Grati-Tuesday

Written by AHQ

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22 October 2013

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Turns out that quite a few people are keen to be part of the next Mystery Quilt so I am in the process of getting another one sorted. If you would like to be part of it please send me a stamped self addresses envelope to

Aussie Heroes – Mystery Quilt

PO Box 248

Cherrybrook NSW 2126

I will send you a piece of fabric and some instructions and you only need to make one block and send it back to me. No mad rush deadline but if you could send it back reasonably quickly that would be great. This one will be easy peasy and lots of fun, I promise.

And now, how about some thank you messages.

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G’Day Su,

I can’t express to you the surprise and absolute pleasure I had in receiving your very special gift. I can only begin to imagine the amount of time you have spent in creating this wonderful quilt and laundry bag. There is no doubt that you have a special flair and creativity that enables you to produce such wonderful works of art. I am a Sci-Fi geek (its sad, I know) and love the Battlestar, Star Trek and Star Wars inclusions all over the quilt. I had a good laugh and the star date and your explanation on finding a conversion table on the web.

When I told my wife about it she immediately asked me to send a photo so that she could show our four children (12, 10, 8 and 5). I can tell you now Su, that it will never end up as a dog’s blanket or the like as it has been claimed on my return by all four of our kids.

The real culprit is one of my room mates here. His wife had arranged for a quilt and laundry bag to be waiting here for him on his arrival and after seeing it, I joked with him in saying that it must be a mistake and it was probably addressed to him by accident when it was really meant for me. He obviously mentioned it to his wife and next thing I knew, your gift arrived.

In closing Su, again let me again express to you my gratitude for all of the work and thought you have put into both the laundry bag and quilt and you can be assured that they will remain a treasured item in the XXXX household.

Sincerely

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Dear Lenore,

Thank you for the amazing quilt and washing bag that arrived ten days ago. I showed the guys in the office and they were also very impressed. It will definitely come in handy over here as it does get cold now that it is coming into winter. For your first quilt, you have truly set the standard high, the dark green and the other side ,with all the animals and elements, definitely reminds me of some of the beautiful parts of Australia.

I have enclosed a photo of myself with the quilt. I hope you like it. I am the one standing on the right. It took a couple of attempts to get the photo, and I wanted something special, thus the slight delay in replying, but it was well worth it in the end.
(waiting for approval to publish the picture!)

The washing bag has come in very handy as I use it constantly. Hopefully it will accompany me on a couple of more deployments to come.

I would like to also thank you for your kind words and thoughts. I have been in the army for 30 years and have worked along side some of the best people who loved what they do and enjoyed their time helping others. This is the first time I have received such a personal gift and am honoured to have received your first one. Please continue making the quilts and passing them on to soldiers like me, as it reinforces our belief that Australians do support us and they appreciate the hardships that we face while on deployment.

As they say in the movie ” The Castle” this is going straight to the pool room.

I wish you and your husband a safe and adventurous journey around Australia, it really is a great country, as I have been basically on every major road and small one except from Darwin to Perth via Broom. Once again thank you for your time, effort and thoughtfulness.

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Dear Joan & Robin

I have just received the laundry bag that you made for me. It is great and blends nicely with my miss-matched decor. Thank you so very much for your time and effort. What you and no doubt many others do for serving members on deployment is fantastic and very much greatly appreciated. With regards

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Dear Leanne, I got my quilt today and It is absolutely amazing I love it so much!! 🙂

Thank you again it is so kind of you and in great time as its just cooling off.
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Julie-Ann,

Thank you so much for the laundry bag. It is magnificent and extremely well received. I greatly appreciate the time, effort and support of all you guys involved with AHQ, as do all those members who receive both the Quilts and Laundry bags. As a Bronco’s fan, I cannot fault the logo and to have something as unique as this will only serve as a reminder of my time here too and something you cannot get at the merchandise store, so an exclusive product too.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to make this wonderful item for me, plus the treats were enjoyed with gusto, the Fantails particularly went down quickly.

All the best to you and I am proud to serve my country, especially for people such as you who support us in such a rewarding way.

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Dear Maree,

I have recently received your quilt safe and sound, thank you so much.

You also guessed correct on the song, which is a little embarrassing as I do enjoy my music. Although I’m not familiar with the song I appreciate the Aussie symbolism, I am a bit of a Holden car enthusiast and I definitely enjoy good meat pie from time to time. I would also like to say that a number of the other boys here were quite jealous of my quilt and how Aussie it is which makes me really appreciate the effort you have gone to on my account.

It has been a long awaited opportunity to come here and serve my country and I am very proud to have done so but the countdown has begun until we leave and I am really looking forward to being home. Once again I would like to thank you for the quilt and the support, it is reassuring to know that it’s not just our direct family and friends thinking of us over here.

Yours sincerely

XXXXX

P.S. I’m sure I will think of you and my quilt the first time I jump into my Holden ute and drive down to the bakery for a pie.

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Dear Maree,
Thank you so much for the quilt it is AWESOME :). Its just coming up to winter now and a extra layer is needed, its also just lovely to receive a box from time to time. It means a great deal to me that you put in such time and effort into support the ADF over here and makes me realise there are still quite a few kind hearted people in Australia thinkinking of us here. Its really good to hear about you putting so much back into the community through all of your volunteer work. Thanks you again for your quilt it is really good :).
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For Debbie

Thank you for the quilt and the laundry bag. Greatly appreciate it. It is already on my bed keeping me warm as it is getting colder over here.

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Jan Maree

I have received my awesome quilt and Laundry bag. Love the storm design, the other guys are quite jealous. They are both fantastic and I appreciate the work you guys put into these gifts. If really makes you realise that we do have the support behind us.

Thanks again
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Allow me to introduce you to Alf.

He was the inspiration for the following quilt.

Hi Jan-Maree,

We’re in luck! I have received the quilt for Alfie and it is awesome!
The guys had got the package whilst I was away and put it in a safe place for me but no one told me that they received it. After some cleaning up of the work place it was discovered under the table, behind a set of drawers.
All is good and its now with me, I really like the designs and I think Alfie will too.

Thanks again to you and everyone back there, you all are doing a fantastic job!

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Hi Jennifer L,

I am in the army and posted the middle east on

operations and received the lovely laundry bag that you made.

I wanted to drop you a line and say thank you very much for it and it is very much appreciated.

Please let your grandson know that I very much like the fabric he picked.

Kind Regards

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Hi Pam Y,

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the laundry bag. It makes a big difference over here the things you all do. Certaintly has made it much easier to find my washing in the laundry. It is fantastic to hear about people like you who devote so much time to brightening up someone’s else’s day. Hope you and the family are well.

Thanks

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Hello Pam,

Sorry this letter is very late coming, I could say I have been very busy, which is correct, however I should have found the time earlier to send this letter. Thank you very much for my Hero Quilt. I am very much appreciative of the efforts that went into making it. Please thank Carolyn, Jan-Maree, Rita C, Laurel and Liz B (also for my laundry bag).

I am on my way home in two weeks and am very much looking forward to seeing family and friends. This is my third deployment (different operations) and I could say I am used to it, but when you know there are only two weeks left you realise how much you miss home…..

Thank you again Pam, the quilt will always be special to me.

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Dear Jan,

Thank you so very much for the support and hard work that you and all the other ladies around Australia do for us. The quilt is lovely and will get a lot of use this coming winter.

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Dear Jan-Maree,

I just received my quilt from Kiwi Karen which reminded me that I had not yet passed on my thanks to you or Bev from Bendigo for my Kiwi Laundry Bag. Can you please pass on my thanks to Bev for all her hard work and generosity for the gift I received. I was really surprised to receive the laundry bag and other goodies right until I read about the ‘little birdie’ who had spilled the beans. Our 2IC is a good bloke and the surprise concocted by you and him is much appreciated.

It was great to read a litlle about your family and your previous military service. Having thoroughly enjoyed my military service, I can somewhat understand why you have devoted yourself to Aussie Hero Quilts. In my humble opinion, it is you and your fellow quilters who should be commended for your service and support to our troops – A big well done.

Well Jan-Maree, I really appreciate all your efforts in supporting us. I wish you and all your team well and I will try and get you a photo of my quilt for your website.

Kind regards

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and from the same fellow to Karen

Kia Ora Karen,

I just received the amazing quilt you made for me and I just cannot believe the effort and generosity you and your fellow quilters put into these beautiful pieces. A very big thank you from me and I will certainly treasure my quilt. Can you also please pass on my sincere thanks to your Aunty Mary and Daughter Pene for their contributions. It was great to know about the story behind the quilt. You certainly sound like a busy lady, and dedicating your quiet moments to Aussie Hero Quilts means a lot to me and other serving men and women who have received similar gifts.

Well Karen, I cannot thank you enough for your gift. That reminds me, thanks heaps for the biscuits and lollies, I actually use to go past the Griffinns factory every day during my teenage years, so the biscuits brought a smile to me face. I cannot promise a photo of my quilt but I will try my hardest to get you one for the website.

Kind regards

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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,