A huge day here in Aussie Hero Land....
Bev U, Bridget, Gail, Clarissa and Ann came to work today and work they did. I now have a stack of about 40 quilts sitting in boxes waiting to be taped up once I have written the covering letters to go with them. I am on that now.
Additionally, they layered quilts, finished a quilt top, made a very special mini quilt for a very special purpose, layered quilts, quilted quilts and so much more!
Now just to get the quilts that we boxes taped up..... anyone free on Monday night?? Your assistance would be much appreciated.
For now on to some great thank you messages.
.....
Bev U, Bridget, Gail, Clarissa and Ann came to work today and work they did. I now have a stack of about 40 quilts sitting in boxes waiting to be taped up once I have written the covering letters to go with them. I am on that now.
Additionally, they layered quilts, finished a quilt top, made a very special mini quilt for a very special purpose, layered quilts, quilted quilts and so much more!
Now just to get the quilts that we boxes taped up..... anyone free on Monday night?? Your assistance would be much appreciated.
For now on to some great thank you messages.
.....
Hi Jan-Maree
So today, the quilt finally
arrived!
And I love it! It really is so
great! The magnet idea is just awesome! So fitting!
I really appreciate the effort that
you and your team put into doing such a kind thing for us. Particularly Donna,
in making this quilt! I will most definitely be writing to her to say
thankyou!
How have you been?
I hope you like the photo!
:)
.....
Jean,
Thank
you very much for the laundry bag. I love the design and it makes laundry much
easier as I don't have to go searching through bags anymore to find my washing.
I applaud your dedication to us guys and girls over here. 300 is a lot of
sewing.
I
have driven through Coffs about a dozen times but have only stayed over
night once. I would like to take a holiday there one day work depending.
I
too like to travel, however most of my trips are work orientated and therefore
don't provide much time for sight seeing (there isn't much to see anyway), but
at least I get to experience some diverse cultures. The best work place I have
been sent is Timor Leste. Great fishing, snorkeling and very rewarding work.
Once
again, thanks for the laundry bag.
Regards
.....
Dear Sue,
Firstly I want to thank you for the superb quilt you made
for me. The thought and the craftsmanship that went into it was quite humbling
and I was slightly taken aback.
My son will be getting the quilt on my return and it will become a
prized possession of his and he will look after it, you have my word.
Being away from family is always hard, but with
support like yours, it makes it much easier.
The job you and fellow artists perform in crafting these
pieces is outstanding and you should be applauded. This will be kept in my
family and passed down as a legacy item.
Once again, Thank you and I hope you continue this
outstanding work.
Yours Sincerely
.....
Hi Bridget
Firstly I would just like to thank you for my laundry bag. You
have done a fantastic job and it’s made all the Americans that I’m working with
Jealous. On my first deployment the boys and I were sewn helmet beanies from a
small knitting group in Kiama. It kept our heads warm through the winter and I
never had the opportunity to say thank you so I wasn’t going to let it happen
again. I really appreciate all the work that you have put into it and for the
ongoing support to deployed soldiers from you and “Jan-Maree’s sewing ladies”.
I would just like to thank you for your 40 years of service as a nurse, I would
try and sew you something in return but I don’t think it will turn out any
good.
I’m 27 years old, I’ve been in the army for 8 years and this is my
second deployment overseas.
Thank you,
Kind Regards
.....
Dear Cathie,
I wanted to write to you to express my thanks for the quilt
you made sent out to me. It was more than I could have hoped for and is an
amazing piece of work. It is perfect and now has pride of place in my
room.
I've been over here for a few months now so still have quite
abit to do, I have managed to get home for a couple of weeks though to see my
family back in Oz.
Thank you so much for my quilt and for everything you do for
the guys and girls who are away from home. It really means a lot and is
something which shows people are thinking of us.
With gratitude
.....
Hi Sue!
Just wanted to send you my thanks for the quilt- it is just stunning! I have no idea how you interpreted my vague instructions so well. The mandalas in particular have impressed everyone who has seen it.
And for me certainly, seeing as this is my first deployment, this quilt will always have a very special meaning for me!
I have two months to go until I return home.
So thank you again for giving me something to smile about today.
Many thanks and kind regards
.....
Hi Joan,
I just thought I'd drop you a line now that I have a few minutes breathing space between tasks. I received the laundry bag you made for me last week. The US guys in the office were suitably jealous as it was home made. I'm happy to go with the Indian motorbike as well. It's a similar camaraderie between Harley riders and Indian riders.
I'll try and get a photo, although it's a little hard when I can't have the camera in the office. It ends up staying in the room.
Thank you for the time and effort to make the bag. It is being used already.
.....
Dear
Kate,
Thank-you for parcel. It arrived during our port visit.
It coincided with a day I was feeling low, as a good friend was leaving the
ship and returning to Australia.
To
answer your question, the people who man a ship are collectively referred to as
the Ship's company, often reduced to crew. The crew comprises many teams that
combine depending on the severity of the situation into a larger team. So each
is really interchangeable.
This
is my first deployment overseas with the Navy and by far the longest I have
undertaken.
I
too am married. 30 years in September and also have two daughters in their
20's. I miss the kids terribly, even the little things that go on in their
lives. And of course I miss my dog...
Thank
you for your efforts, it is really appreciated.
kind
regards
.....
Hi April,
I just wanted to send my thanks
for your care package you sent over to me in the Middle East. In particular, I
appreciate the laundry bag you made for me. The black and gold is my Squadron's
colours and it looks fantastic. I've attached a photo for you.
It was nice to hear from someone
out in the country as I grew up on a farm in too. I didn't think it was
possible to be hotter then a Mildura summer but some days it's well over 50
degrees here!
Like your family who has served
previously, it is an honor to be here flying for Australia and helping protect
our freedoms.
.....
Hello
from Malaysia!
Thank
you kindly for your laundry bag through Aussie Hero Quilts.
I really
hope that you can appreciate how much your generous gift means to my soldiers
and I. As
soldiers, it is the practical things we love the most, and a sturdy laundry bag
is certainly a welcomed gift and a
warm reminder of the support of the people back home.
Again,
thank you very much for your generosity and your support.
Brendan
Platoon
Commander
Rifle
Company Butterworth
Malaysia
.....
.....
Dear Fran
Thank you very much for the special laundry bag you have made
me and which has been given to me. I do sincerely appreciate this.
I am training as a Reserve Chaplain with the RAAF 27 Squadron in Townsville and
teach part time at XXXXX.
Thank you again for the laundry bag. I love the colours
– green is and has been my favourite colour from childhood – how fitting
now! This certainly is a heart warming ministry that you have in this
way.”
.....
Good Afternoon Sandy,
My quilt arrived today - thank you so much (and all
those who were involved), for lovingly crafting such a beautiful quilt.
My daughter is 11 and missing her is definitely the hardest thing
about deployment, so having her name on the quilt is very special. The
logo (cockerel) is from the English soccer team I have supported all my
life - Tottenham Hotspur. My daughter's middle name is Tottenham! So when
I look at the quilt there is a lot of meaning for me.
Please thank Ros, Chris, and Nola for me. And
thank you all for your dedication and support.
Regards
.....
Hello Joan & Robin,
Thank you so much for the lovely laundry bag that you
made for me. It will be cherished and well used. We are only a small contingent
here in XXXXX and anything from home brings joy to all of us and we don’t have
many opportunities for interaction with others. You are both doing a wonderful
job as do all of those who volunteer with the Aussie Hero Quilts!
I was able to have a quick look on the blog when we were
first told about it and it is amazing, the work you all do. I will be giving
the laundry bag to my young granddaughter when I am finally home next month so
she is able to use and enjoy it for many years to come.
Thank you again
......
Hi Jan-Myaree,
I have been holidaying in the North West of Western
Australia, specifically in Broome and whilst there met a lady whose daughter
was in the Army and was a recipient of an Aussie Hero Quilt. She said her daughter was absolutely blown
away with her quilt and now since retired she has started to quilt herself.
Keep up the good work everyone.
.....
Hello Lisa,
I have only recently received your fantastic quilt as I believe there
was a mix up with the mail service which saw my parcel complete couple of laps
of the MER. That being said, it has arrived safe and sound and I am most
impressed with your work!
Whilst it is currently averaging 46-50 degrees Celsius during the day,
my room has a very effective (albeit noisy) air conditioner and the quilt
certainly won’t go astray! I have also used my new laundry bag twice and I must
say it’s doing a stand up job too.
It’s great to read about your students and how proactive they are within
the community at such a young age. As you mentioned, if given the opportunity
young minds can achieve wonderful things with the right influences.
It’s also great to see that your school has embraced significant events
such at ANZAC Day and been afforded the opportunity to have current and ex-serving
members of Defence speak to the children about what it means to be an ANZAC.
Veterans are no longer all elderly men and women and I think it’s good
that our youth be exposed to the fact that we have a generation of soldiers who
have been on operations longer than ever before. This has undoubtedly taken its
toll on some and I believe that education early will be the key to long term
assistance for our sick, wounded and ill veterans no matter their age.
I have been fortunate enough to deploy to the MER twice in my 13 years
service, with my first tour in Afghanistanin 2012 as well as my current
deployment to Iraq. I absolutely love my job, and would be more than happy to
stay here indefinitely if it weren’t for missing my wife and daughters (7&2). I can assure you that no matter how tough it gets here, it’s
much tougher on my wife who is essentially a single mum who has to work, wrangle
the children and run the house! I am lucky to have such a strong partner and
supportive family to allow me the opportunity to do what I love.
Well that’s probably enough waffling from me; I would like to say a big
thank you for the time, effort and skill that you put into my quilt and laundry
bag. I would’ve never guessed that it’s your third quilt given the quality of
your work! I know all of us who receive quilts from AHQ appreciate them, but
more importantly we appreciate the fact that there are good people at home
thinking about us here.
I hope for the sake of future serving Defence Force personnel you
continue to give up your time to contribute to what is a fantastic organisation
as it will certainly be appreciated.
Thanks again and take care,
.....
Dear Gail,
I recently received a lovely laundry bag from you with a
racing car pattern and a gorgeous embroidered Miniature Schnauzer on it. Thank
you very much for this. It is simply brilliant and brought a huge smile to my
face as I opened the package.
Also, thank you for the range of goodies in the package.
I could tell that you had put a lot of thought into the selection of Tim Tams,
Vegemite and other lollies that we all miss when away from home.
I was also touched to receive your letter. Please do not
understate your family links with the military. Your father’s service in World
War II, and especially in New Guinea, was a considerable sacrifice that many
young men and women have made over the years to preserve the lifestyle that we
all enjoy in Australia.
On behalf of all the Australian military in Iraq I would
like to thank you, and all of the others involved in the Aussie Hero Quilts
organisation, for the fantastic work you do in making the quilts and laundry
bags. They are treasured by deployed members as a link with home, and the fact
that you incorporate ideas and images that have a personal meaning to the
recipient makes them even more special.
Once again, many thanks for the lovely laundry bag and
the package of goodies, and enjoy the forthcoming Spring weather and exploring
the wonders of Australia.
Kind regards,
.....
Dear Su,
I cannot thank you enough for the
fantastic job you did on the “Aussie Hero Quilt” and the laundry bag you made
for me. The black and white pattern materiel is great and it will help to hide
the dog hair that gets over all my clothes back home. Having one black dog and
one white I can’t win either way. But maybe now I have a solution.
Also
thank you for the Tim Tams and the chocolate-coated fruit. They are a valued
item over here; they made for a very pleasant morning tea and were well
received by all of the people I work with. I have never had that flavour before
but will have to try it some more when I get home.
So that you know a
little bit about me I am in the Army although I am working with both RAAF and
RAN personnel. Together we manage the logistic for all the ADF troops operating
in the Middle East. My specialty in ammunition and yes I was one of those kids
that was fascinated with things all things Army and things that went bang
growing up so my parents knew it was inevitable where I would end up. My job is
very interesting and I travel around to all the areas our troops are working
ensuring they are getting what they need and looking after their ammunition
safely.
I was glad to hear your
daughter enjoyed her time in Afghanistan. I have been there a few
times and I find the landscape very beautiful in a harsh way, bit like the
Australian outback. Most of the Afghans I met there were also very nice
people too.
I hope this email finds
you and your family well. We are all keeping ourselves safe over here and have
been trained well to do what is asked of us.
Cheers
......
Clarissa,
Thankyou for the Beautiful Laundry Bag I really appreciate it, as well as the goodies you sent me which won't help my fitness or waist line but will help with morale. I hope your son has a safe deployment and I have no doubt his deployment will be a lot harder than mine. I'm married with two young daughters who have birthdays while I'm deployed and are 3 and 7 this year - time flies as no doubt you know having now grandchildren to baby sit.
Thankyou for the Beautiful Laundry Bag I really appreciate it, as well as the goodies you sent me which won't help my fitness or waist line but will help with morale. I hope your son has a safe deployment and I have no doubt his deployment will be a lot harder than mine. I'm married with two young daughters who have birthdays while I'm deployed and are 3 and 7 this year - time flies as no doubt you know having now grandchildren to baby sit.
I grew up on a Dairy Farm which is located an hour and
half inland from Cairns and have been in the Navy coming up to 23 years, Thank
your Father in-law for his service as if it wasn't for brave men like him we
would not be here today.
Again thank you so much for the care package and
laundry bag it was very appreciated.
Yours Aye
Yours Aye
.....
Dear Steve & Jenny
First of all thankyou so much for making my quilt. It looks amazing! Quite a few people have said its one of the best they have seen. When I put my wish list in for the quilt I never expected anyone to have found any old Bears stuff but you did. The chances of someone selling North Sydney stuff is rare as some asking for a quilt. Don`t worry I wont be going looking for any defects with quilt. I still impressed that you got made.
A little about myself. I`m 32 years old and have been in the Navy for 8 years come October. I grew up in Victoria. I was a Butcher before I joined the Navy. I have a partner, and a son who will turn one year old on the 16th of December. Just in time for when we get home.
I hope you enjoyed you tour on HMAS Darwin - it is one of Newcastle`s sister ships. So what you saw Darwin is exactly like ours. I am in charge of the Engine Room so The main propulsion Gas Turbines and all the associated systems that go along with it.
Once again thank you so much.
.....
First of all thankyou so much for making my quilt. It looks amazing! Quite a few people have said its one of the best they have seen. When I put my wish list in for the quilt I never expected anyone to have found any old Bears stuff but you did. The chances of someone selling North Sydney stuff is rare as some asking for a quilt. Don`t worry I wont be going looking for any defects with quilt. I still impressed that you got made.
A little about myself. I`m 32 years old and have been in the Navy for 8 years come October. I grew up in Victoria. I was a Butcher before I joined the Navy. I have a partner, and a son who will turn one year old on the 16th of December. Just in time for when we get home.
I hope you enjoyed you tour on HMAS Darwin - it is one of Newcastle`s sister ships. So what you saw Darwin is exactly like ours. I am in charge of the Engine Room so The main propulsion Gas Turbines and all the associated systems that go along with it.
Once again thank you so much.
.....
Hi Jan-Maree,
I recently received a safari
themed blanket from you whilst on deployment on HMAS Newcastle in the Middle
East Region.
I'd just like to say a huge thank you to all that were
involved in putting it together. It looks absolutely incredible, I couldn't
have asked for anything better. I am so grateful.
We are just checking out the sites in XXXX for a few
days before we head back out to sea.
Hope you are well, and again, thank you very much for
everything you and your team do. It's brilliant.
.....
Back to work for me, more covering letters to write!
Till next time.... keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
Jan-Maree xx
Back to work for me, more covering letters to write!
Till next time.... keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
Jan-Maree xx
Lovely.
ReplyDeleteGreat messages - what lovely sentiment
ReplyDelete