Grati-Tuesday 24 June

Written by AHQ

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24 June 2014

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1 Comments

Post Views: 725

Hi all,

Only a few thank you messages today.

Please don’t forget to let me know if you hear from a recipient so that I don’t have to email them and chase them up to make sure their quilt has arrived. Sending all those individual emails is very time consuming so if I can cut down on a few that would be great.

Also, if you do receive a thank you please share it if you can so that I can share it on the blog to encourage those who do not hear from their recipients. I always remove all the personal information and identifying information. If I think there is anything that is worth sharing but maybe sensitive I always check with the recipient and so far noone has ever said no. In fact, most people are very enthusiastic about their message of thanks being shared.

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Dear Lynda,

Thank-you very much for the quilt you sent to me, it was quite a surprise! I received it while in Dubai just a few days ago. It is quite hot here as summer is just beginning, however I know it will get good use back in Sydney when we return in winter. It will be something unique to remember this deployment by.

We have had quite a busy and long deployment though we have seen and done some incredible things that I never thought I would have had the chance to do and also had the chance to visit some amazing countries. After leaving Sydney early January we transited around to Fremantle to pick up stores and ammunition. From here we stopped in at Kochin, India for some official functions and for some r+r before starting our official operation. Other countries we have visited include Tanzania and Muscat.

Our average time at sea has been 4 weeks. During our operation we have seized over 6 tonnes of narcotics being smuggled illegally, coordinated a medical emergency onboard a merchant vessel, responded to possible pirate attacks on shipping vessels and been involved with a couple of Safety Of Life at Sea (SOLAS) incidences. It is nice knowing we have made a good contribution in the efforts to keeping the waters safe.

The last 6-8 weeks is often the hardest, because even though there is not much time left before you get to see your loved ones, it still feels so far away. Thank you for all your efforts that you have put in to make such beautiful quilts and laundry bags, I know a lot of people around the ship have been thrilled to receive them and you have done a great job of keeping morale high. Also thanks for the chocolates, they are a treat among the crew and best enjoyed when shared!

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Good morning/afternoon Mary

I just wanted to send you this email to say thank you for your hard work on making my quilt, and laundry bag! They are both amazing pieces of work and I truly appreciate every bit of effort you have put into them as they have come out beautifully! The only downside is that it’s too hot right now to use the quilt hahaha however, I will be using it the first night I get back into Australia as I’m told the weather is rather freezing hahaha.

I am doing well on my deployment, lots of interesting things you find out once you go, learning the cultures and adjusting to being out of your “home” environment was a big challenge for me as being a younger person myself (21yrs old). However you get heaps of support for your work mates and from people like you who send us care packages and these very beautifully designs quilts. It makes the time away from home just that little bit easier.

Once again thank you very much for your hard work and effort you have put into making these quilts. I gather it must be hard doing this on top of your normal work routine but I definitely appreciate the hard time you have put in to making it for me.

Thank you

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Hello,

I would just like to gave a big thanks to Jan-Maree, Lynn, Robin, Evelyn and anyone else involved in AHQ who makes the quilts (and Laundry Bags) come to life.

I’m currently in the RAN on deployment in the middle-east. Jan-Maree will remember me because I’ve sent correspondence to her to help brainstorm ideas for the theme I requested. I received the final product in the ship’s mail, a little over a week ago now, in Dubai and might I say that the end result is beautiful, I’m ecstatic to bring it home and show my fiance what you came up with when I see her in a month and a half.

The effort put into it is beautiful and I’m waiting until I’m with my fiance so I can take a photo of it and send it to you.

Its the small things that make moments memorable and its people like everybody at AHQ that help achieve that.

Kind regards

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Dear Sandra,

Thank you so much for your quilt I absolutely love it, you have done an amazing job. I have been on board for 1 year and have been in the Navy for 6 years. I enjoy my job and my time at sea though being away from loved ones for extended periods of time does get hard. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into this quilt I will cherish it for as long as I have it.

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This email was to me but the recipient has also made the effort to write letters to the three quilters who contributed to his quilt, Louise, Maureen and Debbie

I received my quilt the other day and I must say it has far exceeded my expectations! The detail looks great. Thank you so much for your efforts, I know I didn’t exactly make it easy for you and your team!

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The message I got with this was “he loves it” and he is smiling behind the bag!

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Dear Louise,

I just wanted to write a short message to say a big thank you for the quilt you helped make for me. I couldn’t be happier with it, and it has far exceeded my expectations! I can honestly say the work you all do is appreciated, and puts a smile on the face of every soldier who receives a quilt.

At 21 years old this is my 3^rd year in the army and my first deployment to Afghanistan.

The support from people like yourself back home is what makes serving my country all the more meaningful.

Thank you again for my quilt! Stay safe and best wishes.

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And this email was for a quilt made by Michelle 🙂

Good morning Jan-Maree,

My Quilt arrived a couple of days ago, it is beautiful.

It has great colours and a picture of a Sheppard on the front,

I would like to say thank you very much to all of you, you

all do a great job and it is very much appreciated.

Thank you once again it means a lot.

Cheers,

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Have a good night.

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,