Grati-Tuesday 29 August

Written by AHQ



29 August 2017



A huge day here in Aussie Hero Land….

Bev U, Bridget, Gail, Clarissa and Ann came to work today and work they did. I now have a stack of about 40 quilts sitting in boxes waiting to be taped up once I have written the covering letters to go with them. I am on that now.

Additionally, they layered quilts, finished a quilt top, made a very special mini quilt for a very special purpose, layered quilts, quilted quilts and so much more!

Now just to get the quilts that we boxes taped up….. anyone free on Monday night?? Your assistance would be much appreciated.

For now on to some great thank you messages.

…..

Hi Jan-Maree

So today, the quilt finally arrived!

And I love it! It really is so great! The magnet idea is just awesome! So fitting!

I really appreciate the effort that you and your team put into doing such a kind thing for us. Particularly Donna, in making this quilt! I will most definitely be writing to her to say thankyou!

How have you been?

I hope you like the photo! 🙂

…..

Jean,

Thank you very much for the laundry bag. I love the design and it makes laundry much easier as I don’t have to go searching through bags anymore to find my washing. I applaud your dedication to us guys and girls over here. 300 is a lot of sewing.

I have driven through Coffs about a dozen times but have only stayed over night once. I would like to take a holiday there one day work depending.

I too like to travel, however most of my trips are work orientated and therefore don’t provide much time for sight seeing (there isn’t much to see anyway), but at least I get to experience some diverse cultures. The best work place I have been sent is Timor Leste. Great fishing, snorkeling and very rewarding work.

Once again, thanks for the laundry bag.

Regards

…..

Dear Sue,

Firstly I want to thank you for the superb quilt you made for me. The thought and the craftsmanship that went into it was quite humbling and I was slightly taken aback.

My son will be getting the quilt on my return and it will become a prized possession of his and he will look after it, you have my word.

Being away from family is always hard, but with support like yours, it makes it much easier.

The job you and fellow artists perform in crafting these pieces is outstanding and you should be applauded. This will be kept in my family and passed down as a legacy item.

Once again, Thank you and I hope you continue this outstanding work.

Yours Sincerely

…..

Hi Bridget

Firstly I would just like to thank you for my laundry bag. You have done a fantastic job and it’s made all the Americans that I’m working with Jealous. On my first deployment the boys and I were sewn helmet beanies from a small knitting group in Kiama. It kept our heads warm through the winter and I never had the opportunity to say thank you so I wasn’t going to let it happen again. I really appreciate all the work that you have put into it and for the ongoing support to deployed soldiers from you and “Jan-Maree’s sewing ladies”.

I would just like to thank you for your 40 years of service as a nurse, I would try and sew you something in return but I don’t think it will turn out any good.

I’m 27 years old, I’ve been in the army for 8 years and this is my second deployment overseas.

Thank you,

Kind Regards

…..

Dear Cathie,

I wanted to write to you to express my thanks for the quilt you made sent out to me. It was more than I could have hoped for and is an amazing piece of work. It is perfect and now has pride of place in my room.

I’ve been over here for a few months now so still have quite abit to do, I have managed to get home for a couple of weeks though to see my family back in Oz.

Thank you so much for my quilt and for everything you do for the guys and girls who are away from home. It really means a lot and is something which shows people are thinking of us.

With gratitude

…..

Hi Sue!

Just wanted to send you my thanks for the quilt- it is just stunning! I have no idea how you interpreted my vague instructions so well. The mandalas in particular have impressed everyone who has seen it.

And for me certainly, seeing as this is my first deployment, this quilt will always have a very special meaning for me!

I have two months to go until I return home.

So thank you again for giving me something to smile about today.

Many thanks and kind regards

…..

Hi Joan,

I just thought I’d drop you a line now that I have a few minutes breathing space between tasks. I received the laundry bag you made for me last week. The US guys in the office were suitably jealous as it was home made. I’m happy to go with the Indian motorbike as well. It’s a similar camaraderie between Harley riders and Indian riders.

I’ll try and get a photo, although it’s a little hard when I can’t have the camera in the office. It ends up staying in the room.

Thank you for the time and effort to make the bag. It is being used already.

…..

Dear Kate,

Thank-you for parcel. It arrived during our port visit. It coincided with a day I was feeling low, as a good friend was leaving the ship and returning to Australia.

To answer your question, the people who man a ship are collectively referred to as the Ship’s company, often reduced to crew. The crew comprises many teams that combine depending on the severity of the situation into a larger team. So each is really interchangeable.

This is my first deployment overseas with the Navy and by far the longest I have undertaken.

I too am married. 30 years in September and also have two daughters in their 20’s. I miss the kids terribly, even the little things that go on in their lives. And of course I miss my dog…

Thank you for your efforts, it is really appreciated.

kind regards

…..

Hi April,

I just wanted to send my thanks for your care package you sent over to me in the Middle East. In particular, I appreciate the laundry bag you made for me. The black and gold is my Squadron’s colours and it looks fantastic. I’ve attached a photo for you.

It was nice to hear from someone out in the country as I grew up on a farm in too. I didn’t think it was possible to be hotter then a Mildura summer but some days it’s well over 50 degrees here!

Like your family who has served previously, it is an honor to be here flying for Australia and helping protect our freedoms.

Kind regards,

…..

Hello from Malaysia!

Thank you kindly for your laundry bag through Aussie Hero Quilts.

I really hope that you can appreciate how much your generous gift means to my soldiers and I. As soldiers, it is the practical things we love the most, and a sturdy laundry bag is certainly a welcomed gift and a warm reminder of the support of the people back home.

Again, thank you very much for your generosity and your support.

Brendan

Platoon Commander

Rifle Company Butterworth

Malaysia

…..

Dear Fran

Thank you very much for the special laundry bag you have made me and which has been given to me. I do sincerely appreciate this. I am training as a Reserve Chaplain with the RAAF 27 Squadron in Townsville and teach part time at XXXXX.

Thank you again for the laundry bag. I love the colours – green is and has been my favourite colour from childhood – how fitting now! This certainly is a heart warming ministry that you have in this way.”

…..

Good Afternoon Sandy,

My quilt arrived today – thank you so much (and all those who were involved), for lovingly crafting such a beautiful quilt. My daughter is 11 and missing her is definitely the hardest thing about deployment, so having her name on the quilt is very special. The logo (cockerel) is from the English soccer team I have supported all my life – Tottenham Hotspur. My daughter’s middle name is Tottenham! So when I look at the quilt there is a lot of meaning for me.

Please thank Ros, Chris, and Nola for me. And thank you all for your dedication and support.

Regards

…..

Hello Joan & Robin,

Thank you so much for the lovely laundry bag that you made for me. It will be cherished and well used. We are only a small contingent here in XXXXX and anything from home brings joy to all of us and we don’t have many opportunities for interaction with others. You are both doing a wonderful job as do all of those who volunteer with the Aussie Hero Quilts!

I was able to have a quick look on the blog when we were first told about it and it is amazing, the work you all do. I will be giving the laundry bag to my young granddaughter when I am finally home next month so she is able to use and enjoy it for many years to come.

Thank you again

……

Hi Jan-Myaree,

I have been holidaying in the North West of Western Australia, specifically in Broome and whilst there met a lady whose daughter was in the Army and was a recipient of an Aussie Hero Quilt. She said her daughter was absolutely blown away with her quilt and now since retired she has started to quilt herself.

Keep up the good work everyone.

…..

Hello Lisa,

I have only recently received your fantastic quilt as I believe there was a mix up with the mail service which saw my parcel complete couple of laps of the MER. That being said, it has arrived safe and sound and I am most impressed with your work!

Whilst it is currently averaging 46-50 degrees Celsius during the day, my room has a very effective (albeit noisy) air conditioner and the quilt certainly won’t go astray! I have also used my new laundry bag twice and I must say it’s doing a stand up job too.

It’s great to read about your students and how proactive they are within the community at such a young age. As you mentioned, if given the opportunity young minds can achieve wonderful things with the right influences.

It’s also great to see that your school has embraced significant events such at ANZAC Day and been afforded the opportunity to have current and ex-serving members of Defence speak to the children about what it means to be an ANZAC.

Veterans are no longer all elderly men and women and I think it’s good that our youth be exposed to the fact that we have a generation of soldiers who have been on operations longer than ever before. This has undoubtedly taken its toll on some and I believe that education early will be the key to long term assistance for our sick, wounded and ill veterans no matter their age.

I have been fortunate enough to deploy to the MER twice in my 13 years service, with my first tour in Afghanistanin 2012 as well as my current deployment to Iraq. I absolutely love my job, and would be more than happy to stay here indefinitely if it weren’t for missing my wife and daughters (7&2). I can assure you that no matter how tough it gets here, it’s much tougher on my wife who is essentially a single mum who has to work, wrangle the children and run the house! I am lucky to have such a strong partner and supportive family to allow me the opportunity to do what I love.

Well that’s probably enough waffling from me; I would like to say a big thank you for the time, effort and skill that you put into my quilt and laundry bag. I would’ve never guessed that it’s your third quilt given the quality of your work! I know all of us who receive quilts from AHQ appreciate them, but more importantly we appreciate the fact that there are good people at home thinking about us here.

I hope for the sake of future serving Defence Force personnel you continue to give up your time to contribute to what is a fantastic organisation as it will certainly be appreciated.

Thanks again and take care,

…..

Dear Gail,

I recently received a lovely laundry bag from you with a racing car pattern and a gorgeous embroidered Miniature Schnauzer on it. Thank you very much for this. It is simply brilliant and brought a huge smile to my face as I opened the package.

Also, thank you for the range of goodies in the package. I could tell that you had put a lot of thought into the selection of Tim Tams, Vegemite and other lollies that we all miss when away from home.

I was also touched to receive your letter. Please do not understate your family links with the military. Your father’s service in World War II, and especially in New Guinea, was a considerable sacrifice that many young men and women have made over the years to preserve the lifestyle that we all enjoy in Australia.

On behalf of all the Australian military in Iraq I would like to thank you, and all of the others involved in the Aussie Hero Quilts organisation, for the fantastic work you do in making the quilts and laundry bags. They are treasured by deployed members as a link with home, and the fact that you incorporate ideas and images that have a personal meaning to the recipient makes them even more special.

Once again, many thanks for the lovely laundry bag and the package of goodies, and enjoy the forthcoming Spring weather and exploring the wonders of Australia.

Kind regards,

…..

Dear Su,

I cannot thank you enough for the fantastic job you did on the “Aussie Hero Quilt” and the laundry bag you made for me. The black and white pattern materiel is great and it will help to hide the dog hair that gets over all my clothes back home. Having one black dog and one white I can’t win either way. But maybe now I have a solution.

Also thank you for the Tim Tams and the chocolate-coated fruit. They are a valued item over here; they made for a very pleasant morning tea and were well received by all of the people I work with. I have never had that flavour before but will have to try it some more when I get home.

So that you know a little bit about me I am in the Army although I am working with both RAAF and RAN personnel. Together we manage the logistic for all the ADF troops operating in the Middle East. My specialty in ammunition and yes I was one of those kids that was fascinated with things all things Army and things that went bang growing up so my parents knew it was inevitable where I would end up. My job is very interesting and I travel around to all the areas our troops are working ensuring they are getting what they need and looking after their ammunition safely.

I was glad to hear your daughter enjoyed her time in Afghanistan. I have been there a few times and I find the landscape very beautiful in a harsh way, bit like the Australian outback. Most of the Afghans I met there were also very nice people too.

I hope this email finds you and your family well. We are all keeping ourselves safe over here and have been trained well to do what is asked of us.

Cheers

……

Clarissa,
Thankyou for the Beautiful Laundry Bag I really appreciate it, as well as the goodies you sent me which won’t help my fitness or waist line but will help with morale. I hope your son has a safe deployment and I have no doubt his deployment will be a lot harder than mine. I’m married with two young daughters who have birthdays while I’m deployed and are 3 and 7 this year – time flies as no doubt you know having now grandchildren to baby sit.

I grew up on a Dairy Farm which is located an hour and half inland from Cairns and have been in the Navy coming up to 23 years, Thank your Father in-law for his service as if it wasn’t for brave men like him we would not be here today.

Again thank you so much for the care package and laundry bag it was very appreciated.

Yours Aye

…..

Dear Steve & Jenny

First of all thankyou so much for making my quilt. It looks amazing! Quite a few people have said its one of the best they have seen. When I put my wish list in for the quilt I never expected anyone to have found any old Bears stuff but you did. The chances of someone selling North Sydney stuff is rare as some asking for a quilt. Don`t worry I wont be going looking for any defects with quilt. I still impressed that you got made.

A little about myself. I`m 32 years old and have been in the Navy for 8 years come October. I grew up in Victoria. I was a Butcher before I joined the Navy. I have a partner, and a son who will turn one year old on the 16th of December. Just in time for when we get home.

I hope you enjoyed you tour on HMAS Darwin – it is one of Newcastle`s sister ships. So what you saw Darwin is exactly like ours. I am in charge of the Engine Room so The main propulsion Gas Turbines and all the associated systems that go along with it.

Once again thank you so much.
…..

Hi Jan-Maree,

I recently received a safari themed blanket from you whilst on deployment on HMAS Newcastle in the Middle East Region.

I’d just like to say a huge thank you to all that were involved in putting it together. It looks absolutely incredible, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I am so grateful.

We are just checking out the sites in XXXX for a few days before we head back out to sea.

Hope you are well, and again, thank you very much for everything you and your team do. It’s brilliant.

…..

Back to work for me, more covering letters to write!

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,