Happy Wednesday Friends!

I am still working through the backlog of thank you emails. Should be caught up soon.

Please enjoy another wonderful collection of gratitude letters.

So, grab a nice warm cuppa or cold drink (depending on where you live!), sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!

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This is the Command Warrant Officer on one of the ships we are looking after. She is showing off the quilt and laundry bag she received when deployed to the Middle East on board HMAS Darwin. 12 years on and still going strong I am assured. How good is that?

When she requested the laundry bags for her crew she wrote:

“I joined HMAS XXX this January just after the crew had been deployed over Christmas at short notice. I know that the Laundry Bags provided to the team during this period made a significant contribution to the crew’s morale, and also spruced up the passageways where personnel keep them. I see many of the laundry bags being utilised and I still carry one with me between postings that I received from AHQ back in 2014 during Operation Slipper – it’s brightness always brings a smile to my face and makes me reminisce about certain times.

Myself and our CO were lucky enough to sign one of the commemorative laundry bags while we were in Sydney (we are a West based ship) a few months ago. We very much appreciate the support we receive from AHQ and recognise all the hard work that goes into making quilts and laundry bags for our veterans and Defence personnel. Thank you.

We have had quite the year so far, with a deployment still to come. Our crew have spent a significant amount of time away from home already and we are about to deploy overseas for the first time in three years.

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Good Morning Ruth S,

First and foremost sincerest apologies for this delayed email. I could have sworn I had emailed when your laundry bag first arrived. In my excitement I must have dreamt I did. Again I am so sorry!!!

I have been in the Army Reserves for 16 years this year. My brother always told me I would see the light and move to RAAF and yet I have not. He is actually the black sheep of the family if I'm honest - everyone else went Army. Both our grandfather's and grandmother's served in the Army, our mum and dad, Aunt and Uncle - and they all met in the Army too. To keep with tradition that's where I also met my husband. You could say we all bleed green My husband and I have 2 beautiful children who are 7 and 4.

I digress this is not about me, I have followed Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags for a long time and one day I saw that they were looking for nominations so I just knew I had to put my brother's name forward. He is celebrating 22 years of service on 3^rd August and my sister in law and I are planning a little shindig to present him his quilt and laundry bag. He is so passionate about the RAAF, the units he has belonged to all and all the deployments he has done. His daughter who is 16 and son who is 15 have been a huge part of my life especially when they were younger as I use to be over their house most weekends helping with the kids when Adam was on deployment. A lot of deployments. I am so very close with my brother, he is my best friend. Even typing this tears are welling in my eyes. His career has been a scary one at times but it also makes him who he is and we just pray for his safety all the time.

I absolutely loved reading about your story and why you are so generous with donating your time.

I can't thank you enough for making such a beautiful and incredible laundry bag. I have no doubt once I present my brother his laundry bag he will reach out and thank you himself.

Have the best day Ruth - take care.

Wishing you health and happiness always.

Warmest Regards,

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Dear Castle Hill Men's Shed,

I would like to sincerely thank you for the laundry bag you recently provided. As the Marine Engineer of HMAS Canberra, I can confirm that it has already seen plenty of use. Beyond its practical value, it serves as a tangible reminder of the strong support that communities such as yours continue to show Defence personnel.

The time, effort and generosity invested by volunteers in initiatives like this are greatly appreciated. Knowing that members of the Australian community are thinking of us and supporting the work we do means a great deal to me and my family. Please pass on my thanks to everyone involved in making the laundry bag. Your contribution is both valued and appreciated.

Thank you again for your support of Australian Defence members.

Kind regards,

Picture of the 15 LBs Castle Hill Mens Shed made for AHQ

❤❤❤Clarissa L,

Last night I received an amazing laundry bag and your lovely letter.

The laundry bag was immediately put to work replacing a plastic bag from last week's shopping. My small room is starting to look a little less like a teenagers bedroom, and more like a 35yr old Army officers room. I'm currently deployed to a very austere part of the world for 12 months, so small creature comforts and items that are a little more aesthetically pleasing go a long way in creating a 'home away from home'.

I was unaware of AHQ until this deployment, and as I talk to some of my colleagues here and back home, I find myself in long conversations with career warfighters about quilting, sewing, laundry bags, material patterns, design preferences and hearing stories about "when I was first deployed and received a quilt/laundry bag"... definitely not conversations that normally occur in this part of the world.

These quilts and laundry bags have a very strong positive effect on morale and provide a warm daily reminder of support from back home.

Thank you so much for your support!

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Good afternoon Kristi B,

Thankyou for the wonderful work you did on the bag and thank you even more for the beautiful hand written letter!

Firstly I apologise for not replying in kind but it seems like the parcel went on a little adventure in AUSPOST before it got to me and I wanted to thank you straight away.

I love that my bag request made its way into the hands of another motor sport fan! Ive not had the chance to get to the F1 it always seems to be on when I'm away.

I was down your way not too long ago and I had to put on the layers just to survive.I could feel the weather in my bones.

I have to say I also prefer to follow drivers and not teams but my friend and I made the decision one year we should really pick a team and with Danny Rick and then Oscar back to back at McLaren I figured it was my best choice. I always say I'm not the biggest fan of Zak Brown either and that James Vowles at Williams seems like a much better bloke.

I was pretty excited to get the opportunity to get involved with the Aussie hero quilts they are always great to see around the boat when we are away.

My parents are not far off retirement and have just also bought there caravan and are looking to start on a few mini laps before their big one too!

I love that I got to be your first request and will something your way to commemorate the occasion.

Haha I'll remember that warranty offer!

I have a family friend that used to make the bags and quilts so I'm pretty excited to show her when I get the moment.

Just so you know it was 19 degrees this morning and I was in a hoodie just to survive!

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Good afternoon Ruth S and Gayle W,

Firstly, please accept my apologies for the delayed response regarding the laundry bag and quilt cover.

I would like to sincerely thank you both for your hard work and efforts in arranging and sending these items. I only received them from the Post Office yesterday, and it was great to finally receive them after the difficulties we experienced throughout the process.

Both the laundry bag and quilt cover have put a smile on my face, and I am very grateful for the support and assistance you provided.

They will be put to good use and will continue to serve me well throughout my ongoing service in the Australian Defence Force.

Thank you again for all your help and dedication.

Kind Regards

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Dear Beverley F,

Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in replying after you sent the quilt. I’ve recently relocated to the US on posting, and with my mail being redirected through family, it took a little longer than expected to reach me.

I truly don’t have the words to express how beautiful the quilt is. You have created something so special and meaningful, and I feel incredibly honoured to receive it. The colours are stunning—I absolutely love the roses and poppies—and I was delighted to see the aircraft included as well. It makes the quilt even more personal, especially as I’ve just reached 25 years of service. I would also be very grateful if you could pass on my heartfelt thanks to Joan B for her lovely embroidery; it complements your work perfectly.

Thank you as well for your letter. It was such a pleasure to learn more about you and your family. You have a remarkable and proud history, and I’m so grateful for the service given by your family and for your own dedication to educating young people. It truly takes a special person to shape young minds. My father was a primary school teacher and principal, so I have a deep appreciation for the care, commitment, and passion that teaching requires.

A little about my family—my husband and I have been married for many years. He served 14 years in the Army and has been an incredible support throughout my career since leaving the service. We have three sons, aged 22, 9, and 8. Our eldest is currently working while deciding on his future—he had considered joining the RAAF but is now exploring other options. Our two younger boys are settling into life here in the US and adjusting well. Our youngest has autism, so the transition has been a bit more challenging for him, but we’ve been so impressed with the support from his school—they have truly gone above and beyond to help him succeed.

It sounds like you’ve had some wonderful travels, and made some very special memories. Before this posting, we were in Tindal in the Northern Territory, and we bought a Jayco Expanda to explore with the kids. We were able to enjoy a number of trips together, and I absolutely love travelling that way—watching the landscape roll by and discovering new places. When we return to Australia, I’m very much looking forward to continuing those adventures. In the meantime, we hope to make the most of our time here in the US by visiting some of the incredible national and state parks. There are truly some once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be had.

Thank you again, Beverley, for your kindness, thoughtfulness, and the beautiful gift you’ve created. It means more than I can say and I will treasure it.

Warmest regards,

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Dear Gayle W,

I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful quilt you created for me. It is absolutley perfect & I burst into tears when I opened it. I actually have a tattoo of Simba on my wrist to remind me to be brave, so the Lion King theme is exeptionally important to me. I haven't seen the stage show, I hope you get along to see it!

How exciting that you will get to see your daughter in Sydney. What job does she do on HMAS Supply? It feels like forever since I left the Navy 10 years ago, almost like another life!

I have two wonderful children, a 14 year old girl and an 11 year old boy who are the absolute best things in my life. My daughter is quite the artist and my son loves everything techonology related and always has amazing facts up his sleeve.

Your life and home sound wonderful! How joyous to be travelling and otherwise be surrounded by animals. Sounds perfect!

Thank you again for your wonderful quilt, I will treasure it forever. If ever I'm in Brisbane again, I'll get in touch and come and say hello.

Sincerely,

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Dear Cheryl & Jan-Maree,

I was given the extraordinary gift of your handcrafted linen bag, today, by a dear friend. She is RAAF and I am
ex-Army. Our mutual journies have not crossed unitl a few weeks ago, but we are bound by service & more recently
the share experience of care.

I doubt that my words, here, will do any justice to my profound thanks to you for allowing me to firstly keep this
gift and for you kinds words atttached with it.

Ex-service person of my generation (Post-Vietnam, Pre-Afghanistan) in Defence are often reluctant to share
accolades& recognition as we are soldiers of 'the long peace', therefore, don't see ourselves as true Veterans. So
to receive this gift is as cherished as a clasp, bar or medal.

Thank you sincerely,

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Dear Bev C,

I just wanted to thank you and Geoff for the wonderful quilt you made for me. I really couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome. It’s absolutely perfect!!

My wife loves it too. It takes pride of place draped over the back our wing-back chesterfield by the fire place; and the colours and themes you used work perfectly. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Thanks for what you do. It really has a positive impact on morale; and we appreciate your efforts.

PS. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this. I only just got home a few days ago and have been a little unwell. I realise the postal system went haywire once the conflict started. We had all sorts of trouble with our post. I hope the next rotation has better luck.

Kind regards,

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Presentation of a quilt made by Lynn F, quilted by Philomena H with emboideries by Inge C by the CO of 29SQN (left) was conducted in July at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Tasmania.

Quilt top by Lynn F, Quilted by Philomena H, Embroidery by Inge C

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Good afternoon Jan-Maree & Ladies.

I’d just like to say a huge thank you to yourself and the Branxton Women’s Shed ladies (Hunter Valley – God’s own country!) for the 14 laundry bags that you have made for Advanced Test & Training Environments Directorate (ATTED).

We have a steady stream of Australian & foreign military personnel visiting Woomera in support of weapon trials and testing. Having access to these laundry bags will no doubt assist our member’s feel like they are more a home whilst deployed into such a remote location.

I myself received a quilt whilst deployed to the MER in 2018/19. It is a much loved and cherished item that reminds me of my time overseas and the fact that people back in Australia where thinking of us all.

Thanks again for the fantastic support you and the AHQ team provide to the ADF. Your hard work and kindness is truly appreciated!

Kindest regards.

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Please see attached for a photo. Once again thank you so much for the laundry bags made by yourself and the team.

We really appreciate the bags, but more importantly the fact that people outside of the ADF are thinking about our people, particularly while they are serving away from loved ones.

Regards,

Commanding Officer

2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment

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Recipients thank you was published in 19 August Grati Blog.

Recently gave permission to use photo he sent.

Random LB made by Clarissa L for HMAS Canberra.

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Cheers Bel P

Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in. Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!

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