Grati-Tuesday 22 August

Written by AHQ



22 August 2017



1 Comments

Post Views: 506

I have to say that these messages are just a pleasure to edit and read every single week. I hope you are enjoying them as much as I am.

…..

Dear Jan-Maree, today I received my Aussie Hero Quilt and Laundry Bag in the mail. Please let Melissa B know it has far exceeded my expectations. It is absolutely fantastic; an instant heirloom to remind me of my deployment, my Corps, and the Army. I could not be happier with the outcome.

Thank you so much!

…..

Dear Joy,

I thank you so much for sending over this laundry bag and blanket package over to me. I send these attached photos to show you that they arrived safe and sound. I truly appreciate the time and effort you spent sewing up and sending over the package of goodies to me. I absolutely love the Tim Tams and was actually running low on chewing gum also.

It’s a bit too warm to wear the beanie outside where I am at the moment. The temperature is hitting 48 to 50 degrees regularly during the days with the minimum temperature of around 36 degrees at night time. Next years winter I will wear it more often, being back home.

To answer your question of how I managed to pack so light for this deployment, I didn’t pack very well at all. Luckily there’s a shop on base I could buy a few more t-shirts and shorts. Have participated in a couple of 5 kilometer fun runs as well and we do receive a shirt for participating and finishing.

This deployment has been a great experience for me and I can’t wait to return back to Australia to see my wife and 13 month old twin daughters. Once again thank you so much Joy.

Kind regards

…..

Hi Chris,

I recently received the laundry bag that you made via Aussie Hero Quilts. Firstly, I would like to thank you for the huge amount of effort that obviously went in to creating the bag. It is amazing and I know my daughter will love it. I have already sent it home so hopefully it will arrive with them soon and in time for her Birthday. She is a huge fan of Frozen, or as she calls it, “Let it go!”

I am currently 2 months into my deployment so still have a long way to go. Receiving mail always provides a great uplift in morale so please don’t underestimate how much difference you are making to us out here. This is my third deployment here (the previous 2 were with the British Army where I actually started my military career) but it never gets any easier saying goodbye to my family. Thankfully conditions out here are very good, with plenty to do in the spare time we have. (As long as you like going to the gym or playing sport-which i do!)

Because of the facilities out here I am able to call or Skype back home very regularly which helps overcome the separation with my wife and kids.

My family has always had a strong military background, with parents and grand-parents, uncles and cousins having served in all 3 arms of the British military. I believe i am the first to make the leap over to Australia!

Many years ago my wife and I drove all around Australia in a 1982 Fold Falcon, and we have aspirations of buying a caravan to take the kids on a similar trip at some time in the near future. One thing you realise being out here is how lucky we have it living where we do and I want to make sure my kids appreciate that.

Although I like to think we are making a difference out here, there is so much work still to do, to undo the damage done by others in the past. Seeing the impacts we are having certainly helps justify being out here, something that probably doesn’t get shown very much in the media back home anymore.

Thank you, again for your support, it genuinely means a great deal.

…..

Good afternoon,

A wonderful surprise awaited me one afternoon as I collected the mail. Thank you so much for a well-made laundry bag, I will use it with pride.

As a boy growing up, I fell in love with the beautiful game football while watching English Premier League on a black and white TV in the 70’s.

Of course the first team I saw was West Ham United FC, my idol was Trevor Brooking. I didn’t know what colour was until I watched my team on colour TV.

I’ve played soccer (I politely call it ‘wog ball’, I hope I don’t offend anyone) for over 40 years. I still like a kick at the ripe old age of 52, still love it! To me there’s football, then breathing.

My brother lives and has lived in Yorkshire for the last ten years just north of Leeds. I have visited him in Great Britain once – beautiful place. I would love to see more of the British Isles one day.

Yes I’m in the Air Force, somewhere in the middle east on Op Accordion and have been in country since mid-April. I am missing home, my girlfriend, and our little pooch. I am a little anxious to return home to more heat.

At present I work at the RAAF Base in Townsville where it will be warming up.

Thank you also for the biscuits, they survived the heat, though they didn’t survive my work mates. They were consumed in minutes!

I don’t think you can enjoy the heat here as it reaches very high temperatures, no humidity, just burning sun.

At lunch when walking to the mess you can feel the heat slowly cooking your body.

Thanks again from myself and my work mates, and I will enjoy my washing days ahead.

…..

Dear Melissa,

it was with the greatest delight that I received my quilt from you today. I was absolutely blown away with the quality of it, and I am going to keep it safe so that I can put on my bed at home.

This is just a very quick note to say thank you as I will respond properly with a picture by ordinary mail. I wanted you to know as soon as I received it so you know it has traveled safely.

Once again, I am humbled by your generosity,

Many thanks

…..

Hello Sue,

I received your package today and would like to say thank you. I love what you have made me and I will treasure it forever.

I am 21 years old and I have been deployed to Afghanistan since the very start of January. I cannot wait to get home and see my family including my dog Panda and my 2 cats Tom and Coco.

It is such a good feeling to receive mail and your package is probably the last one I’ll receive. You and all the other people who make Aussie Hero Quilts do a wonderful job.

Thank you again for the gifts, including all the small bits and pieces, I will use all of it!

Thank you

…..

Rita (Granny Apples),

I have receieved the hero quilt and it is Amazing. I wouldn’t change anything. Thank you so much. Put a massive smile on my face.

Aussie hero quilts is a great idea and each guy who has received one is using it on his bed or got it hanging up. Thank you so much again.

…..

Dear Sue,

I am writing to say thank you for my amazing quilt and bag. A special thanks also for the other gifts the cards are getting some good use.

Being away from home is never easy but made bearable when we get parcels from home. Please know I will treasure this beautiful quilt for ever.

Kind Regards

…..

I am writing to say thank you for the beautiful laundry bag that I received from you.

I was so happy when I opened your parcel; you were absolutely spot on with the design. It couldn’t have been better if I picked it myself. Thank you also for the goodies: the moisturisers are going to good use, and the chocolates didn’t last long.

A very big thank you once again. I can’t tel you how much I appreciate the laundry bag. I am certain you would have put a lot of work into it! Thank also for supporting Aussie Hero Quilts. Our deployed men and women love to receive their quilts and laundry bag, as they do really make a difference to our time here, by brightening up our living and working spaces.

Kind Regards,

…..

Hi Jean,

Thank you so much for the laundry bag, I absolutely adore it! It is just what I had in mind – reminding me of Arabian Nights. Collecting my laundry has become a lot easier as my bag definitely stands out!

The time you have taken to create my laundry bag means a lot to me, and we appreciate the support from back home. Have a great day and thanks again 🙂

…..

Dear Caroline,

Thank you so much for the Quilt and Laundry bag. What an amazing design and quality. I was truly impressed.

My offsiders and I are feeling somewhat sorry for ourselves having just pigged out on the other goodies you sent. The Aussie chips went down a treat with the whole crew here.

Although I am a massive fan of Tim Tams they are like gold around here. They will be put to good use when we require priority assistance from our Coalition partners. Please pass on to your helpers just how good their selection of “yummy’s” was and how much a little taste of home is appreciated.

The arrival of two separate parcels was also met with much jealousy when the mail arrived (its always good to have a little one up manship).

Like you mentioned in your letter, I too imagine my dog fighting to get on/or under this amazing quilt when I get home as I too am a sucker when it comes to dogs. But if he thinks he’s sitting on the huge Aussie flag side he has another thing coming.

Although this is not my first rodeo in the middle east (21 years in the Army now) the time and effort you and your family have put into creating such an effort you and your family have put into creating such an amazing gift is truly touching. I am absolutely blown away by your generosity.

In your letter, you said that its hard to imagine what its like not having served yourself. Well the best way my team have described it is that every day is like a Monday… However after receiving your gift it was like Christmas fell on a Monday this year.

Thank you once again,

Sincerely,

…..

Dear Ruth

Thank you so much for the gorgeous laundry bag you made for me. I have had it a few weeks now and it brings a smile to my face every time I use it.

It arrived while I was on mid-deployment leave. When I returned, I walked into the office early in the morning after an alarm clock fail saw me out of bed at 0630 instead of sleeping in after a middle of the night arrival back. I was a feeling a bit fragile, with a combination of jet lag and being heart sore from waving goodbye to my family (including three young kids 2, 4 and 6) the previous evening. Seeing the laundry bag lifted my spirits at just the right time, and helped me appreciate the time I had spent with my family, carrying it in my heart rather than letting the fact that it was all too short get me down.

So thank you again, for the warmth you poured into your sewing, and your generousness of spirit in helping make our time away from our families more bearable.

Regards

…..

Hi Pennie,

I just received your package yesterday after returning from some tasks in country.

Your laundry bag and treats have really made my day. It has brightened up my room here and I definitely won’t be misplacing my washing from now on.

This is something that I will treasure forever.

I really appreciate the work that you do (both nursing and sewing) and wish you and your family all the best.

Much appreciated,

…..

Ruth, I have received the laundry bag and I can’t thank you enough, it is awesome. Also looks as though both of our teams will be playing finals, maybe a Demons vs Power Grand Final, you never know.

Thank you again

…..

Hi Marilyn,

I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful quilt you made and gave to me, you are one talented lady. Your quilt and lollies turned up yesterday and was the highlight of my day, Chicos are my favourite. Everyone here gets really excited for each other when mail arrives. Your quilt has pride of place in my office along with my other Queensland and Broncos memorabilia. I have shared photos of your quilt with one of my sister-in-laws, her name is Marilyn also, who is an avid craftswoman and quilter, and she commented on the fine quality of your work.

I’m a member of the Royal Australian Air Force and am fulfilling one of the Host Nation Liaison roles here in the Middle East Region. I go home in a couple of months and as you can imagine I’m really looking forward to being back in the south east corner of Queensland. The hardest part about being way from home is missing family and friends, my wife and two beautiful daughters (23 and 14) are waiting patiently for my return.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your letter and can tell just how proud you are of your children and grandsons.You and your quilt will always be a permanent reminder of my time away from home and of the fantastic support we receive from wonderful people like you while on deployment .

Thank you again Marilyn.

…..

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. 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,