Monday 20 July 2020

Grati-Tuesday 21 July

Another big week and messages keeping us humbled and motivated to keep going and sew more. I hope you are keeping warm and well wherever you are reading this from. 

Have a great week, and don't forget if you are interested in becoming involved please email us or send us a message. 

.....

Good Afternoon Joy,

I just wanted to send a thank you for the wonderful laundry bag I received. Mine has the Dog On The Tuckerbox on it. Which feels like a piece of home.

I hope you are very well and thank you again. 

Kind regards,

.... 

Bridget,

Firstly, wow, omg awesome!

Thank you so much for your time and awesome effort. I'm in love with my quilt, left or right who cares which is which. I get the point and it got my nickname on it. I love it.

My wife and I will be celebrating our wedding anniversary next month, I was due to be home for it however, with COVID19 restrictions we are not getting out for our break, but lucky for us the communications over here are fantastic, and I get to facetime regularly. It doesn't make up for the rest my wife would get if I was home, so I asked family to visit. 

We are currently based in Qld and in our second year here. 
I've been a Solider since 2001, and I've been lucky enough to deploy several times. I am currently deployed in the Middle East. I've completed 3 postings to HMA ships as Ships Army Detachment / Department, also where I was introduced to Jan-Maree and some of you amazing ladies, where I received a Laundry Bag on HMAS Canberra. I still use this bag today. 

My Military career of almost 20 years now has been very rewarding, and I'm ever grateful for families like yours who believe in us, support us and fuel us and what we do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I would like to pass a big thank you not only from me, but my team here.

Two of my Soldiers, have received their quilts and the look of excitement and feeling of love when opening their parcels was overwhelming. All of us are touched by the time and effort all of the team at Aussie Hero Quilts have put in and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Again a massive thank you Bridget and all the great people at Aussie Hero Quilts. 




   ....


Dear Heather,

I cannot thank you enough for the absolutely beautiful quilt you have created for me. It has turned out far better than my imagination came up with, not that I ever doubted your skills.

The reason for the two distinct themes is a connection with my two eldest children. My daughter, who is 10 y/o absolutely loves Harry Potter after we read the books together, and my son who is nearly 7 y/o, cannot get enough of Star Wars. I have two other children both boys aged 4 and 2 so my wife has had a challenging deployment as well.

My tour is due to end soon and this one has been the most challenging by far. I have deployed to the Middle East three times previously and this trip has certainly tested us all in particular with COVID-19 impacting nearly everything we do.

Thank you again for your time and effort in making such a fantastic quilt. 

Also, everyone in my workplace thanks you for the Tim Tams. I thought the right thing to do was share them around.

Yours sincerely,
....

From Instagram; I'm actually tearing up over how amazing this looks, thank you so much Ruby!


....

Dear Kathy,

The weather today was freezing cold when I happened upon a delivery at my doorstep - apparently originating from Australia but covered in some variety of Arabic.

 I thought it must have surely been from my recent deployment, perhaps a package that had arrived just after I had departed, lo and behold... 

It was the fantastic quilt and laundry bag you made for me! They are truly wonderful and I intend on using both of them frequently. Did you know (wait of course you couldn't, we've never met!) that I haven't gotten a new laundry bag since I enlisted! Isn't that deplorable. I often require a laundry bag when travelling interstate, on exercise, and I always depend on one overseas - so this is a tremendous addition. 

To the quilt.. the main event! It is absolutely lovely. I had completely forgotten about putting in a preference, and to see the wonderful lines of Wordsworth greeting me like an old friend was very special. Wordsworth was my great-grandmother's favourite poet, and her husband won a M.W. in in France. I also had a funny, eloquent teacher in high school, who taught me 'I wandered lonely as a cloud'. I used to have a copy of the poem blu-tacked on my wall above my bed as a cadet and now have a wonderful quilt to keep me warm.

I left my deployment in early and took some time returning to Australia via Middle East. COVID19 had just about kicked off, so I was lucky to get back when I did. Our work over there was often prosaic, sometimes exciting, very different to what we train for, but in the end, quite rewarding. I came away with a newfound appreciation for the depth of struggle many pour souls endure in Africa and the Middle East, and I feel I contributed in a small way, if only temporary.

Your gift is appreciated, and I hope you and your family may stay safe and well. 

Perhaps to steal a quote from Dylan Thomas, I shall see you:

"At God speeded summer's end
In the torrent salmon sun".

Yours sincerely,
....

Joy,

I recently received a laundry bag crafted by you. I wanted to take this time to express my gratitude. It looks amazing.

A little about me. I am 33 years old next week, and have been in the Army for 13 years. This is my second deployment since enlisting, my first to the Middle East. I previously deployed to East Timor in 2010. I am stationed in the Middle East and manage a team of IT Specialists.

Since enlisting I have managed to live 9 houses in the 13 years I have been in the Army. It's been a pretty hectic time. I have 4 lovely children back home in NT eagerly awaiting my return home. During my free time, I enjoy taking the children camping in the 4wd for rides on their motorcycles.

Best Regards


                                                                               
........

       Dear Sue,

Thank you for your wonderful gift. The quilt is amazing, exactly what I was hoping for!

Your support is appreciated by everyone over here in the Middle East. It means a lot to know that people are thinking of you.

I hope you are staying safe from COVID-19. I wish I could be at home helping with the pandemic. Thank you again for this amazing quilt.

         ....

       Dear Irene,

Firstly, I hope you are doing well, especially with the current virus and restrictions. I hope you are in good health and staying safe.

I would like to say a massive thank you for my quilt. I love it. It is so beautifully created and I thank you for putting so much of your own time and effort into sewing it. Even with the restrictions enforced upon you all. I am amazed that you all still find the time to create these pieces. I thank you for your dedication and support. The quilt is even better than I imagined it and definitely helps with the separation from home. I am honoured to be the recipient of such a gorgeous quilt.

I have a 3 year old Rottweiler. He is incredibly special to me and leaving him behind for deployment was very difficult. I am lucky that my sister has been taking care of him whilst I have been away. I would love to get another dog to keep him company but I am waiting till the right time especially with the difficulties of being away.

I have been deployed a few times before but not for the length of time as the current one. It has been incredibly difficult being away but I am very keen to get home and try and get back to a normal routine.

Thank you again for the beautiful quilt. I promise to take great care of it is something I do not want getting dirty or damaged.

Take care,
 ....

Dear Lisa,

Yes I have received my quilt yesterday and it's fantastic. I'd like to thank Jan-Maree and the team especially Sheena (my quilt fabricator) for my Army themed quilt.

Thank you

 ....

Good Afternoon Jan-Maree,

I just wanted to drop you a short note and thank you for the laundry bag I was provided with today. This is a most welcomed addition to my life aboard HMAS Canberra. I have had the pleasure of serving in the Navy for 38 years and over this time, I had always looked upon others with envy and their neat laundry bag and quilts. Initially, I did not want to deprive a Junior Sailor or Officer of such a gift, but we are fortunate to have a few to go around.

These are enormous lift to morale and I consider the work that you and your fellow volunteers do for all of us serving in the Australian Defence Force is a marvellous contribution and I imagine that there is a lot of work that goes into the design and crafting of these bags. I have been presented with a style that certainly suits me, it a has golf theme and I love it. My wife, I and our 2 sons aged 22 and 13 play golf together, and this is a great little reminder of those at home.

Please pass on my appreciation to all those involved in your organisation, you are tireless in your support for all of us, and I genuinely thank you very much for everything.

Take care and all the very best to you, your family and those hard working volunteers.

 .....

Hi Bridget,

Thank you so much for my quilt. It is perfect! All of you do a wonderful job of lifting our spirits. Everyone is very keen to show off their quilts and laundry bags as soon as they get them. We even had one shown off today at a parade!

I asked for those details because they are my children's favourite things. I have deployed three times in the last four years so it will be a nice surprise when I get home. I have 3 children. My eldest is 21 and has gone out into the world and found a job. My next daughter is in year 10, she's such a lovely girl. My youngest is in year 7 and a real sports nut like myself. Covid restrictions made it really hard as he loves to run around with mates, but on the flip side, it has helped as a family as my wife is able to work from home which has been helpful while I have been away. We live on acreage in Qld and are planting fruit trees, and have chooks, so it has been good for the kids to enjoy their time at home.

I left school in year 11 to start a welding apprenticeship, but after a couple of months I realised I wasn't ready for the working life, and begged the principal to let me come back. Once I finished year 12 I started a carpentry apprenticeship. It wasn't until I was about to become a dad that my work ethic kicked in and even after that it took some time to find a job I enjoyed. I didn't join the RAAF until my 30's and have now been in almost 10 years. 

Thank you again for what you have made me, it has already been put to good use and will for many years to come.

 ....

Good Morning Rachel,

I just wanted to say a massive thank you for making the beautiful laundry bag that I have now received. I absolutely love it.

I have currently been in the Navy for 3 and a half years and I'm loving it so far. I am posted onto HMAS Canberra. I am a massive fan of music and performing, it has always been a massive soft spot for me. I grew up in NSW. I went to a Selective performing Arts School. Once I graduated, I wasn't sure what to do until I looked into the ADF. Ever since, I have become part of the most amazing family. You make so many connections and no matter how far away you are from your own family, you can always rely on the shipmates on-board to support you which is amazing.

Once again, thank you so much for making these laundry bags, everyone on board is very appreciative of them. I hope you are having a great week and that you are well.

 ....

Good Afternoon Anne,

I received my laundry bag this week. Thank you so much for all your effort and hard work. I absolutely love it and my Quilt.

I wrote you a letter in Thanks for the Quilt, which you should hopefully soon receive, so I won't go on too much in this one.

So many people have commented on both the quilt and laundry bag. You did an amazing job with my list of things to have on them.

I absolutely love the bags as well.. Such a great idea. I wash every few days here due to the heat and sweat so it will be very handy. I think a couple of the other girls I have shown are a bit jealous!

I hope it's not too cold where you are. I know where I'd rather be, its about 48 degrees here today...

Thanks again and take care.


 ....

Hi Ruth,

I hope this email finds you and your family safe and well back home despite the unpredictable circumstances that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought us. I figured a reply by email would arrive much quicker than by mail during these covid times.

Firstly, thank you SO much for the amazing laundry bag you made - I absolutely love it! Al the colours/motifs you've weaved just come together beautifully. I'm also grateful for the effort you went to in order to integrate so many hobbies of mine into the design. The sailing boats are particularly special for me as a tribute to my grandfather who passed away during my deployment. Receiving the laundry bag provided a great morale boost despite the circumstances and uncertainty that the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic introduced. The work that you and the wider 'Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags' organisation do for the serving members is remarkable and greatly appreciated.

I am currently deployed in the Middle East, as part of NATO-Led Resolute Support Mission. We arrived here shortly before the pandemic kicked off and subsequently have seen the threat rise and fall throughout the bases. It's definitely been a complex but rewarding challenge to work through.

Meanwhile, further afield in the Middle East, it is definitely presenting a much bigger challenge to the local health and dental system and it's hard to know the true extent. It's certainly eye-opening to gain insight into the hardship the locals continue to endure, yet maintain their resilience in pursuit of improved peace and security for their country. By contrast, it makes you realise how lucky we really are to live in a country like Australia. Thus, I feel honoured to be able to serve the nation and hopefully make a positive difference to the long-term success of other countries along the way.

Wishing you good health, happiness and many successful laundry bag creations to come! Kind regards,


 ....

Dear Ladies,

Thank you so much for the Aussie Quilt. It arrived early July in our monthly mail delivery. I was so excited to receive it and I must say I was very impressed with the extremely good quality and way it incorporated my design request into a magnificent looking quilt. It exceeded my expectations and I love it. I immediately placed it on my bed, where I live and am using it every day. 

Receiving my quilt brought a smile to my face but it also made me feel humble and overwhelmed that someone would take the time and care enough to do something like this for Australian Soldiers. You and your colleagues are truly special people.

Due to COVID19 we have been quarantined. It is not too bad as we are fed well but the amenities (gym etc) are closed because local contractors aren't allowed on base. It is currently summer here with 45 - 48 degree during the day. There is no relief from the heat. Some days it is 52 degrees and still 40 - 45 degrees overnight. Unbelievably it actually rains sand during the Sand storms that blow in from the desert.

Anyway, I was born and bred in NSW. I have been married for 22 years and we have two daughters, they are 18 and 14. For the last two years I have been working full time with the Army, living separated from my family interstate and returning home for the weekend. My wife, only recently returned to the workforce after taking a break to look after our children.

So, once again thank you so much for both making and sending me the Aussie Quilt and writing letters to me. I must confess that you taking time to do this has brought a tear to my eye (a happy one). I just can't believe there are beautiful and kind people out there like you who care and go the extra yard for others. Your organisation does such a wonderful job which is greatly appreciated by the troops. This email letter comes from the heart and with sincere appreciation. I wish you all the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous future. You definitely deserve it.

Yours Sincerely,


 ....

Good Morning Jenni,

I hope this email find you, the way mail is at the moment because of this whole COVID pandemic we are currently facing, email would be the fastest and easiest way for me to contact you.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the beautiful quilt and care package. Well unfortunately and thankfully, because of COVID situation my deployment was cut short and because of the restrictions in place and just how slow the mail has been, I didn't receive your package until last week, when I was back home.
The fact that you have taken the time and effort to design a wonderful quilt to send me such a considerate and thoughtful gift shows us just how caring and amazing our community really is. You and your absolutely amazing team out there giving a hand up for our serving members, you all are the true heroes!

So from my family, we thank you from the the bottom of our hearts.
My son, nearly 5, in particular loves the quilt made just for daddy, to keep me happy while I was overseas. He even took it in for show and tell. I also have a daughter, who is 2. 

Again, thank you so much for the thoughtful gift, you all do such amazing work and please know that your contribution over there is so welcomed and definitely doesn't go unnoticed.

Please stay safe. Kind regards,
 ....

Dear Ellen,

I got my quilt about a week ago, and was so happy when I pulled it out of the box. You did such an amazing job and I so love it.

A little about myself, I have been in the Airforce for about 14 years and love what I do. My pop was in WWII as a gunner. He could never talk about what he did as it was too painful. He passed on and most of all, he is my amazing hero.

I love to travel and love the country life. Just like you, I will be travelling around the country when I leave my job. 

Well I have two amazing dogs who I miss very much. I have heaps of nephews and nieces and a great aunty to 6. No partner, just me and my two dogs.

I have two sisters, a brother and my beautiful mother. We all love getting our quilt over here, it makes our day, when we pull them out of the boxes.

Having something from home is so special to us. So thank you and the wonderful people who makes the laundry bag and quilts.

Stay safe and healthy till next time
 ....

Hi,

I would like to thank Kirsty for my awesome Dr. Who quilt. 

It captures all the best things in Dr. Who. I am also a fan of the 10th Doctor with Billie Piper aka Rose Tyler. 

I'm in the Signals corp and work as an IT Manager. I have been overseas a few times before and this is my first quilt and I think it's such a great idea.

I'm actually from Western Australia, but haven't lived there for a while though, but go back for holidays to visit family.

I would like to say thank you again to Kirsty and everyone at Aussie Hero Quilts.
 ....

Hi Pennie,

I received your parcel two weeks ago and I was truly amazed with what I received. Not enough words can begin thanking you for the truly wonderful laundry bag and the amazing work that went into such a magnificent creation. Thank you for your very kind words; I truly enjoy my job and each day presents new opportunities.

 The attached photo has not been shared with anyone; I thought it only appropriate to see the person receiving your beautiful creation before anyone else.

I grew up in South Australia until I left home to join the RAAF at the age of 16. I haven't been home for a few years, but I plan on returning in the near future when the pandemic and border restrictions are lifted.

Please see attached a photo of me holding the fabulous work you created. Once again, my sincere thanks for the amazing laundry bag. 

Warm regards,


 ....

Hello Jan-Maree,

I was lucky enough to receive a wash bag and I can't begin to explain how beautiful it is. Thank you so very much I really appreciate it, so very talented.

Thank you for doing this for all the deployed troops. It's such a morale booster. Everyone gets so excited when they talk about Aussie Hero Quilts. We all appreciate the time and effort that goes into making these beautiful pieces. So thank you so much, I hope you're doing well back home and staying safe.

 ....

To Georgina,

Firstly, I want to say thank you for taking the time out of your day to make such a beautiful gift. 

Whilst I can only say for people in the navy, we don't think about our laundry as a necessity but without clean clothes there is no way we would be able to prevent illness and nasty bugs from developing whilst we work throughout the day and night at sea.

Thank you, for this 'dobie' (laundry) bag, I will make sure I take good care of it, and I will always be able to pick it out in the pile of laundry when my day comes.

All the best,


 ....

Hello Rita,

I've been in the ADF since March 2019, working as a field Military Police. I am trained to conduct security and internment of captured persons under war conditions. I am 23 and originally from Queensland. Prior to enlisting, I studied a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and traveled across the country delivering neuroscience programs to high school students. The programs were based on how the brain develops during adolescence and the role that healthy eating, exercise, sleeping and goal setting can have on positively molding it. I enjoyed this, but always felt compelled to join the Army, so decided to enlist as soon as I finished my degree, which brings me to the current day.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the laundry bag you made. I got to choose from the options and picked the green hippo ones because I loved the design and figured that the air force members wouldn't share my love for green. 

I appreciate the effort you put into making quilts and laundry bags for soldiers and veterans, we are expected to perform our duties regardless of how arduous or taxing they can be, and while this is something we happily do, it's these gestures that make it more tolerable and enjoyable. You'll be happy to know that the four ADF members I worked with (2x army and 2x airforce) all used theirs and the caretakers even commented how nice they were.

Thank you for the time you took to make the laundry bag, and to write this letter, I'll be using it on my next trip. 

Keep up the good work, stay safe and say hello to your family for me. 

Regards,
 ....

Good Morning Philomena,

I have received your quilt and it is beautiful. Thank you so much for the time and effort you have put into make this wonderful quilt. It means a lot to us to have a little piece of home while we are away.

Thank you for your story, it sounds like your life has been an amazing adventure, and I'm glad Australia is your happy medium, and that you have found Aussie quilt hero's to help satisfy your quilt pox, haha.

Please keep up the good work. I know everyone here appreciates the beauty, effort and skill that goes into our quilts and laundry bags.

Thank you very much


 ....

Good Afternoon,

I cannot thank you enough for my quilt I received today. 

I am a mother of 4 and about to be a grandmother. I am so excited. I currently live in Northern Territory with my two youngest children, aged 11 and 5, who will now both fight over my awesome quilt to use on the lounge when I return.

This quilt means a lot to me. I hope you're doing well back in Australia during these crazy times.

Once again, a BIG thank you x
 ....

Dear Bridget,

I recently received the amazing laundry bag and quilt that you made for me - thank you so much! It looks absolutely incredible!

I was planning on sending a letter in reply, but our mail is a bit unreliable at the moment and parcels and letters are taking much longer than expected to arrive, so I thought an email would be best.

The parcel from you arrived on a particularly busy and exhausting day in our health centre (thanks to COVID-19) so it provided a much-needed boost.

I've been in Defence since 2012, although this is my first major deployment. I'm originally from Victoria but I'm currently posted in NSW. I live here with my partner, and we're both 'dog people' but unfortunately, our house isn't very dog friendly, so instead we've adopted two cats - who provide us with a lot of entertainment!

Thanks once again for the laundry bag and quilt! The quilt has brightened up my room, and the laundry bag I've put in my office on display (I can't yet bring myself to use it for laundry as it's just too nice - one day!).

We are all so grateful to everyone involved with Aussie Hero Quilts - the work you all do is fantastic and really brightens our spirits on deployment. It's been wonderful to see some of my colleagues receive their quilts each week as well.

Wishing you all the best.

 ....

 

Good Morning Hilary,


Thank you for the laundry bag. I found it to be reflective of the unique spirit and pride we find within the defence communities shared over the world. It is quite touching and very much appreciated.


I am currently writing to you from Western Australia, after being posted on HMAS Parramatta which is where I took ownership of the laundry bag. During this posting, I deployed to South East Asia, North East Asia and back again to SE Asia in January 2020. Unfortunately, this final deployment was not so great due to the arrival of COVID19. This prevented us from visiting a lot of ports, which I was looking forward to visiting. So what was supposed to be a wonderful final deployment in my career, turned into simply a transit back to Australia with some work conducted in the Sth China sea.


Your laundry bag is a wonderful idea and I have been using with a sense of community during my time on the ship and now even after leaving the ship.


I am an Technician specialising in Communications in the Royal Australian Navy, coming up to 20 years of service later this year, serving on the ANZAC Class Frigates and serving in the Middle East. I have served in shore positions in NSW, Vic, ACT and WA where I am currently based.


I was born in NSW, a couple of hour south of Sydney on the South Coast, which is a beautiful part of the world. I have travelled quite a bit in the Navy, and in 2009 my ship stopped into Canada. Canada, has similarities to Australia and I hope I do return in the future, however I will try and avoid the -38 weather.

Having previously lived in the USA, where my father was working, I was able to experience North American winters.

My father served for 26 years in the Royal Australian Navy. My Grandfather worked with the British Fuseliers in WWII and was captured by the Germans only to escape and go into hiding. He passed away last year in QLD at 92 years of age. My Mother lives in Western Australia. Being in the Navy, hasn't allowed me to see her often, the last time was over 3 years ago. I will visit her soon and tell her about the laundry bag.

I have a daughter who is 4 years old and this was one of the main drivers to discharge as being deployed made being away from her difficult.

I hope this email finds you well.

Kind regards,

 ....

 

Margaret,


Once again, Thank you, I Love, love, love it! Definitely put a smile on my face!




 ....

 

Hi Jenny,


My lovely quilt that you fashioned for me last Wednesday! My first impression was... just wow! It is exactly what I was looking for! The coastal theme, the colours, the patterns... everything is just perfect! Thank you so much!! The colour and homeliness that the quilt brings to my room is just fantastic.


I can't tell you how much this quilt means to me, and I thank you and everyone else at AHQ for all the work you do!


I am currently deployed with the E-7A Wedgetail, have been here for about two and half months. This is my second operational deployment, the first was in 2017. It's been a good trip so far, however, as you can imagine, COVID has changed everything. I am very much looking forward to getting home to my partner and our two cats!


Once again, thanks so much, I love it!


 ....

Good Afternoon,

First of all, thank you so much for the beautiful laundry bag - I could definitely feel the love and effort you put into it. The stitching is fantastic. I used to do sewing myself (before I enlisted) and I can see that your technical mastery is high! I completely forgot I had ordered one, so it made my whole week when I was told I had an unexpected parcel to collect.

I really enjoyed reading your card. A bit about myself: I joined the Air Force and left home when I had just turned 17 and have been lucky enough to be posted to NSW, NT, QLD and a 2nd posting in QLD. I had a job role change two years ago which has provided me with plenty of opportunities and I am throughly enjoying my time. I am only three and a bit years away from long service now, and I am hoping to do a big trip. Spotlight is a favourite shop of mine, I am very creative and do a lot of painting and get a lot of supplies from there.

Thank you so much, we appreciate you spending your spare time making deployed personnel laundry bags and quilts. We all like to show off to each other, it's like Christmas in July! 

I hope you continue to stay safe among COVID pandemic. 

Kind regards,

 
 ....

Hi guys,

I just wanted to give my heartfelt thanks to Ellen for my beautiful quilt. I was so touched to receive the quilt and letter that went with it. I have seen how much joy receiving the quilts and bags bring while we are away from family and friends and this has certainly made me feel that same joy.

 Thank you so much.

 ....

Hi Bridget,

I would first like to say thank you for the quilt you have gone and put a lot of effort into, I think it's excellent! The colours are great and the flags are perfect.

Thank you for sharing a bit of information about yourself, I had no idea Aussie Hero's existed until I was deployed and the work you's all do is fantastic and an excellent cause, especially for the reasons behind it.

This is my first deployment, I am very grateful that I was given the opportunity to serve. It's been a pretty good deployment so far, with things only slowing down because of COVID-19. I am looking forward to returning home which is not far off now.

I wish you and your family all the best for 2020, it's been a tough year for everyone. Thank you again.

 ....

Hi Clarissa,

Just a quick note to let you know I've received both my quilt and laundry bag. I will send an individual response to both thanking them for their wonderful creativity. Thanks heaps to everyone at Aussie Hero Quilts.. you all do an awesome job!

 ....

Hello Bridget,

I received your beautiful quilt and laundry bag today. The mail service has been disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions, but happily your package came through.

When I have some time I will write you a more detailed letter, but that will probably take weeks to reach you. In the mean time, I wanted to let you know your gifts have arrived, and they are magnificent. It's obvious how much you care and sheer work you have put into the quilt and the laundry bag; they are practically works of art. The colours are exactly right, and the unit crest is fantastic. I was CO of a Regiment previously, and it remains the high point of my career.

I will take a picture of the quilt when I get back to my rooms, and send it to you. I have a son who is 20 years old, and twin 18 year old girls. I will make sure they all get to see the fruits of your labour also.

My deployment (my seventh) ends late this year, maybe a little longer due to quarantine restrictions. This will be an unusual tour for me because leave is not available due to COVID travel restrictions. Your gift means a lot to me; it is truly moving to know there are good people back home who care about us on deployment, however long it lasts!

Thank you so much, I truly appreciate your kindness.
....

Hi Alison,

Thank you very much for the quilt. It is much appreciated. The length on it is perfect covering my feet well (I'm 6'2). The design and handiwork is very impressive. I've done a bit of sewing in the past (only repairing things) and know the amount of effort that went into this. You have done extremely well. Till it's arrival we have been sleeping in winter weight sleeping bags. As it's now summer they are too warm. The quilt fits the bill perfectly. 

My mother is a teacher in South Australia, and dad used to drive trucks when younger but changed paths to a fitter and turner before retiring last year. They own acreage with alpacas. I'm hoping after the deployment to move back down there having done 3 years in Northern Territory.

I hope yourself and family are doing well during covid pandemic. We see it on the news regularly here. Hopefully, its just the media exaggerating but keep safe.

Once again, thank you very much.
....

G'day Jenni,

I was a sailor on HMAS Toowoomba during the deployment to the Middle East this year.

I want to thank you for making me this awesome and dobey bag, I wasn't sure what to write down originally for my design so a few of my ship mates went ahead and chose for me without telling me so it was quite a surprise opening the box just then but a welcomed one. I'm still laughing about what they chose for me, I cannot wait for me (as a 26 year old male) rocking up to my next ship posting with a 'my little pony quilt and a barbie dobey bag'.

I truly am thankful for all the work you guys put into these, I truly appreciate it. Keep doing what you're doing we as service members can't thank you enough.

Kind regards,

....

Hi Anne,

Thank you for the time and effort you put into making my laundry bag (Reds and Wallabies). Things have taken a bit longer to get over here with all the current shenanigans going on in the world, but the laundry bag has made it safe and sound and is being put to good use.

I have been deployed for about 9 months now and have a few to go. It has been hard without getting to go home, and see my family. (I am not going to enjoy quarantine in a hotel either). I have a wife and  3 kids - 14 year old son, 13 year old son, and an 8 year old daughter. My youngest asks me everyday to come home, especially as we were supposed to be in Italy for a family holiday right now.

Anyway, thank you for your efforts, they really make a difference. I hope you and the family remain healthy and happy.

Kind Regards,
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Hi Ruth,

I just want to say thank you for the lovely laundry bag you made for me whilst I was away on my deployment. It is well made and very striking. My wife and I will use it on our many trips away.

Unfortunately it looks as though the laundry bag (as well as my quilt), came after I finished my rotation and hence the delay in me receiving it.

Thank you for the time and effort you put in to making these laundry bags. I know that they are well thought of by our service members as I have seen and heard about previous ones that are well thought of.

Please keep up the good work and I wish you for the best for the future. 

Regards, 
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G'day there Jo,

Apologies for the delay in replying and sending you a message back! Been pretty busy since I received the laundry bag you crafted for me! But alas I now have the time to write back.

 I received the laundry bag early last week, you crafted for me based on my request of the greatest ever NRL team to ever play the great game of Rugby League 'The Sydney Roosters', and can I say you blew it out of the park, the mastery is amazing!

Thanks for all the hard work and effort you do to firstly make them, and then ship them over here not only for myself but for all personnel you have sent off items off too!

Little bit about myself, I'm 23 from NSW. I'm the youngest out of 2 my brother  being 2 years old then me also serves but is a mechanic also in the RAAF.

I'm an LAC in the RAAF and work as an aircraft technician based in NSW working on the C130j's. I've been in the RAAF for 4.5 years now and hopefully planning on staying in as long as I can. This is my first deployment, so it's definitely an eye opener flying in and out of different places bringing troops back so they can go home to see their families etc. all amid the covid crisis.

Once again, thank you! Regards,
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Good Afternoon Jean,

I recently received one of your laundry bags prior to being deployed on Operation Covid assist. Whilst not an active military deployment, we do what we can when and where we're required and I was grateful to receive the laundry bag as a token of appreciation for your soldiers. Thank you very much for your support.

My wife is from overseas, and she loves it there although it has not been for many years. We are currently separated (by distance) because she took up a position in Victoria before Covid set in and I got stuck in Western Australia but I'm sure I will get there once this is all over. In the meantime, I am glad to have been able to serve in WA during the crisis.

Regards,
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Good Morning Leanne,

I have received the quilt that you made. Thank you so much it is absolutely remarkable and I love it! I'm very grateful and honoured to receive such a lovely quilt. You have done a sensational job and I'm extremely thankful!

Thank you very much again for the quilt I truly appreciate and love it. I'm hoping you and your family are safe, happy and healthy during this time.

Kind regards,
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Dear Sue,

I am writing in appreciation of the laundry bags you've so lovingly made and posted to me. We have handed them out to our soldiers who are deployed on the border checkpoints, supporting NT POL and NT Health directions. I am the logistics officer.

I've prepared the soldiers deploying by issuing them with equipment and preparing accommodation and rations for them, it gives me great pleasure now to 'issue' them with a bag full of love, thoughts, thanks and support from the Aussie Heroes ladies (and gents).

I still have my own personalised laundry bag I received when I was in the Middle East and used frequently, I still take it away on courses and deployments (such as now).

Your messages of love and support have been humbling, thanks again for making the effort to make and post them to us, it is greatly appreciated.

I really enjoyed opening your package and admiring you're handiwork and beautiful design.

Thank you
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