Grati-Tuesday 29 November

Written by AHQ

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29 November 2016

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Before anything else tonight I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who worked together to make my beautiful quilt. I had no idea it was coming and was quite overwhelmed by the thought, time and effort that was devoted to its creation. I am amazed that all of you were able to keep it quiet for so long, and even more amazed that Caroline was able to pull it all together with her ridiculous work schedule.

There is nowhere in this little rental home that I can hang it on the wall so it is currently on my bed as that is where I can see it every day. I love all the little details in the quilt, the lady birds, the stain glass window and the phoenix.

For those who have asked, the stained glass window has been delivered to us and is packed in foam and bubble wrap and is stored between two sheets of ply wood under the chests of drawers in our master bedroom where it will be safe until it can be re-installed in our new home. I still can’t believe that it survived barely damaged. I really missed seeing it every day so to have it on my quilt is incredibly special. I also love the phoenix and would love to know who stitched it please.

To Naomi, Caroline, Lisa K, Clarissa, Lynn, Helen, Sue G and everyone else who played a part in it a huge, huge heartfelt thank you. I now know how hard it is for the recipients to try and find the right words, the appropriate words to describe how much I love and appreciate it. Thank you does just not seem enough.

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Recently I shared a snippet from a thank you message on our Facebook page…..

“I would like to amplify how important your work is . Everybody I know has requested a quilt. Many of them look forward to receiving the quilts, almost as much as receiving their medals for service . Please keep up the good work & let the other ladies making the quilts know that sailors, soldiers and airmen ( and women ) of the ADF appreciate their work.”

Many quilters responded but so did one of our other recipients…..

“Please allow me to agree with the thank you message but also add that as a recipient of a quilt whilst on deployment, receiving my quilt meant so much more to me than receiving my service medal. I remember immediately seeing the care and attention to details that had gone into it – it was an extremely hot day and my eyes were sweating! Thank you.”

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Dear Bridget,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am writing to express my gratitude towards you for the lovely quilt that you have made for me.

It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to receive the quilt and it now takes pride of place on my bed in my room.

The embroidery on it is top notch (thanks to Kerri B for her input and time as well) and the theme outline has been pulled off perfectly!

It was an honour to be a deployed member on the anniversary date, something that you have captured in a permanent keepsake for my family to enjoy!

My family at the moment is completed by two cats, one who is a cuddle monster and the other that is too cool for school (at least he thinks he is). We had a pair of lovely huskies, but unfortunately they both recently passed away due to old age.

I’m glad that you have an outlet to express yourself through your hobby; again, the work that you mob at

Aussie Heroes do is amazing and a great boost to the morale around the camps.

Again, thank you for all that you guys do for us!

Many warm regards,

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Dear Joan & Robin

I would like to start by thanking you so much for your wonderful laundry bag. It is very appreciated and was put to use immediately.

As you could probably imagine it is very easy to get a little home sick whilst over here but thankfully receiving your gift has relieved some of that burden. It truly is a fantastic reminder of home and all that I love about Australia.

I am forever grateful that you would take time out of your day to create something so unique and individual and to send to a complete stranger. I wish you both all the best and definitely encourage you to keep up the great work as it is hugely appreciated by all of us.

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Dear Joy,

I wish to thank you for the amazing quilt that I have recently received. It’s arrival was perfect as it was uplifting to have a daily reminder of Tropical North Queensland. Your creativity is outstanding and I love every facet of the end result. The deep maroon and Queensland outline mixed with the perfect beaches really help to ground me on the tough days. It has taken me a while to get deployed, some 13 years of training (and some other overseas trips), but the experience has been rewarding. I am proud to have been raised in North Queensland, though I haven’t had a chance to go back for a while.

I trust that this finds you safe and well. I’ll be sure to fire through a photo as well.

Thank you again

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Hi Inge

I just wanted to email you to let you know I received my laundry bag in the mail on Tuesday, and I couldn’t be more stoked, it’s awesome, thank you! I’m a massive fan of both the Wallabies and the Sydney Swans (even though it’s bloody hard at times lol) and it’s such a distinctive, personalised bag, thank you very much.

I’m on my first deployment and I just find it amazing that there are wonderful men and women out there like yourself who are so willing to give your time to brighten up our lives just a bit. From the sounds of things, you are very familiar with the Defence lifestyle and the pressures that it places on us and our families, so I’m particularly grateful for the time you’ve spent to help us out.

Anyway, I really just wanted to say thank you so much for my bag, it’s a lovely gift and every one of us who receives one is so appreciative. Thank you for all your hard work and continued support for those of us on operations; it’s times like this that remind us how lucky we really are, and why we do what we do

All the best,

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Dear Ms Ball,

Your generosity and support in providing quilts to deployed troops has directly contributed to the welfare of over eighty Australian soldiers.

The support you have provided assists the troops in demonstrating the enormous support from back home in Australia in a very special and unique way, and is very humbling and greatly appreciated.

I was personally and deeply touched by the quilt I recently received from the Dolphin Quilters, which provides a constant reminder of my son who is a promising rugby union player. In addition, a significant number of the soldiers here have received quilts and laundry bags which are amazing and a testament to the Aussie Hero Quilts teams skills and devotion to deployed troops. These are greatly appreciated by all of us.

In conclusion, your ongoing support to deployed soldiers and officers is greatly appreciated.

Commanding Officer Mentor

Senior Australian Representative

Qargha, Afghanistan

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Dear Thelma ,

Just a quick note to say thanks so much for my ‘Funky Dinosaurs’ Quilt and laundry bag. I showed my kids on skype and they just loved it.

I’m so glad that XXXX and I got the same material as we placed our order together and we have actually come to be very good friends over here so it will be something we can remember each other by.

I have been in the army now for 17 years now and this is my first deployment, I’m also hoping it’s my last!

It’s something I’ve spent my whole career wanting and now that I’m here , I just want to be home with my kids!

Hopefully I will be back home by the time you read this!

Thanks again , it was perfect,

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Hello Thelma ,

I cannot thank you enough for the amazing quilt and laundry bag ! I absolutely love it!

I have been parading it all around camp . At the start of my trip all I wanted was something to make me happy when I walked in through the door to my room and you have given me exactly that . You hit the colours perfectly.

The amount of detail you have put into it, the hearts and the changing colours around the edges is just spectacular.

The pictures I have taken , I have also sent to my family and partner to show them what you have done for me. They are so thankful for the support your organization brings to us overseas.

I control the mail going in and out of the area . So when I came upon a parcel with my name upon it I was ecstatic.

Thank you again for such an amazing gift . I will treasure it. It makes me so happy! Hope you enjoy the photos . I am extremely grateful.

From a very happy solider!

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Dear Thelma ,

Thank you for your letter & gifts. I am doing well, we are looked after very well considering the circumstances. The biggest downer is missing our families, so acts of kindness such as yours, remind us that we have support other than our families back home .

Your quilt is excellent. Thank You. It is a great piece of art that is greatly appreciated. Your mother gave good advice .The other gifts were a nice touch. I took a bit of time to myself to enjoy the chocolates. I haven’t had Cadburys for a while.

I would like to amplify how important your work is . Everybody I know has requested a quilt .Many of them look forward to receiving the quilts , almost as much as receiving their medals for service . Please keep up the good work & let the other ladies making the quilts know that sailors, soldiers and airmen ( and women ) of the ADF appreciate their work .

A very appreciative Serving Australian,

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Hi Rita C and family

I have received my hero quilt and it is amazing. Having the quilt on my bed has put some colour into my day and made my room feel like a room away from home. Additionally I have passed hump day on my deployment. I can’t wait to share my quilt with my wife and daughters on our coach at home watching a movie together.

What you do is amazing, thank you!!!

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Gday Ann,

Was able to pick up one of your laundry bags from our chaplain a couple of weeks ago and thought I would write this quick email to say thank you.

It has a sky blue interior with some WW1 and WW2 piston pounders on the outside. I had my name embroidered on it from the local shop on base.

Very happy to sling it over my shoulder and wander off to the laundry, an improvement over the green woollies bag to be sure.

Thanks to you and the other ladies for making and sending all the good kit over.

Cheers,

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Hello Ann,

I hope this note finds you, your family and all the ladies sewing for Aussie Hero Quilts well.

I received my colourful laundry bag and I’d like to thank you and all the ladies for providing theses items to my workmates and myself; we appreciate it.

I wish you, your family and all the ladies a merry Xmas and happy 2017.

Thank you.

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Hi Ann,

Thank you for the lovely laundry bag, it is great and just what I needed. I have deployed on many occasions and every time I still forget to take a laundry bag with me. It has made my life easier here when I need to wash my uniforms and clothes. I have spent 20 years in the military both in the Army and Air Force. This is my second deployment to the Middle East in the last 2 years and this one is coming to an end.

Once again thank you Ann and Murray for the time and thought in making this laundry bag. All the personnel that receive this gifts over here appreciate the effort everyone puts into these gifts and it makes the time over here easy knowing people back home care.

Yours Sincerely,

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I just received my Brisbane Lions Aussie Hero Quilt.

I just wanted to send a special thanks to all the ladies that helped make my quilt, which I think is absolutely amazing! Dorothy C, Sandy A, Claire W, Maria W, Jill M, Jenny W, Val M, Jenny S, Inge C, Wendy F, and of course, Lynn; a huge THANKYOU to you all.

I want you to know that all your time and effort is valued and brings a lot of morale to the soldiers out here. Please don’t under-estimate the impact your kind gifts have on the troops as I know receiving any form of mail is exciting out here, let alone an awesome Aussie Hero Quilt!

I hope you have a good Christmas and New Years. Thanks again.

Cheers,

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Dear Julie-Ann

Thank you so much for sending me the laundry bag.

It has come at a perfect time … my old laundry bag (made three years ago from a sarong purchased in Singapore) is on its last legs. It is currently held together with staples.

The new bag will immediately go into service.

When I get home, I will ask my 12-year-old son to use the laundry bag … it is his dog Lockie – a Cairn Terrier – whose picture is on the bag.

With very best wishes.

Dear Helen and Pat

Since I wrote to you last, the weather in Iraq has turned bitterly cold.

This is quite bizarre after a summer when the temperature passed 55 degrees every day.

Your quilt is being put to good use.

Thank you again for your generosity in making the quilt. It will always be there to remind me of an extraordinary period in my life.

With best wishes

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Dear Gail

I want to thank you so much for the beautiful quilt you made, with such a great talent, with a gifted taste of amazing work, wonderfully sewn in a way to magically bring a big smile to every face. Thank you Gail.

I really loved the quilt, and so proud to be here to serve my country and participate in restoring the peace in the world.

This is my first deployment as a reserve member. I’m a man that doesn’t see myself as a hero, as I’m just doing my job, and my share towards the nation.

I’m glad to have the opportunity to be able to thank you for all your amazing wonderful work in bringing a big smile on so many faces around the world, on behalf of me and all the other members who for different reasons don’t reply to thank you.

Take care of yourself and BEST WISHES.

Kind regards,

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Till next time… keep spreading the word and happy stitching!

Jan-Maree xxxx

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,