Grati-Tuesday 6th December 2022

Written by AHQ

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6 December 2022

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Happy Tuesday Friends!

Hope everyone has had a fantastic week.

Still busily trying to finish a couple of quilts as farewells for Friday. Then sadly no sewing for me until I get my craft room up and running. We need the dining table back for Christmas Lunch/Dinner. LOL

We have another lot of great thank you's and a couple of photos so grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and enjoy!

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Hello Ruth S,

I am really grateful for the laundry bag and like your cousin’s daughter always thought what a wonderful thing the quilts and laundry bags are.

I thought I’d give you a little bit of insight into what I’ve done in my 28 years in the Army.

I am a specialist officer and a Registered Nurse by trade. I’ve been privileged enough to deploy to East Timor on two occasions where I ran the intensive care unit at the deployed hospital.

I also deployed to Bougainville in PNG after the civil war and to provide disaster assistance after the Tsunami and earthquakes in Indonesia and the floods in Katherine and Townsville.

I have two grandchildren but neither are grown up yet.

Keep up the great work brightening up the days of service men and women,

Warmest Regards,

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Dear Jan-Maree,

I am so thrilled to have been presented this wonderful quilt from Aussie Hero Quilts, and want to say a big thank you to you all, and especially Philomena H.

The thoughtfulness and effort to create a quilt that reflected my journey is incredibly special and humbling for both myself and my wife, who has been on every step of that journey. We will treasure it and display it with great pride, and use it to share your story as well as our own.

Aussie Hero Quilts have been an extraordinary element of our people’s story as they served their nation on deployments over the past decade. Your thoughtfulness and care in consistently supporting our troops has been incredible, and you have received deserved praise and appreciation for that.

As the (former) Chief of Army, I can only reinforce that sentiment for what you do for our people. I know how much it meant to them as they served away from home, to know people cared and selflessly volunteered time and resources to show it through such special recognition and lifelong keepsake.

Thank you again to you and all of your team in Aussie Hero Quilts. You are national treasures!

Our very best wishes for the future.

(Note - the photos of the quilts for the former Chiefs of each branch of the services was in the Grati blog on 18 Oct 22)

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Dear Janis K,

I have received your quilt and I love it. I’m really impressed by the hand-made star wars characters. I was not expecting anything like this. My kids love it too and it now belongs to them. Thank you for your kind letter as well. We are finally back alongside, enjoying our families after 6 months on deployment. It has been a long and challenging deployment, but we had a very good crew and some memorable port visits. We just missed our families and we are so happy to be back.

I just want to tell you a bit about me and my family. I’m originally from Italy, from a small town in the mountains. I moved to Australia in 2008 and I loved it. I love the lifestyle, the people, nature and the weather. I met my wife in 2015, just before joining the Navy. She is Vietnamese, from a country town in the Mekong delta. She also came here to find a better life. We now have 2 beautiful kids who speak 3 languages. We love living on the coast of Western Australia, we love spending afternoons on the beach and weekends camping in the national parks. We have beautiful rivers for kayaking and tracks for biking. It’s so good to be home.

I’ve been away from home 3 times in the last 5 years and it has been challenging for me and my family.

Please keep supporting us on deployment, it makes us feel appreciated and it gives us a smile when we need it.

Kind Regards

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Hi Barbara D,

I received a lovely surprise when I received your quilt and letter.

It is brilliant, I really love the approach with the differing themes

Our team have been delighted with the support we have received from people like you; although the mail system can be laborious into the heart of Africa at times, particularly after everything pretty much shut down during the pandemic, it has been so good to get these packages!

I have really enjoyed the work here – it is busy, but working with so many professional military officers from around the globe has been brilliant. In fact, there are only 15 Australians in our team but from a United Nations perspective, there are 30 in the team from 23 x countries. We do get out a fair bit and it is good to see the country although it can be heartbreaking….they are definitely doing it tough here.

I was gratified to read that you know about Sandakan. It seems so few know about our history!

Anyway, I had better get some dinner on. I am greatly looking forward to watching Australia play Argentina tonight in the football world cup although I suspect it will not be a pleasant result for us!

Thank you again for your thoughts and a fantastic quilt!

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Hi Kate E,

Thank you so much for the quilt, loooovvvve it and I did spot the little elephants and teapots in the quilting, I got it last night and had to show everyone who were still up. The border collie actually looks like my little fella who my parents tell me is getting naughtier while I am away. Mum and dad visit the dogs a couple of times a week as my husband does some late nights at work. He has been like your pup, it’s like he has always been there and when it comes to noisy he is the worst, but I can’t imagine what I did when he wasn’t right there driving me crazy. He is like an eating machine running on adrenaline.

The quilt took a long time to get here but I think it came at just the right time. My friend, the other older girl who was here left for home this morning and I got to go and collect then open up the package last night while she was with me, a couple of other people wanted to see too, so we were standing outside opening a parcel. One of the guys tried to take off with the chocolate biscuits (they are great by the way, thank you).

I’ve brought the quilt in to work today, it’s so much fun to show off something you love. One of the girls knew all of the wildflowers and listed them off. My workmate went back to her room to get her own quilt to show it off all over again. We are like kids showing our presents off Santa to mum and dad.

Everyone has targeted in on the border collie and how well done it is and then ask me to explain the theme, which is pretty easy. I cannot thank you enough, the quilt is way better than anything I could have imagined and has made everyone who looks at it smile and everyone goes over every separate part of it.

Like you, I would love to move to QLD. My husband likes the Sunshine Coast and I would be happy in a leafy suburb of Brisbane, but for now we are in Melbourne suburbia, except for the cold winters it is pretty good. My parents are a 20 min drive away

You will have been to the Dinner in Canberra by now, I hope it went well, I can imagine that there were a lot of creative people in one place and it would have been bright and fun. Have a great Christmas and it sounds like you will be able to have big ones and must have fun with 6 grandchildren to fuss over.

Thank you for the work you do with the quilts, they really do bring a massive morale boost to the people who receive them.

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Dear Jan-Maree,

I would like to pass on my gratitude and appreciation to Lynn F and Aussie Hero Quilts.

The work that has gone into the quilt I received was amazing and beautiful. It was a special moment I got share with my wife and having a Major General present it to me, who I hold in the highest regard as a leader and friend.

The Quilt captures so much of my life and I am so honoured to have it made for me.

Thank you, it means so much.

Please continue the work you do, it is very important and appreciated

Kind regards,

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Message from Facebook

Hi, I received a laundry bag when I went on operation Covid assist in 2021 and it has been great. I have used it when ever I've been away for work or otherwise. I appreciate the work that you guys do.

I would like to thank the volunteer who made my bag. I can't remember her name but I do remember from the letter with the bag that she lived in Port Stephens and was using material from someone who no longer needed it.

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

Tuesday's would be so totally boring without them!

🎄🎅🤶🎄🎅🤶🎄🎅🤶

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. Durning 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,