Dear Bel P,

 Firstly, from all of our deployed people here in the Middle East, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment through Aussie Hero Quilts. I absolutely adore the quilt, but I don’t think it will be mine for long. I know my daughters will ‘borrow’ it just as soon as I get home.

My apologies for the delayed thank you note, your parcel arrived on the same afternoon I flew out for my ‘Relief-Out-Of County’ leave and we have been incredibly busy ever since. 

From your letter it is clear your service goes well beyond Aussie Hero Quilts. It seems that we may have some shared experiences. I’ve also done time on HMAS Tobruk and Choules, and spent more time at HMAS Kuttabul than any Army officer should! 

Your grandson sounds like an amazing handful. I’ve got two daughters of my own aged nine and eight. I’m already looking forward to getting home for their final weeks of football.

Once again, I’d like to sincerely thank you for your time, commitment and service. It means more to us than you probably realise.

Warm Regards

***

Hi Bridget R,

 

Just a short note to say my quilt was delivered safely by Heather B and Sue-Ellen S. We had a lovely cup of coffee before the presentation was made to me. But yes I am delaying the real purpose of this email to you. 

 

After many questions from the above ladies I agreed a general description of what would suit me, BUT when I opened it I was really gob smacked by the design and quality of the work.  Both were miles above my expectations and I am totally in awe of the quilt.  It represents so much more to me than just a thing to scatter upon my bed.  It represents the many highlights of my military career and my presence within our Aussie culture.    Wow wow!

 

I have to admit I am stunned by the speed of the making the quilt and the collection of the positive memories it represents to me. I cannot say enough about what it means to me, and I will treasure it forever.

 

I have shown it to my family and friends all of whom have been very impressed by its value to me in this time of my mental challenges. I hope your family are as proud of you as they can be.  Another but… to consider me as an Aussie hero I am very humbled because I feel I have only done my duty to Australia in a small way. I think if anyone should be classed as a hero it is you and all the others who contribute to this venture through Jan-Maree. I know that everyone I speak to are struck by the efforts of so few with such a magnificent impact on the service people.  

 

Such an impact of his service is brought starkly in focus in the recent Netflix show called the Quilters. If you haven’t seen it, it is worth a look. It views the men in a US Prison who have been incarcerated for some bad crimes who set up making quilts for disadvantaged kids. It shows the personal growth of many who ultimately return to society as changed people. 

 

Once saying Bridget thank you for your work and generous time you gave to me.  I am bery grateful for your efforts. 

 

Kind regards and wishes 

 

PS. I have just gained a new member to my family of my wife, six grown children and 7 grandkids. The newbie is a gorgeous 4 yo Maltese shi tzu dog.  He is such a calm and delightful paw that he blends in to any situation at home and is a great comfort to me and my wife. 

Good evening Bridget R,

I wish to express my gratitude in receiveing my new laundry bag, I absolutely love it and the quality is excellent.

Myself and many of my friends have received quilts and laundry bags from Aussie Hero Quilts whilst on deployments and it really does raise morale and makes our living spaces feel a little more like home.

Thank you for your time, hopefully I can get a photo with everyone to send your way.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Good morning Bridget R,

I’m writing to let you know that the blanket you made for me has arrived safely here in Western Australia — and to say a huge thank you.

A little bit of background: I’ve been in the Navy for 11 years and have moved all over. I’m married, and we have one young son, (the blanket is for him). Paw Patrol is currently his favourite show, and when I showed him the blanket this morning, he was absolutely over the moon with happiness so again, thank you!

My parents have been enjoying retired life for a couple of years now, though to be honest, it doesn’t entirely suit them. Mum was a teacher for 40 years, and Dad was a shift worker, so they stay busy volunteering at local cafés, Orange Sky Laundry, and Marine Rescue. It’s a big shift from working every day, but they’re adjusting.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your 40 years of service as a nurse. I don’t think our first responders get enough recognition, so thank you sincerely for your dedication to your community.

Once again, thank you so much for the blanket, my son absolutely loves it and will cherish it for years to come.

Warm regards,

Wishing you all the best in your retirement!

 ***

Hello Cath Hpr,

I am so thrilled with my quilt everyone including myself are so impressed with how detailed and well-designed my quilt is.

I have been in the Navy for 2 and a half years. I was only 17 years old when I joined. It was a big step for me to take but I have experienced things I’d never even think of doing, along the way I have met so many people and feel so blessed to be in the position I am in. I have served on HMAS Sydney for 1 and a half years now and been away from home on deployment for 5 months last year and now 4 months this year, It’s been a journey.

I loved hearing your story it has made my day. Thank you for including photos of yourself and your dog I have a white lab that lives with my mum back home. He was also my best friend and got me through high school and my parents’ divorce. Dogs are just amazing and really do save your life.

I hope I get the chance to meet you in person to show my appreciation of my quilt. I chose Lilo and Stitch as it was my favourite movie growing up, I can’t imagine how much effort you have put into making this quilt but it really is so stunning and will look awesome on my rack, it matches my stitch water bottle that everyone on the ship loves and thinks it’s so cool. I can’t wait to show them all the quilt I have just received from you.

Thank you Again,