very useful and we do love some of the interesting patterns and colors.

They have certainly livened up the Mess. Our issue bags are pretty boring just some mesh and string, Very cost effective for the Navy hah.

It was interesting to read about you and your husband both serving in the Navy, much respect.
And I hope you have a lovely Christmas

Best Wishes and a Merry Christmas.

Kind Regards,
…..

Dear Rebecca,

Recently I received your delightful Aussie Hero quilt and it was such a pleasure to receive a wonder item made with much care. I find it absolutely wonderful and would like to thank you for taking time to make something special for someone that you have not met. Receiving a gift like this while away from home does brighten up ones day and I have now placed the quilt on the foot on my bed.

Once again, thank you for the quilt, it is something that I will treasure.

Have a happy and safe Christmas.

…..

Hi Sue N,

Thank you for making me this beautiful quilt. It must have taken you a lot of time and effort, and I am thrilled to receive it.

I am 24 years old and this is my second deployment to the Middle East and I am enjoying it. I am in the Army, however I am surrounded by predominately Airforce members (which is awesome).

I saw the quilt on the facebook page a few nights before receiving it. I saw the laundry bag below and really hoped that it was the one I would get. When I saw the package on my desk it made me so happy and it turned a bad day into a great day! I showed it off to everyone, they all loved it and are a bit jealous I think ☺.

My mum is 53 years old too, she likes knitting and crochet. We used to knit squares for the homeless when I was younger. I actually bought some wool over to do some squares, I have had no time do do any yet.

I’m not sure when you sent this lovely quilt, I got it on the 16th November.

Your children are very lucky to have such a lovely thoughtful and caring mother.

Thank you again for taking the time and effort to make this quilt for me. It is perfect and I love how much detail and effort you put in and the detail is amazing.

Kind regards,

…..

Dear Jan-Maree and Bev

Thank you very much for the Aussie Hero laundry bag (and the lollies!) that I received today. I love the design, particular because I’m a WA lad, so the Black Swan means a lot to me.

Thankyou for the great work you do, it means alot to the guys and girls here that there a people like you out there thinking of us.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Regards,
……

Hi Joan,

I hope this small token of my appreciation finds you well and gives you even a small portion of the satisfaction your kind gesture did for me this year.

The laundry bag proved exceptionally useful during the deployment and will continue to serve me for future trips as I tend to be away quite a lot.

The gratitude should be extended to you for the kindness you bring to those deployed away from everything they hold dear.

I have lost count of how many different and cleverly designed laundry bags I have spotted over my tenure.

I know this is only trivial compared to your kind gift, but hopefully it improves your day and that you and your family have a Happy and Prosperous Christmas.

…..

Hi Karen,

Thanks heaps for the laundry bag and goodies. It was an unexpected surprise as I had only corresponded with Jan-Maree about a quilt request.

The good news is the laundry bag and quilt match.

I am really pleased that you have joined the Aussie Hero Quilt group; I think it is a fantastic idea and I encourage you to continue.

The little treats in the package are a good morale boost, I don’t know who put you onto that idea, but it’s great!

Please know that I will keep this bag and quilt as a special keepsake when I return to Australia, they mean a great deal to me already.

Thank you,

…..

Hi Jacqui,
I’m a reservist soldier from currently deployed to rifle company Butterworth in Malaysia. Just wanted to offer my sincere thanks for the laundry bag. Thank you again for the thought. It’s not the best time of year to be deployed (worse since my birthday is January as well) so it’s good to know. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

From a very hot, sunny and frequently rainy Malaysia.

…..

Hi Jean,

How are you?

Thank you for the laundry bag, looks great. Adds some brightness to my room.

Travelling is great, I am lucky enough to be aircrew in the RAAF, so get to do so as a job.

Once again thank you for the laundry bag but mostly for your support.

Have a wonderful Xmas with your family.

Cheers

…..

Hi Olivia,

I just collected the mail and was surprised and so pleased to receive the quilt you have created for me. It is beautiful and so so perfect!!! I love the colours, they’re so bright and cheery and the detail of the runner on the bottom corner, it’s just amazing thank you! I love the fabrics you have chosen and it reminds me a lot of home, the flowers and leaves from our gardens, the kangaroos in our paddocks, that come up to the yard and eat our lawn! The birds remind me of our chickens and all the birdlife at home, the cherries and bees from our orchard and that hang around the lavender in the garden, and the love hearts for my daughter and partner back home. I don’t know how you did it, but it could not have been more perfect for me.

Thank you for the lovely letter and gifts as well, just what I need.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family, and thank you for the work you put into creating these quilts for us. I know everyone here really appreciates them.

…..

Noeleen,

I received a beautiful quilt made by you and sent to me in Iraq.

The quilt is stunning and I can see how much love and effort has been put into creating such a beautiful piece.

Many of my friends were jealous of the beauty, and of all the colours and beautiful patterns you created.

It was a perfect match for me and so lovely to have something so special made for me.

You’ve created a beautiful reminder of my time overseas.

Merry Christmas, all the best.

…..

Good evening Gay,

I firstly want to thank you for the Aussie Hero Quilt that you have sent me. It is absolutely beautiful and is an item I will cherish forever.

The quality and workmanship of the piece is outstanding and I really do have to compliment and thank you again for your effort into making such a treasured item. I am absolutely positive my wife and three boys will love it over the winter time in North Queensland (although, it is not much of a winter there 🙂 )

Thank you again Gay, I do hope everything is going well for you and your family on the land and you enjoy the Christmas break, from the note you have provided, you have all earned it!

Best wishes for the festive season and warmest regards,

…..

Hello Jan-Maree,

Just to let you know that I received my Laundry Bag yesterday and I just love it. I have written a personal letter to Di T to let her know I have received my laundry bag and to thank her for it and the care pack of goodies that she has sent to me.

I also saw my laundry bag on the “Aussie Hero Quilts (and laundry bags) face book page and liked it there as well.

Thanks again, the hard work, dedication and beautiful work undertaken by you and your team is truly admired by all personnel within the MER.

Kind regards,

…..

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

Jan-Maree xxx

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. 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

❤❤❤

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,