Some really gorgeous thank you messages this week and i have to confess that this one is a favourite. I have actually met this lovely young lady and this photo does not do her gorgeous smile justice... a very special lady who likes to make sure that those around her are looked after by us.
.....
Today I received my completely amazing quilt
from Lynn and Wendy. I am blown away and very emotional about the story of my
quilt. This will be in my family for many years, it will be the best memory for
this deployment.
.....
Jan-Maree,
As promised please see attached a photo with my fantastic LB and quilt. I could
not be happier with both of them. The ballerinas on the quilt represents my
four beautiful ladies remarkably. With the personal touch of the Corps badge,
of which I am proudly a member.
The laundry bag wraps me up to a tee. Outside my family if I am not thinking
about or out fishing it is because I am at work serving under the Rising Sun.
To capture this in the one item is awesome.
I will take this opportunity to say just how much the work you (and all the
volunteers) do is appreciated. It is humbling to be reassured that what we do
is not only supported but respected by people like yourself. It is a reminder
of why we signed on the dotted line all those years ago. The hours that must go
into not only producing these pieces of art, but as well the organisation is
truly selfless and admirable.
I have CC'd my wife this is the first they know of the quilt. A nice surprise
for them no doubt.
Kind Regards
.....
Dear Jan-Maree, Lynn, Bridgette,
Bev, Wendy, and the other AHQ members,
Thank you Jan-Maree,
firstly for setting up such a wonderful organisation, and then for
your work on my gifts, it was an absolute thrill to receive my two
packages :)
Lynn, Bridget, and
Bev, I love how you were able to incorporate my interests into the quilt.
You were able to cover everything dear to me, family travelling and rugby,
not necessarily in that order! You could have put in there somewhere,
the pavlova as you jested in your letter, perhaps even Phar lap, Russell
Crowe or Crowded house! lol
The koru in the center looks
amazing, and the quality is fantastic, the overall quilt is so good in fact, I
am too reluctant to use it, as I now want to keep it long term, perhaps
even hang it up in the house somewhere after my deployment, it is a work of
art!
Wendy, isn't it a real family affair
with Lynn making my quilt. The laundry bag is also brilliant, I love the
kiwi/bush theme especially the large silver fern in the centre, which appears
to be stitched on, not ironed! all the individual leaves, it must have taking a
long time, forgive me if I got that wrong, im not much of a sewer! And
good luck with the career change.
I am in the UAE, working on the F/A
18 super hornets as part of the 1SQN deployment. Life here was pretty tough at
the start, well at least the weather was tough to get use to, It was extremely
hot when I arrived in August, although the guys that were already here said it
was even hotter a month earlier! It has cooled down even more, and the work
load is quite reasonable, touch wood that continues. The landscape is pretty
boring, sand and lightly coloured buildings the norm. But the cities, when we
get the chance to go and have a look are pretty impressive, there is certainly
a lot of money in the area, and I wouldn't have thought it, but it would
be a good shopping stopover, on the way to a holiday destination in Europe.
I hope you are all well
.....
Jan-Maree,
I want to thank you and your volunteers on
behalf of my 4-year-old and 18-month-old sons for the quilt and laundry bag
that Aussie Hero Quilts knocked together. Both are shaping up to be Thomas fans
so I think there will be some arguments over the laundry bag! Today we had a
photo on the flight deck with all the quilts. I was saving the opening of my
package until I got home to my boys, but opened up early today to get the quilt
in the photo.
Thanks to the efforts of you and your team who
take their spare time and do things like this for people like us. I recently
served in the United States where a 'thank you for your service' culture
existed everywhere you went; to the point of free coffees and being offered the
front of a queue. I must say that while nice, I think this is a bit
over-the-top and I appreciate much more the quiet efforts of people like
yourself and your volunteers who make a keepsake like the quilt, send it around
the world, brighten up one of our days while separated from our family in a
strange place, doing a risky and demanding job... and then to keep that gift
and share it as a memento; for me with my sons for a long time to come.
We don't come around the other side of the world
and expect anything more than to do what we have been asked to do and then
return home safely (and on time!). Thanks very much.
.....
Hi Debbie
Firstly, please accept my apologies
for not having a chance to get this email off to you sooner.
Thank you so much for my quilt and
laundry bag. They’re both amazing and more than I’d hoped for. I’d had a pretty
rough time of it on the day they arrived and having the boxes waiting in my
room when I got home was a nice surprise and it really made such a difference.
The quilt now has pride of place on my bed and it’s great to be reminded of my
dog Walter each time I’m in there.
I’ve attached a photo of myself with
the quilt and also one of Walter who was the inspiration. He’s currently
staying with my partner's family (as my partner is deployed also) but we
both miss him terribly.
I’m deployed on Operation Aslan
which is Australia’s contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
We’re a small contingent of 20 Australians and we’re split over two locations
in the capital of Juba. I’m just over half way through my tour and in a couple
of weeks I’ll be heading back to Australia for two weeks leave. As my partner
is in the Middle East, I’m visiting my parents and they’re pretty excited (and
so I am to be honest!). It will be nice to have a break before heading back for
the last part of my deployment. There’s a number of us that will remain here
over Christmas. I’m currently scheduled to return to Australia in the new year.
Thank you again for making such an
amazing quilt and laundry bag. It was lovely to read a little about yourself
and your family and I wish you all the very best.
.....
Hi Kaye
I recently received your Hero Quilt. Currently I am serving with the MFO
(multinational Force & Observers) in the Sinai Egypt. It's great to be in
this part of the world being able visit all the historic sites,
but to also serve where the Light Horse made its name in WW1. The mail
here is very very very slow, with at times only getting mail every few
months. Once I did get your box it was a great relief to finally get some mail.
The bag was great, and looks like
a lot of effort and time went into it, I really appreciate it thank you.
I do intend to put the bag in the
Tank museum in Puckapunyal upon returning to Australia, so it can be can
displayed with all the history of the Light Horse.
I have sent you a parcel with a
gift from the Sinai, so unsure when it may arrive.
Once again many thanks for the
time and effort.
......
Dear Sue,
I would like to express my joy and excitement I had when I received my Aussie
Hero Quilt today. The level of detail that you went to in creating something
special that I will cherish for a long time.
I'm not sure if you have had much experience with people in the Navy, but for
me, my bed (or pit as we call them) is the only thing onboard this 130m steel
box that I can call my own. It now really feels like home and when ever I
look at my pit I smile.
My mum also does quilts and I know how much time and effort goes into one so
words really cannot tell you how much I appreciate your gift.
I hope you continue to help out our fellow defence members because the amount
of smiles and cheer the quilts have given all of our crew this deployment
cannot be measured.
.....
Rita M
I am the Chief Naval Police Coxswain on board.
This is just a quick email to say firstly I had not forgotten you and a very
big thank you for the quilt. I have had the quilt now for 3 to 4 weeks, and
am over the moon with the quilt.
You
have gone way over and above what I ever expected. For that I am very, very
grateful. I apologise for the delay in getting back to you, I probably
should've dropped you a quick email when I got the quilt. I have however been
waiting to get a good quality photo of the quilt and also a group shot with all
the quilts. Yesterday we were able to achieve those photo's and I will shortly
be sending you the photo of the quilt.
.....
Hi Joy,
I just wanted to send you a quick email to say
thanks for the quilt and the laundry bags. They look great and the helicopter
silhouettes are great, definitely a seahawk and a squirrel.
I am sure my daughter will love making a cubby
with the quilt when I get home at the end of the year.
Thanks again
Kind regards
.....
Good Morning Katie,
I received the laundry
bag you made, thank you soo much I really love it.
I have been reading the
comic books you sent while having a few tim tams.
Your letter was fantastic
to read, I really appreciate all the hard work you put into it.
Could you pass along my appreciation and a massive thanks to our friend Lisa for the beautiful Quilt.
Its so cool I get to
enjoy the comic books while laying on the Marvel quilt (lol getting my Marvel
and DC on)
Thank you both for all
your hard work
....
Hi Bridget,
Just a quick note to say thank you for the quilt, it
exceeded my expectations by far. A few people received their quilts in this
port and I can honestly say that I have not seen one that I like more than
mine.
The trip is going OK and we are past the halfway mark.
The heat up here is pretty extreme.
The work you ladies put into making the quilts and
laundry bags is certainly appreciated.
Once again thank you so much for the quilt.
.....
Hi Bridget, Joan and Robin,
Just a quick
email to say thankyou for the quilt and laundry bag. At the time I asked for a
lucky dip as long as the items were not pink.
I have received both item and was extremely impressed
by both. I have not seen a quilt that I like better than the creation I
received. As a surfer the laundry bag was perfect.
The deployment has been long and I am counting down
the days until I will be home.
Once again thanks for the efforts, they are much
appreciated by all personnel serving onboard.
Thanks and regards
.....
Pennie,
Apologies
for not sending to you sooner my absolute gratitude for your persistent efforts
of making sure my laundry has a safe home whilst in transit from machine and
back!
The
laundry bag is not only fantastic looking it is something I have been putting
to use everyday. Which means you have become part of my day in a helpful way
for as long as the laundry bag has a use!
Wow!
What a gift.
I
also have a lot of admiration for emergency service and health care workers
like yourself and don’t think you guys get the thank you you deserve. Although
I’m no good at sewing so I hope that my sincere thanks is enough.
Once
again Pennie thank you for your service to everyone military and otherwise!
Yours sincerely
.....
Good morning Ruth,
I am the proud recipient
of a laundry bag and quilt that you made for me. Secondly, I would like to express to you how appreciative I am for making the
quilt for me. It is delightful and noting that we are starting our
transit home shortly I am sure that I will be able to use it.
The A/C on the
ship is cool for the most part of the day however it is 40-50c outside and
being on a steel barge it does a pretty good job. On the transit on the way
home the A/C will be working in cooler waters and the temperature outside will
be a little cooler, so the blanket will be coming out.
My quilt was
on the second last mail drop and as you can tell by posting it to delivery you
can see we area running a very efficient system.
Thank you
again and I apologise in the late reply and have a peachy day
Look forward
to your response regards
.....
Good Morniing Ruth,
Just wanted t o drop a thank you email for the awesome
laundry bag you sent out to me.
I am currently serving as a Petty Officer on board
HMAS Newcastle. I am an Aviation Technician Avionics by trade, typically
working on maintaining helicopters. For the last few years I have been involved
in the development of Australian naval Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
I am married with five children of my own. We are
currently living in N.S.W.
It was pretty awesome receiving your gift. Even with
access to email and limited wifi connectivity, it is still something special to
open a care package from a complete stranger.
I am humbled that you as a Mexican (Victorian) could
bring yourself to put the NRL spin on it.
Thank You again Ruth. Your gift most certainly
brightened my day.
Kind Regards,
.....
For a quilt made by Sue N and a LB made by Clarissa
Hi
Jan-Maree,
Both
my laundry bag & quilt have arrived & they constantly put a smile on my
face! The designs are gorgeous & its as if the lovely seamstresses know me
because they suit my taste perfectly. They have made such a homey difference to
my room, I appreciate it so much.
I
was also very grateful for the little cards & treats in the parcels & I
will definitely post letters to express my thanks.
Thank
you again for running such an amazing organisation. It makes such a difference
to us over here.
Yours
with heartfelt thanks,
Hey
Pennie,
Just
a quick note to let you know that my quilt arrived yesterday. Thanks so much, I
love it!
It
sounds like you had a great time at the dinner. I saw that the blog had put up some
event photos, but didn't have any luck spotting you. I'll be sure to keep an
eye out and check back later, overall it looked like it was an awesome event.
Cheers,
Hi
Jan-Maree,
I have
received both my quilt and my laundry bag and I am very grateful. The thought
and effort that went in to them is amazing and I will defintely treasure them
both. I have sent them a personal email but please thank all of your team for
their continued support. It is no small gesture and it goes a long way in
increasing the morale of everyone deployed.
Again
thank you for everything you do.
Regards,
......
.....
Hello Raeleen, thank you for the quilt. It is awesome.
I have already sent photo to my family and they love it. It will get a lot of
use.
It was actually my wife and two daughters (15 and 11
yrs) that picked the design. When I opened it it was the first time I had seen
it.
I enjoyed picturing your explanation of the garden as
over here there is no colour at all. Everything is a sandy colour (even the
food). There is a lack of fresh fruit and vegies. They boil the vegies to
almost soup.
I do look fwd to coming home and seeing green grass,
fresh vegies and all the colours of the country side.
Anyway apparently I have work to do so much sign off
now.
Again, thanks you for your efforts in not only making
my quilt but also doing everything you do for all the soldiers.
It is something that will remind me of my deployment
(both the good and the not so good aspects).
Take care
.....
Hi
Pennie,
I recently received my laundry bag that you made for me through
Aussie Hero Quilts.
Thankyou
so so so much! I honestly cannot explain how much I love it! I did have a huge
smile on my face as soon as I opened the parcel and was even more excited as I
noticed all the intricate details and fantastic work you had done. I love the
Doctor Who
quotes and tardis that were stitched in. I imagine that was very time consuming
but it looks fantastic!
Your
work, and the work of all the quilters, is very greatly appreciated by all of
us deployed overseas. I cannot thank you enough for your work; I would not be
able to make anything like that and to do it for a stranger in your own time
while working a busy job and out of your own pocket is truly amazing!
My
laundry bag is already in use and went for its first trip to the laundry this
morning. It is definitely much easier to identify and makes my room feel a
little bit more like home. Everyone now knows I'm a Doctor Who fan, even if I
have to explain to them what the show is haha. I'm so glad you and your family
had fun designing the laundry bag. I really do love it!
Thankyou
so much for my laundry bag! I have attached a picture of me with it.
Keep
up the great work that you and all the quilters are doing. It is really
appreciated here!
Once
again, thankyou!
.....
Dear
Maree W
I
absolutely love the quilt, it is amazing.
Thank
you and Su J so much it truly feels like me.
Your
family sounds lovely. From the sound of it it reminds me of my family. :)
Talking to some of the other guys who got quilts and some of the
movie/cartoon/tv characters/quotes and music lyrics on the quilts. We were
thinking that the lovely people making the quilt must be look up some random
things.
You
nailed deadpool as well I have read over 500 deadpool comics. You should be so
proud of your work. I know im dam proud of it.
Thank
you so much again. This quilt it a work of art and I love it. Im staying safe
and i hope you are too. :)
All
my best
.....
Have a great evening all.
Till next time....................keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
Jan-Maree xx