Grati-Tuesday 31 October 2017

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.

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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. 

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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 

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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

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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. 

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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.

Regards

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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. 

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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

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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

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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

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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, 

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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,

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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,

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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,

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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

 

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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! 

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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

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Have a great evening all.

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

Jan-Maree xx