As a way of thanking the lads who took time out of their duties to show our group from Aussie Heroes their prized Boxer Reconnaissance Vehicles, they scored an Aussie Hero Quilt. The sewing machine was going at full speed as I wanted to present them before Christmas stand down time.

Cpl C and Tpr S were very happy to see what I had made for them. As they are part of the traditional 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment I had found the perfect fabric in my stash, some photos of the new Boxer (Cpl C’s photo was in one of them!) and a silhouette (Thanks JM) to make the personalized quilt. It turns out that Cpl C is now posted out of Gallipoli Barracks so the quilt arrived just in time and is a great memory for him.

After photos, Cpl C offered to take me for a spin in the Boxer, so clearing this with his superior, I got body armour and helmet for the ride. Thankfully I wore trousers (but advice to all is to wear sensible shoes too as you never know what will be install at presentations!). The fellows were such gentlemen and assisted me to climb up, and then down the hatch where the lookouts are positioned. Hmmm…. Now I’m thinking “am I going to be able to get out of here with my short legs?”. All systems go, and we did a circuit of Gallipoli Barracks – felt a bit like a queen with Cpl C waving to various people and then it was “duck!” as over hanging branches threatened our heads! The Boxer was being driven by Tpr S in back cabin by means of cameras and screens. Cpl C was the lookout for traffic and other obstacles. These beasts can get to 100kph on the open road, 20-30 kph off road but surprising so quiet due to the armoured plating. Back to base then to climb down – thank goodness they had stairs! 

That was a great experience! Thanks are back to you, Cpl C and Tpr S.

How terrific, thanks muchly Heather, for making the quilts and for writing this report for us.

Till next time… keep spreading the word and happy stitching!

Cheers, Jan-Maree xx