Grati-Tuesday 9 October 18

Written by AHQ

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9 October 2018

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Some really lovely messages to enjoy tonight.

Grab a cuppa and enjoy!

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Dear Ellen,

I write to say thank you so very much for the perfect quilt that I received in the mail on Saturday. It was a lovely surprise as I had forgotten I had asked for one. After all these years hearing about Aussie Hero Quilts, to now have one is just great. I am very proud to have the quilt that you made. As my mother does quite a bit of sewing, making quilts etc, I know the effort it takes. Thank you again. On that note I have already told my mum and sister that I will get them onto AHQ in the future to give something back.

I love the different materials, especially the perimeter with the animal print. I will have to find a special place for it when we finally live in a normal house and settle down! The barbed wire is great. I actually went through Cunnamulla a few years ago but didn’t stay the night, then stayed last year heading back to Sydney. It is so flat out there.

Thank you for your best wishes. Once again I thank you so very much for the quilt. It really has given me a great feeling.

Sincerely,

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Good Evening Cath,

I just received your package with the quilt and treats. I am so moved by the thoughtfulness of yourself for creating my beautiful quilt and for my friend who contacted you about it.

I am definitely blessed! Thank you so much for you hard work. I absolutely love it, its perfect. I think the colours are stunning and I love the touch of the home you’ve incorporated is beautiful. I especially love that you had ‘blessed’ embroidered into for me. I am so thankful and I feel so lucky that I received something made with such love. It has really blown me away. Thank you Cath.

The coffee and the treats you sent could not have come at a better time! I am currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science and I have my exam for my unit in two weeks. There is a lot of cramming going on. I am so grateful for the coffee and sweets! Thank you!

I hope you’re well and know how incredibly appreciative I am. Thank you so much.

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Hi Nicole,
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for my lovely sea turtle laundry bag. No one in my family sews or is very crafty so for me this is really cool and I can appreciate all the time and work that has gone into it. The mess (ships living quarters) is pretty dull so having this hanging on my locker certainly brightens the place up a bit which is awesome.

I’m currently on HMAS Success as the ships tanky. Marine technician by trade I look after all the fuel transfers to other ships and the ships stability. Some interesting facts, we carry around 4.6 million litres of diesel and can pump at a rate of 680,000L/hr. That’s a fuel truck you see at a servo station unloading every 3 minutes.

The deployments have been really good. Recently got back from a 6 month trip to Philippians, Vietnam, Singapore, Samoa, Vanuatu, Hawaii and PNG. We are back again for Christmas then go away again late January I think.

Thanks again and please give my regards to the 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 chooks, 2 teenagers and the rest of the family. They’re lucky to have such a talented, lovely mother such as yourself. 🙂

Thankyou

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Dear Jan-Maree,

I would like to pass on my thanks to yourself for such an amazing initiative and to Beverly U for making me such an amazing keepsake.

My blanket and laundry bag are absolutely amazing and a true reflection of my time here in South Sudan so far!

Mail day is always an exciting day but even more so when you see that box arrive that is addressed from AHQ! The smile continued to grow as I opened my box and revealed my blanket and laundry bag!

I absolutely admire you and your team of volunteers and one day would love to be able to attend an event that recognizes their dedication.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart

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Dear Ann,

I wanted to write to thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the absolutely amazing quilt you made for me. Although I really had no idea of what I wanted in a design, you couldn’t have got it anymore perfect. Your mother must’ve been an amazing woman. I love the brightness and contrast between the dark purple and pink, the floral and the butterflies, and I am in awe with the intricacy of the embroidery of the flowers and stitch work in the whole quilt. I was most surprised and thrilled with the personalisation you added to the top. This was the first thing I noticed, which brought a tear (or two) to my eyes, and had me bursting with pride that someone would go to so much time and effort to make something so special just for me. It’s already brightened up my little room just by being on my bed.

This is my third deployment to the Middle East over the past 12 years, but my first as a Mum. I am definitely finding this one the hardest. I have a beautiful five year old little girl who has had to move interstate and change schools so I was able to deploy. She is doing great at her new school and is happy staying with my friends. I get to talk with her every few days and usually skype with her once a week.

Thank you also for volunteering your amazing talent to Aussie Hero Quilts. I was quite humbled to read that I am the recipient of your first Aussie Hero Quilt, and please know that I will treasure it always. Everyone here who receives a quilt are all amazed with the amount of work that goes into them, and we all appreciate the amazing work of all the volunteers.

Wishing you all the very best.

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Hi Ellen,

I have just recently returned home and received the quilt which is amazing- thanks for your great work! It is really appreciated and is something that will be cherished long term.

Sounds like even in retirement you like to keep busy- good on you!

Thanks again,

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Hi Beverly,

I just wanted to personally thank you for the amazing quilt and laundry bag I received. The design is amazing, I can see a lot of work has gone into making it. I absolutely love it.

A little bit about me, I am 30 years old and have been married for 7 years in October. We are expecting our first child in mid December, a little girl. Luckily I will be home with plenty of time so wont miss out on the big day. I joined the RAAF in 2016 as an Airfield defence guard. I love my job and being able to serve our great country. This has been my first deployment and although it has been long and sometimes tiring, the knowledge people at home appreciate what we are doing (through receiving letters, care packages and the amazing items you have made) make it all worth it. The gifts that your organisation has provided has drastically raised the morale of everyone here and is very much appreciated.

Thanks again and keep up the awesome work.

Kind regards,

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Hi Susan,

Writing to thank you and your husband for the kind gift that you sent to my daughter whilst she is on deployment. She sent me on messenger photos of her Laundry Bag and she is very proud of it.

Once again, thank you.

Cheers,

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Good Morning Bridget,

I want to thank you sincerely for my new quilt, laundry bag and personalised letter. My quilt and laundry bag both look superb. I will post a picture if you don’t mind on the Aussie Quilt Heroes FB page. Would you be happy with that? I must admit my tent mates and I had a good chuckle at my initials spelled out on the laundry bag.

Thank you for your 40 years of nursing service. Thank you for taking the time to not only make my quilt and laundry bag, but for all the quilts and laundry bags made for other ADF personnel serving our great nation on operations overseas.

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Good Morning Julie,

Would like to send you a quick email to thank you for your laundry bag and let you know that myself and the other members I am currently deployed with appreciate the work that volunteers such as yourself do for us. My best wishes to your son at HMAS Albatross and family and all the best keep up the good work!

Regards,

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Hello Bronwyn,

I trust this email finds you well.

Please accept my sincerest gratitude for the quilt you have made for me. I greatly appreciate the time and effort you have obviously put into making it and I will long treasure it as memento of my time here.

Thanks once again for your kind gesture; whilst we all have our own reasons for serving I’m sure I speak for all Australian servicemen and women when I say that expressions of gratitude from those that live in the great nation of which we serve is always fondly received.

Kind regards,

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Hi Jean,

I wanted to say a very big thank you for the laundry bag you made. It’s absolutely perfect and love it!

I had been away for two weeks when I returned today to the base to find the parcel in the mail. The design with aircraft and border collies is awesome, you have a very creative skill there. My team over here really appreciate what you and the Aussie Heroes are doing with these. Most of my team have deployed multiple times. I’m up to my 5^thdeployment now, first was back in 2003. It’s a simple idea the quilts and laundry bags but means a lot that there’s people home who know we’re still out here.

Once again wanted to say thanks as it’s much appreciated.

Kind Regards

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Hi Susan

I thought I would drop you a note to express my sincere gratitude for my laundry bag that you made.

It was presented to me, along with those made by other wonderful people like yourself for all the other chaplains, at the Naval Memorial room at Garden Island while we were at our Initial Chaplains Course.

The entire moment was very moving and I simply wanted to let you know how incredibly appreciated I was to received it.

Thanks again.

Many blessings,

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Good Afternoon here from Iraq,

My quilt just arrived and I absolutely love it thank you so much. I can’t imagine how much time and effort must have gone into the work of that quilt so once again thank you so much. I appreciate it and will cherish it always.

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Hello Melissa,

I just wanted to say a big thank you for you amazing quilt that you made for me! I cannot believe how good it it, has in my wildest dreams I wouldn’t have come up with the design you made, it is so cool and vibrant and I cannot believe it is mine and that someone whom I’ve never met could be so generous with their time and effort. I actually had a little bit of a tear as I saw it, this will stay with me while I’m here deployed and my children will cherish it when I come home.

I thought I would share a little about myself as you have given me a wondrous gift. I have been in the army for fifteen years and have deployed overseas six times I come from a small town in South Australia. I have lived all over Australia and love being in the Army I have three beautiful children and am married to my best friend I’m lucky to have her and she’s very supportive of my career.

Thanks again for my amazing gift and I hope you all the best for the future, have a merry Christmas and New Year. xx

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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,