Grati-Tuesday 20 November 18

Written by AHQ

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20 November 2018

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Hi all,

Some of the 1065 laundry bags we presented to HMAS Adelaide for Operation APEC Assist were recently presented to two patrols boats also participating in APEC Assist. Crew members from HMAS Glenelg and HMAS Larrakia wasted no time sending us some thank you messages…..

Enjoy them along with messages from messages from other happy recipients.
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Dear Susan Pr

Thank you for the splendid laundry bag that I received while deployed on OPERATION APEC ASSIST 2018.

All members of my ships company received a laundry bag while assigned to this operation, which is supporting Papua New Guinea’s government in securing the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Port Moresby. I noticed another laundry bag similar to the one I received from you, so I assume that you have made several bags that have been dispatched to our people here. I am very grateful for your support to me and my ships company.

Glenelg is an Armidale Class Patrol Boat based in Darwin, and most often assigned to OPERATION RESOLUTE, our ongoing operation to secure Australia’s maritime approaches from a range of illegal activity. Although typically assigned to RESOLUTE, Glenelg has also deployed on OPERATION AUGURY to assist the government of the Philippines to counter violent extremism, as well as domestic and international exercises throughout the Asia-Pacific region in 2018. Even though our patrol boats are relatively small, we spend as much, if not more time operationally deployed than any other unit in the Australian Defence Force. On average, a patrol boat will spend at two thirds of the year away from home port, and in 2018, Glenelg will spend 40 weeks away from home. Because operational deployments are routine for us, larger units deploying on an operation often gain more attention. Your laundry bags are a reminder to my team that their service on almost constant operational deployment is appreciated by our fellow Australians.

I have attached a photo of some of my ships company with their laundry bags – please forgive the half-closed eyes – the sun was right in our faces! Thank you again.

Kindest regards,

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Good morning Anne,

I just wanted to write a quick email (because a letter will take so much longer from here!) to say a huge THANKYOU for my laundry bag. We received them on special delivery from HMAS Adelaide here in PNG, and receiving them was the highlight of our morning!

I have been lucky enough to have received a quilt from your wonderful group when I was deployed in Afghanistan in 2016, but certainly didn’t expect anything on this trip. The thought, the work and the gift are very much appreciated!

We are looking forward to heading home after this operation, where I will join my next ship and sail the same day, but I am hopeful that I will be home in time for our wedding anniversary and Christmas.

Thank you for thinking of us, I have attached a group photo, please excuse the squinted eyes, we were staring directly into the sun!

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Good afternoon Noelene,

What a great surprise it was to receive a package from you containing not only my laundry bag, but also a lovely letter, angel charm and various goodies! All are very much appreciated – especially the bag, coaster and the angel charm, which I have placed on my work bag so that I have her with me when I’m out and about. The laundry bag itself is a work of art, and I’m very proud to be the recipient of your wonderful work – it really is exactly what I was hoping for.

I’ve now been deployed for just over two months. This deployment is my second in the last two years which is great for me professionally, but is also hard on my family at home who miss me dearly (as I do them). It is the thoughts and gestures from not only them, but also the wonderful quilters such as yourself and the whole Aussie Hero team that make time away from home that much more bearable.

I’m in a lucky position here where I interact with a lot of deployed Air Force personnel, and the feedback I receive when the guy’s and girl’s are sent their quilts and laundry bags is very much appreciative of the time and effort that goes into each piece. We really do love receiving our quilts and laundry bags as they bring a such smile to our faces and brighten our days.

Again, thank you so much for my wonderful package – I really do appreciate receiving it.

Regards,

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Good afternoon Coffs Harbour Sewing team,

I have received your quilt in the mail today. OMG, what an amazing piece you provided to me. Thank you

The amazing effort put into these quilts really is inspiring. I am currently working in a team of 14 personnel and each time a quilt arrives, its down tools (computers!) to all stand around and watch the unveiling. The mail delivery day is always an interesting vibe waiting to see who’s quilt will arrive and the look of disappointment on those waiting for theirs is funny. (not if it’s you waiting) For us, deploying it’s what we signed up for, but to receive these quilts as a memento to take home means the world to us over here.

Please know you are truly valued by the Aust Defence Force and thank you for bringing happiness to us over here.

Regards,
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Dear Anna,

Thank you very much for the care and effort you put in for making me a quilt and laundry bag. I greatly admire your hard work, not just in making me a quilt and laundry bag, but in doing it for numerous others.

To tell you a bit about me, I have been deployed overseas now for some time now, but with our various types of lead up training the team we have been away from home since the start of the year. It has been a long but rewarding time. I do miss my family though.

I am married with two kids, 5 and 2. My wife surprised me a couple of months ago when she told me that she was pregnant! She told me when I came home from leave – she had been hiding it on Skype from me for 3 months! It was very sneaky of her but an excellent surprise.

To expand, the people in my company work very hard. They average a 12 hour day, though it can be longer. They strive to work hard every day, to protect their mates and help with the overall situation. Anything different to the routine enables us to talk about something other than our work and is uplifting.

I shared the food around, which is greatly appreciated. You are correct on the Tim Tams – I used your packet to ‘buy’ a favour from one of my coalition counterparts. You cannot buy anything like that over here.

I wanted to write you a letter as it takes more effort than an email, plus I send emails all day for work.

Thank you again.

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Good evening Jan-Maree,

Firstly, VMT for your many years of service in the Defence.

I am now the proud owner of a beautiful laundry bag with motorbike helmets all over it, I can assure you that it has been commissioned and is now in full service. Since I’m a motorcycle enthusiast I considered myself quite lucky to have been handed it instead of picking the laundry bag, it was meant to be. Believe it or not, my shipmates and I were all quite excited and super pleased to have received this the other day; and it goes to show how the simple things in life can make you happy. I am sure hundreds of working hours went into making the laundry bags, so my sincere thank you to all involved.

Funny you mentioned that you were an Air Traffic Control Officer for the RAAF, I currently provide maintenance services to three ATCO’s in our ATC room on board. They are all some of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to work with. As an ET ‘S’ I seldom get the chance to work with a Comms Officer or an Admin Officer, however both on board are great.

I appreciated the letter too, I had no idea about Aussie Hero Quilts until the day I was presented with my laundry bag.

Thank you so much again.

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Good Morning Anne,

I am currently the Catering Manager serving on HMAS Glenelg on Operation APEC Assist 18. We just received a Shipment of Laundry Bags and Quilts from Aussie Quilt Heroes and I was lucky enough to receive your BATMAN Laundry Bag, Thank you so much for your generous donations and please know they are much Appreciated!

About me, I have currently served almost 15 years in the RAN and have been posted on ships operating from Sydney and Darwin. I am originally form Just south of Wollongong so hearing your grandson is going to Wollongong University is very close to home for me.

I hope you’re having a wonderful day and this message finds you well.

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Pennie,

This morning I received my lovely Laundry bag from you with one side of it being sweets (my favourite) and the other side being savoury foods. I would just like to thank you immensely for the time and effort put into the laundry bag and I want you to know that your beautiful fabric ‘habit’ certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed! I know how lucky I am and please know that I will treasure and hold this close throughout the rest of my career, knowing that there are beautiful people back home that take the time out of their own busy lives and schedules to make these lovely gifts for us. I especially admire the dedication that you put in, as working as an emergency nurse is anything other than easy. I know your own days are long and demanding having started my Bachelor of Nursing degree back when I left school a couple of years ago, hopefully something that one day I will endeavour to return to completing.

A little bit about me, I grew up in Victoria and I am currently serving on HMAS Glenelg for APEC Assist as a Communicator. I will have been in the Navy for 2 years in March and have certainly enjoyed every minute of it so far, even in such a short period of time I have visited places that I never would have dreamt of.

Unlike big ships, and although we don’t do what we do for the recognition, we generally don’t receive these on patrol boats so to receive one today most certainly put a smile on the whole crew’s face and I thank you for contributing to that!

I hope you have a lovely weekend and thank you again.

Yours Sincerely,

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Dear Clarissa,

I would like to thank you for the laundry bag that you and others sent over to Apec 2018. Our cabin is quite colourful now.

Currently I am posted to HMAS Glenelg a patrol vessel based out of Darwin.

Wishing you and all your family and new coming family a safe and happy Christmas and holidays. Bringing great ambitions for the new year.

Thank-you again.
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Dear Clarissa,

I’m writing to thank you for your wonderful care package. I have just recently re-deployed from mid-tour leave and the package was waiting for me when I returned.

Your parcel was dated September 2018, so I must apologise for only replying to you now. I can only assume it’s because our military postal system is routinely overwhelmed with lovely parcels and have only just gotten through the back-log.

Once again, thank you very much for your package. I hope this letter finds you well!

Kindest Regards,

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Hello Bridget,

I am currently a sailor aboard HMAS Larrakia.

I was lucky enough to receive and handmade quilt form yourself and it is very nice and if I may say so much better stitching than anything mum is able to make.

Though it is seen as a small gesture by some the amount of enthusiasm and joy that I say my shipmates show once they discovered your gifts was truly something remarkable after such an extended time away from friends and family.

You have personally made a difference to the morale and spirits of the serving men and women aboard my ship and I a truly grateful for this and you should be proud of this as well.

Yours truly

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Dear Clarissa,

I received your wonderful laundry bag just over a month ago now, I apologise for taking so long to send you my thanks. The bag is absolutely beautiful, it is even better than I could have hoped for! It is even better knowing that it comes from a fellow Brumbies and rugby lover. I’ve already got my membership sorted for next year and I’ll be home just in time to get to the first game. I look forward to seeing Lachy out there running off the back again – he had a great start year last year, hopefully no injuries in 2019!

There is definitely no mistaking my stuff in the laundry any more. All my mates were super jealous when it turned up – I think most of them have put in their own requests now.

Thank you for the letter and the other stuff you packed into the parcel as well. I’ve used the hand sanitiser way more often than I thought I would! Your family sounds super impressive, you must be very proud of them all. It’s my dream to have a nice garden like the one you have some day. I read your letter out to my team and my mate asked if you have any photos of the new puppy you could share with us?

My great-granddad (WWII), my granddad (Korea) and my dad (Afghanistan ’03, ‘09 and Iraq ‘92, ’07, ‘12) have all served in the military. This is my first deployment and I’m a bit sad that granddad wasn’t with us to see me come over. However, I hope I am keeping my family’s traditions strong. It’s been hard work and I am more tired than I have been in my entire life but I love every minute and the challenge of it – I am hoping they will extend my tour, even if it means missing the rugby!

Anyway, I wanted you to know that the work you and the ladies are doing is really loved by everyone around here. The orderly room staff get very excited when a new parcel turns up and they make everyone show off their bags and quilts. It’s always a good time and it adds a lot of colour to this otherwise dull place.

Even though the deployment has been tough, I’ll keep this bag with me forever and I know it will remind me of all the really good times I’ve had here.

Again, thank you for your amazing work and all the best.

Cheers,

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

Jan-Maree

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. 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,

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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,