Grati-Tuesday

Written by AHQ

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3 February 2015

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3 Comments

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It is rather special when quilts we have sent off some time ago pop up again.

When I started Aussie Heroes we sent off a first batch of 25 quilts to one Warrant Officer from Mentoring Task Force 4 in Tarin Kot. He gave 15 of the quilts to his team and then also gave the remaining ten to people he thought would appreciate them. Not long after this first lot of 25 quilts was sent over we sent over another batch of more girly quilts.

In January I had a message from a woman requesting a quilt for her husband. In the course of our Facebook chat she mentioned that she had received a quilt herself. As I always do, I asked her for a photo of her quilt so that I could try and identify the quilter and let them know how much their quilt still meant to the recipient. She not only sent me a photo but also explained a little more about how much her quilt meant to her. I was truly humbled how she talked about her quilt and in the end I asked the recipient if she would be kind enough to write something in her own words that I could share….

Over to her…..

In 2012 I deployed to the Middle East for 6mths. I left behind my 3 babies in the care of my Mum (now passed) and my new partner and his three children. I had been away for just over a month and was missing home really bad. A bunch of care packages arrived and one was put on my desk. Among a bunch of creature comforts within the box was a quilt and a Landry Bag from Aussie Hero Quilts. I used the laundry bag everyday and the quilt was perfect on my bed. I felt humbled to know that people at home whom I would never meet, or even know their names, had taken the time to make these things for us. During my deployment there were highs, I got engaged during a dream holiday to Ireland, made life long friends, learnt about a lot about myself, and got to experience things I would never had the opportunity to if I was not deployed. I felt helpless, humbled and proud as we supported the kiwis in their losses and grieved our own too many times. I experienced family loss and boundless happiness while being away. Today I still have my quilt, and while it might sound strange, it holds all of those things for me, the memories, good times and not so good. Many quilts were requested while I was away, special orders, a quilt for a turtle, peace offerings from digger to sailor, sailor to Airman/woman, OR (other rank) to Officer, wife to hubby and vice versa, It’s an amazing thing you all do for little or no recognition, but I can assure you that EVERY recipient was grateful, humbled and proud to receive their parcel. So this post came about because my soul mate, now husband, and father to our first child, no 7 in the family total, is now deployed for the next 8 months, so I looked up the Aussie Hero Quilts to send him a little reminder of home. Thank you all for what you do.

I am very grateful to the recipient for taking the time to share this and I am so pleased I can share it with you.

We have received some other lovely messages today – Enjoy.

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Hi Caroline,

I am currently deployed overseas as part of my duties with the Royal Australian Air Force and I would just like to pass on my thanks for the laundry bag you and your mum made. We received a box full and people would come in and spend a few fun filled minutes going through them to find one that suited them. For me, I chose a black one with red chicken wings and drumsticks, it was love at first sight!

This is my third deployment and the participation of the Australian public has risen significantly in the last four years. It really makes a difference to us over here to know that those back home are thinking of us, and the laundry bags and quilts you provide make things more colourful, and make being away from home and loved ones just that little bit easier.

We are over in the United Arab Emirates as a part of the Australian Defence Force contribution to the international coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). It is a contribution that I feel is extremely important and it feels great to be a part of it to help ensure the safety of our current and future world population not only overseas but within Australia.

Rest assured that we are rather safe where we are. We are working on quite a busy base with a lot of personnel around from many different walks of life which can be entertaining. We are living in tents although it isn’t as bad as it sounds as they are segregated with curtains and are air-conditioned. It is a small space but it is our own.

We have several facilities available to us during our downtime which include some common areas to relax and catch up with people. There is a cinema though I don’t think it is quite like those back home and we even have access to a pool. The meals that are provided are also certainly nothing to complain about; in fact I think it would be easy for me to put on several kilos if I wasn’t careful. All in all, the only thing we really have to worry about is the separation from family and loved ones back at home.

Again, thank you for the lovely laundry bags and know that they are very much appreciated. I hope this letter finds you well.

Kindest regards,

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Dear Julie,

I recently received a laundry bag from you, I wish to pass on my deepest and most sincere thank you, it was an amazing present to receive, it has come in use already.

The design, the colours and the effort you put in is amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make something like this. Everybody I have spoken to who has received a gift like this loves it. I see them in the laundry when ever I am doing my washing. It is great to know that strangers back home are thinking about us over here.

I was going to send you a personal hand written letter, but the snail mail over here seems to run a lot slower than back home.

Once again, thank you so much for the wonderful present, it will have many more uses in the years to come.

Regards,

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Dear Laura,

Thank you for your most thoughtful gift. Having a long stretch deployment ahead of me it is wonderful to be reminded that people back home appreciate what we are doing. It actually took a cold turn the day your quilt arrived so it was put to good use straight away.

Many thanks,

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Dear Irene,

Thank you so much for your wonderful efforts in making such a fantastic quilt and

laundry bag for me. Your obvious skill and creativity have shone through and I am

feeling extremely grateful and humble that you would go to such efforts for a

stranger.

I did receive your quilt just prior to Christmas and was very excited to open your

package and read your letter. The quilt has really brightened up my room as you can

see in the pictures enclosed. Many of the other members in my accommodation block

have also received an Aussie Hero Quilt and everyone has been extremely impressed

and grateful as they have shown off their individual patterns, colours and designs. As

I had already experienced other members receiving their quilts and laundry bags, I was

very, very exited to open mine and show everyone. I loved your design as well as your

colour choices and was very impressed (as was everyone else) with your creativity in

stitching the two sides of the quilt together with the great design.

Thank you so much! Everything you have done has helped make my time here so far feel a bit more like home. Again I feel so humble and thankful for your hard work.

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Jo,

Thank you for my blanket, it is great and exactly what I had in mind.

As you can imagine it is a lot colder out here and the quilt really helps at night to keep me warm, it is to be -7 tonight so will wrap up warm.

Sorry for the delay in writing back, days swim by here and you lose track of time.

I hope you had a great Christmas and have a fantastic New year.

Thank you again

Take Care

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Bev and Geoff,

Thank you very much for the Aussie Hero Laundry Bag you send me for Christmas 2014. I thought it was wonderful and sewing my initials into it was a great touch. I was touched that strangers that I do not know would make an effort support me while I am away. I am very humbled by your thanks and feel that I am the one who should be thankful as I have been given an extraordinary opportunity to serve a brilliant country in Australia.

My contribution is small, my service is freely given and the support from home is greatly appreciated.

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Hello Jan-Maree,

Apologies for not writing sooner, I recently received one of your quilts in the mail that I requested from you last month. I just wanted to say a big thank you, I absolutely love it, I did ask for something bright and explosive (nothing beige) and you delivered perfectly.

Being a child of the 80’s, the theme was fantastic, everything tied in so well together. I grew up in Sydney and had friends from the Sutherland shire, so I knew the suburb where Lynn (the quilter from Engadine) lived and it brought back some fond memories (I haven’t lived in Sydney since 1996).

I did enjoy your letter and being the son of a Vietnam Veteran can very much relate to how you felt. I feel that times have changed though and people seem a lot more accepting of the way the military does business, at least for me anyway.

I have a couple of weeks left till I can go home and I’m so looking forward to it, it’s been a great experience and I’ve meet some lovely people, but I’m ready to hand over to someone else.

Thanks once again for the quilt, you are doing an amazing job and I know that people here on deployment really appreciate the work and effort that you and your talented supporters put in.

…..

Hello Joan and Robin,

Thank you very much for my laundry bag, it has been wonderfully useful and it definitely does brighten up my room.

I am a Communications Electronics Technician with the RAAF currently deployed on Operation OKRA. My job is to ensure that every member of our Operation has access to effective communication mediums. These include radios, computers, telephones and satellites.

Specifically I am responsible for the setup of our computer networks. I am 28 years old and married with a two year old boy.

Please pass on my gratitude to the other members of your group

Best Wishes

…..

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

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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,