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Hi,troops of Australia hope you have a Merry Christmas,and I hope you like the quilts.
My name is Liam and I am 8 years old,and I am laying on my grandmothers dog Max.
Hope you win the war.
That email is from my grandson, there is a story that sort of goes with his message about a boy and his dog.
Max belongs to Liam’s mother, but he stays with me. When max was a pup two kids tormented him to the point that he didn’t like little kids. Liam would go up to the back door and talk to Max, but Max would bark at him. About 12 months ago we decided to let Max in the house to see how he would react to Liam. We had nothing to worry about – there was an instant bond between them. Max loves Liam to bits. Liam can do anything with Max and he sits there and takes it. Now we can cannot get them apart.
To all our Defence people where ever you are in the world, I would like to wish all a very special Christmas and a safe New Year.
Helping out with Aussie Heros has been a real pleasure this year. I have met a lot of interesting people and when I tell them what I want the fabrics and tea towels (for laundry bags) for they become very interested and want to know more so I tell them what I can.
There is one lady, Mary, in her late seventies, she gave me 5 tea towels to make into bags,and I made her a promise to take them show her before I send them off.
I think the best thing is reading the amazing messages that come thru on the the Aussie Hero blog site from the troops who have received quilts or laundry bags. Its wonderful.
We wish you all the very best for Christmas and a safe return to your family. Katherine,Bronwyn,and Liam
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Seasons greetings to our Deployed Hero’s.Wishing each and every one a safe and heathy 1214 and speedy return to your loved ones.Cheers from a devoted Aussie Hero Quilter.
Bev Coates Victoria .
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Warm wishes to all those “Aussie Heroes” away from their loved ones and friends. We want you to know that there are people unknown to you who are thinking of you this Xmas holiday season. We are very proud of you!
Sue & Vince Flemming and Family
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The tree is decorated and presents piled under it. Christmas wall hangings and decorations are spread throughout the house. The kitchen has been redolent with the smell of spices and cooking for mince pies, slices and puddings. We are ready for our family on Christmas Day!
But, what about YOU? Where are you? What are you doing? Definitely not celebrating like us but here in the safety of Australia. You sacrifice so much to bring peace and safety to other lands and cultures. Your loved ones have an empty chair at all those important occasions – births, weddings, birthdays, school concerts, etc. But, they support you with love.
We think of you, not just at Christmas, but every day that you are away. We thank you and your supportive families.
Take care and come home safely.
Jeann Clark
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As our children have now reached late teens, our Christmas has changed and evolved, so much that this Christmas will be rather quiet. We will have breakfast with our children and my mother in law and as my parents live out of Brisbane, we will have lunch on Friday with my niece and nephew.
This year, Christmas will arrive in the New Year for me, as I will be travelling to Sydney and spending some time with Jan-Maree and her family. Then we have the opportunity to meet one of my first recipients that I made a very special quilt for who was posted with the UN. These people hold a very special place in my heart now and without becoming immersed in Aussie Hero’s, I would have never had the chance to have meet them.
I would like to wish all of you who are spending Christmas away from those who hold a special place in your heart a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with love, laughter and smiles. Please stay safe and know that I thank each one of you for your service and dedication.
Love and Hugs
Angela
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What does Christmas offer for our men and women over there?
In Kabul I am told….
The aussies have organised a BBQ lunch with turkey and ham. There will be Christmas puddings and mince pies as well. One of the members aunite has backed an old fashioned Christmas cake to share amongst all.
It will be a little gathering on our verandah outside where we will cook the BBQ, we will decorate the area and also do a secret Santa… I know that in the morning most of us will choose to skype our families and see everyone at home opening the pressies etc.
And we will all be missing OZ but hopefully seeing some snow!
And in Dubai
On Christmas Eve the elves will get together and decorate the dining/recreation areas in a Christmas theme, there will be a raffle, a Christmas movie and of course,
Carols and Chapel Service
On Christmas Day there will be a Christmas Day Service and then a visit from Santa followed by Christmas Lunch, trivia games and nibbles and a BBQ for dinner and maybe a Volley ball game.
Of course there has to be a Boxing Day Cricket Match (of course).
There will be a belated Christmas for those on duty Christmas Day
There will also be Musical entertainment (those musically inclined will jam)
It looks like the spirit of Christmas will be alive and well there but there is always work to support our troops.
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As for my message…..
How will you celebrate Christmas this year?
Will you be in the midst of those you hold dear?
Will you listen to carols, will you set your table
With the prettiest plates, just as nice as you are able?
Will you travel to Grandma’s, or visit a friend
Will you accept the invite someone else did send?
Have you bought all the presents, are they wrapped ‘neath the tree
In bright paper and ribbons so pretty to see?
Is your big meal of the day dinner or lunch
Do you do both, and all day you will munch?
Do you have roast turkey, or chicken, or maybe some prawns
Does the amount to be done see you up with the dawn?
Well can you please do me a favour where ever you are
And remember our troops serving both near and far.
Those in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force
Must not forget Defence civilians, of course.
Though all of them are where they need to be
To serve our great country, that means you and me,
They can’t be at home with the ones they love most
But are in foreign lands with a different host.
They might have a Barbie, seafood or roast on a spit
And if they are lucky the ration of beer will be quite a hit.
They might have presents sent by family and friends
And probably care packages the Aussie public sends
But it won’t be the same as they would like it to be;
At home with their loved ones and family.
So please when you sit at your table this year
With those that you love and hold most dear
Spare a thought, raise your glass, remember some way
Our great Aussie Heroes who we should thank every day
For doing their duty and serving us all
So our nation is safe and we can stand tall.
Merry Christmas to each and every one of “youse”
But especially to you wearing DPCUs!
JMxx
PS. I have kept a little something up my sleeve for tomorrow night……
See you then!
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