Happy Tuesday Friends!

 Welcome to the last post for July. 

We have another lot of beautiful messages from far and wide and an awesome image, so grab a cuppa, sit back and relax while you soak up some well deserved gratitude. 

Only 87 sleeps away until the Thank You dinner.

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Good afternoon Gayle W,

I just received the quilt you kindly sent!

I love it so much, you absolutely nailed the design.

I am from the Gold Coast and love the beach, diving and surfing so the quilt was very suited to me!

The Solomon Islands have some great beaches too!

It’s great to hear you are keeping busy in retirement.

All the hard work you put into these quilts does not go unnoticed. It means so much to us.

Thank you so much!!

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Hey Jenny R,

I wanted to give you a big thank you for the amazing laundry bag you made for me I love it!

Also thank you for your letter It really hit home for me when I was reading about your past and current serving family members and all they have done for our country, Since you told me about yourself I’d like to tell you about me.

I’m 22 years old and will be 23 by the time I get back to Australia, I was born and raised in Sydney and am of Greek heritage. My grandparents came to Australia in the 1960s on 2 different boats and met in Sydney. I joined the Army cadets when I was 14. We did something with the Navy cadets and Navy just appealed to me more so I transferred until I was 16, by that time I decided to leave school in year 10 and get a trade which I did for 5 years.

At the age of 21, I decided to take that leap of faith and chase a new career, as being a sheet metal worker wasn’t going to cut it for me I wanted more adventure and to do something I could be proud of in my life so I thought back to when I was in Navy cadets and I remember really enjoying it. I joined as a Combat Systems Operator (CSO) and after 1 year of training I went to my first ship HMAS Canberra and did a 3 month deployment before posting on to HMAS Hobart which I’ll be on for the next 2 years.

My Aunty and Uncle were both in the Army reserves when they were my age for 4 years so they’re the only ones in my family that can remotely relate to what my job is like and the challenges that come with it, and they’ve supported me all the way. 

When I get back to Sydney I’m going to try to get my first home with a deposit ready to go, I’m a bit nervous about it but I know it’s the right move to set myself up for success in the future. Again thank you so much for the handmade laundry bag and the letter that came with it. I’ll be keeping both for years to come.

Kind Regards,

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Good Afternoon Susan P,

May I please express my sincerest thanks for all of your efforts and dedication to Aussie Hero Quilts – especially regarding the absolutely exquisite Laundry bag that you have made for me personally.

I was really touched by the obvious care and personal connection that you had with this particular project, especially noting your father’s drawing which takes pride of place in the centre. I was also thrilled to read that the embroidery was completed by someone (Joan B) who also shared a personal connection to Arunta.

Again thank you so much for your dedication, care and affiliation you continue to share with Defence, Navy and HMAS Arunta in particular.

With my every good wish to both yourself and your husband

CONQUER OR DIE

I remain your obedient servant

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Dear Pennie T,

I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful quilt that has recently arried. Both you and Skye have such a talent, and I am so very grateful that you’ve been willing to make the effort to craft such a lovely piece.

At the moment the quilt covers my 3-seat sofa in my office and is a wonderful conversation starter for all those that visit, but when I leave this posting at the end of the year it will likely find a home on my living room couch and become a well-loved family heirloom.

Thank you for your generosity and I assure you I will put the quilt to good use.

Take care.

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Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.