Grati-Tuesday

Written by AHQ

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21 January 2014

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G’day all. I hope where ever you are your day is treating you kindly. I am sitting in my office/sewing room, enjoying being able to have the windows open at 1230 without being too hot. The lovely cool weather we are having is very welcome. The birds are singing their hearts out as well so it seems they are grateful of the reprieve.

Now so sure that those in Kabul would be complaining about the heat. This photo was sent to me the other day from one of our would-be recipients. As she said, it is not exactly bike riding weather! It would certainly be the opposite of the HOT SEAT!

By the way, if you are “over there” and want to share some other pics of every day life, snow, whatever, we would love to see them.

Quick reminder. There is a sewing day at my home this Friday – starts at ten, BYO lunch and I will provide all materials.

If you can’t make it this Friday then the next scheduled sewing day is Wednesday the 5th of Feb, also at my home and finally the next sewing day in Penrith is on Sunday the 16th of February.

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Time for some thank you messages…

Hello Debbie,

I am the Defence member that received the quilt you made. I just wanted to say “THANKYOU”. Its is great. The quilt you made is for my 5 year little boy as he has missed me while I’m away. I have shown him the quilt on Skype and he loves it. He has a real passion for cars. I think he will also be a race car driver like your husband.

He always gets his photo with nice cars he sees around town. We also have to keep our keys up high as he thinks he is adult and can drive like his dad does.

I would like to thank you for the effort you put into my quilt for my son. It looks great. The gift’s we receive from people like yourself have an incredible impact on our moral here in the big sand pit and help us get by without our families and friends.

I hope you and you family have a great new year and the weather turns in your favor.

Thank you

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Hello Jan Maree.

I have just received my quilt cover and it is absolutely beautiful. My heart goes out to all the people who do such a magnificent job and believe me it is very much appreciated by everyone here. And lastly could you please thank Aniko for her excellent work.

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A thank you message from South Sudan for a laundry bag made by Bev and a quilt by Liz.

Good Morning,

Firstly I must apologies for my delay in responding. Things have been a bit hectic in Juba lately and this is my first chance to write. I received my laundry bag in mid December so thank you very much. I love the design and you can be assured that it is getting plenty of use. I received my quilt last week as there was a long delay in the mail due to the recent instability in the country. I love the quilt, and thank you for the chocolates and nibblies. I am a bit of a chocoholic which isn’t doing my waistline any favours.

I hope you had a great Xmas and that 2014 is a fantastic year.

Many thanks – I am very appreciative of my quilt – it rocks!

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Hey Julie Ann,

Thanks so much for the quilt and laundry bag they are awesome. Definitely brightens up my room over here and coming mid way through makes a difference plus it’s actually getting cold here so timing is great :))) I only just received them as I’ve been away for around 5 weeks on separate tasks and covering shifts in other areas so was a good surprise when I arrived back to base.

Thanks again for the quilt and bag it makes a difference :)))))))

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Dear Julie Ann and AHQ

Thank you very much for your kind letter and wonderful laundry bag and Aussie treats. They arrived here at ISAF today.

I feel so blessed! It will go to very good use here.

I wish you all the best, and thanks for your thoughtful contribution to Australia’s efforts and service. It couldn’t be achieved without support from Australians such as yourself.

With warm wishes,

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Hi Jan-Maree,

Yes I did receive your quilt and lovely laundry bag. It was such a delight. I do apologise for not being able to write back as you can imagine the lifestyle is quite demanding. Thank you once again for going beyond your efforts and thoughts. Makes being over here a bit more comfortable. Have a lovely day and thank you for your support.

Kind Regards,

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For a quilt Millie sent me to send off

I had received my aussie hero quilt. I received it prior to Xmas.

I wish to thank you and your team again for the extraordinary effort you go to. My quilt has been a wonderful gift to receive (especially prior to Xmas) in a sometimes very challenging environment.

Thanks again.

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This thank you is for a quilt top made by my sister-in-law Julie and quilted by Stephanie T and a laundry bag made by me. The message was written by the soldier’s wife.

Hellow Jan-Maree

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the Aussie Hero Quilt team for all that you have done to support Australian Soldiers on Operations. Thank you for taking the time to create such a beautiful quilt and laundry bag for my husband. XXXX got such a pleasant surprise when he returned home from Afghanistan last year and saw he had “gifts” to open. The quilt reminds XXXX of his Operations to Afghanistan. XXXX and I are both appreciative and very thankful that there are special people like yourself and the Aussie Hero Quilt team reminding troops that their services are appreciated and they are not forgotten. Keep up the wonderful work

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This thank you was for a quilt top made by Lynn and quilted by Debbie.

Dear Jan-Maree,

Thankyou for the lovely surprise, I had not really expected to get one and the workmanship in the quilt was beautiful. I am a Sailor on HMAS Melbourne and it really made a big impression on me that there are still people out there that are so selfless and caring. It really made my Christmas. I was fortunate enough to get the Sports Cars Quilt, that I requested and it will now become a family heirloom.

The work you do is so very important. All the best to everybody and your families’. Have a very Happy New Year, I hope Santa brought you lots of goodies.

Yours Aye

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Julie Ann,

Firstly thank you so very much for the laundry bag I received the other day. Opening it up to “inspect” the craftsmanship was a group event as the international community that I work among were all waiting in awe that someone so nice would actually take the time out of their days to do such an honorable deed. You have single handedly raised the already high reputation of Australians among this predominantly European community. They are all sufficiently jealous and now have an increased desire to not only visit Australia but potentially migrate as well. The heat wave that has occurred recently has been reported on the news here so that has tempered it somewhat.

I’m greatly appreciative for the support you have shown us and the craftsmanship is faultless. The units insignia is recreated perfectly. I’m sure this bag will travel with me in the years to come as it is very well constructed and study enough to take the beatings I’m sure my clothes will send its way.

Again thank you very much, and I really do appreciate the support you have given me as well as everyone else over here through Aussie Hero Quilts

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Finally this is a special one. Today on the facebook page I shared the following

“When I started Aussie Heroes it soon became obvious that I needed to find a supportive supplier to purchase batting from. For those who do not know, batting is the cotton layer, a kind or padding, that goes between the back of the quilt and the top (the “pretty” side). It is probably my biggest expense, costing a few hundred dollars per roll. I receive quilt tops that need to be finished off andthey all require batting. One distributor has supported us almost from the beginning, the only proviso is that I do not make public where I get our batting from. That makes it hard for me to thank them publicly but I have an idea. If you or a loved one has received a quilt from us could you please leave a message of thanks on this page which I can copy and paste and add when I send my next cheque off to them. I really could not do what I do for Aussie Heroes without their support.”

People have been leaving messages for me to share with our supplier and I really appreciate everyone that has come in. This one was sent to me as a Private Message on facebook and I have permission to share it anonymously.

“Hi Jan 🙂

Just saw your post and would like to send a thank you message to everyone behind the quilts. I was deployed last year for 8 months. I can tell you it’s not easy being over there and some days you just feel like giving up. However coming back to my bunk at whatever time of the day I got back to sleep I saw my quilt and every time it would make me smile and feel that little bit better. it was the one thing that made my day, every single day. I couldn’t explain how much it helps mentally to have something there each day to remind you that someone else is out there thinking about you and made this quilt for you. Now I’m back home on Australian soil, I had a rough couple of weeks transitioning back into this lifestyle where yet again my quilt came in handy the same as it did overseas. Now it’s my couch quilt that I cuddle up with watching TV and it brings back so many memories. Its hard to explain what it means to us soldiers, but if my how was to get robbed..I hope they take anything but my quilt! Evelyn was my quilt maker and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

Now, can someone please pass me a tissue, the sand is bad today, and no, I am not being funny. I am humbled that we have been able to provide such comfort.

Till next time……………keep spreading 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,

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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,