Tuesday 30 August 2022

Grati-Tuesday 30th August 2022

 

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Hope everyone has had a fantastic start to their week. Nearly Spring time!!!

So grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and enjoy the 
following gratitude letters and photos. 
....
Dear Lynn K,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a thoughtful gift. After 22 years in the Australian navy this would have to be the gift that means the most. 

My Marvel laundry bag is now the envy of my mess mates and displayed proudly in my cabin. In a few weeks we will again deploy for 3 months and return home mid December. I'm looking forward to the laundry bag use.  

I live on the South coast NSW when not working in Sydney and enjoy my down time with my wife and kids. 

Lynn, thank you once again for your time and effort into making such a meaningful gift. 

Wishing you well and best wishes. 
....

Clarissa L,

 

It was an unexpected joy to discover that someone had arranged for a personalised laundry bag for me – I know a number of ADF people who have receive quilts or laundry bags and they are much treasured. I was a fulltime Army Officer for 12 years before transferring to the reserves in order to pursue ministry training. Since transferring to chaplaincy in 2012, I have deployed briefly to the Middle East, and served domestically in response to bushfires, COVID, and flood. My military service must have had a positive influence on my family as our eldest son is in his 3rd year at the Australian Defence Force Academy as an Army Officer Cadet, and our second son has just joined the Navy. I am even more eager for good ADF chaplains now to support them and their Christian walk!

 

I am so encouraged by the whole ‘Aussie Hero Quilt’ project as wonderful people like you and Jan-Maree seeing a way to use your skills to serve others. I’ve seen a similar thing at our church where some of the ladies were inspired to make handmade quilts to send to people in Lismore who lost so much in the floods. They have just sent 25 quilts. Gifts of money and goods can be a blessing, but there is something extra special about the time and effort that has gone into such lovely unique quilts and laundry bags. I have paused just now to give thanks to God for you and your work.

 

Thanks again, 

 

God bless,

....

Dear Gayle W,


I wanted to take the time to personally thank you for taking the time to create something so special and unique. 


As a  way of an introduction or a little bit about myself, I grew up in an Army family. My Dad served over 40 years full time service. We moved to Canberra when I was 11 and have lived here ever since. I completed my studies in social work working predominately in mental health. I have been working for defence the past 4 years. As the only mental health professional where I work it has been an honour supporting those I come in contact with. 


When I received your quilt, I was nearly in tears. I feel so appreciated and acknowledged. It warms my heart knowing there are so many kind, caring and generous people like yourself out there. 


My husband (who is a veteran) and I are currently renovating and we have the perfect spot we wish to display the quilt. 


Thank you so much,


All the best....

....

Hello Deb K,

 

Sorry for taking so long to write to you, the trip was very busy and I’ve come back to an even busier part of the year. Thank you so very much for your amazing work! My wife and I absolutely love the artwork you have made. We’re looking at getting a hanger offline so we can put the quilt up on the wall without damaging it. It is truly amazing the work you put into it and then to send it to a stranger. The laundry bag you made will be coming with me next month and will be used well for the rest of the year.

 

 

Regards

....

Good morning Barbara D,

 

I noticed your email on top of the letter you sent out with my quilt and just wanted to thank you for the awesome job you have done! Unfortunately I am not at sea right now so will see what the wife thinks about putting it on our bed at home (well, my side anyway!).

 

I grew up in Tasmania and have always ridden and raced bikes from the time I could save the $200 needed to buy my first one in 1987! Since joining the Navy in 1997 though I didn’t have time for bikes until 2007 when I had the money and shore posting to buy one again. I have ridden KTM bikes since then and currently have a KTM 300 and a KTM 1090 adventure bike. I think growing up in the country and especially in the 80’s and 90’s enabled some awesome memories of riding my bikes with my Brother and friends in all the endless forestry tracks open to recreation down there. It is much harder to ride here in WA and abide by the law as they don’t have the designated riding area’s.

 

My job as an Acoustic Warfare Manager is my primary qualification whereby I manage all the underwater sensors onboard and have sailors to operate the equipment. This provides the Command will all the acoustic data needed to detect, identify, classify and engage targets at sea.

 

When I am in port though it is very busy as I am the one who tracks all the training, individual readiness, discipline, travel, postings and all the work for the Petty Officers in 4 branches. It is a definite slow down when you come ashore into an office role!

 

Anyway, thanks again for the beautiful quilt! Every one of us that receive a quilt or laundry bag are very grateful  

Regards,


...

Good evening Shirley D,

I apologise for the delay in getting back to you about the awesome quilt I received. I would just like to say thank you very much! I think this blanket will stay with me forever. I was truly shocked and very impressed when I opened the package. So thank you very much.
Unfortunately the blue boys did not finish off the year as I would have liked, however it is what it is. Hopefully next year and hopefully Charlie Curnow has another good year.

I’ve had a good read of your letter, and it sounds like you have a lovely family down there in Victoria. And I hope all is going well for you. I am very familiar with that area, as I am a Victorian myself. 

Once again thank you very much

....

Hi Ruth,

 

I just wanted to send a quick note thanking you for the amazing laundry bag you made and really capturing some of my passions.

 

I developed and continue to run a very successful Aboriginal Community Engagement program in Port Augusta, South Australia. We not only support the local Aboriginal Community but also the transient population from West SA and the APY Lands. We have contributed to the vaccination of over 200 vulnerable community members. This was not only limited to Covid but also influenza and pneumonia.

 

I am very passionate about supporting the Aboriginal Communities and actually taking action to Close the Gap in meaningful and enduring ways, so the inclusion of Indigenous art was really special for me.

 

It was nice to also see the inclusion of the pre-hospital work I do as the volunteer Deputy State Nurse with St John Ambulance.

 

The work and support you provide through Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags means so much to myself and all our Serviceman and Women. It is always humbling to receive one of these laundry bags while away and they become a special memory and talking point of these times away from home and loved ones.

 

Thank you and keep up the fantastic work you continue to achieve every day.  

 

Kind regards

....


Well thats it for another week. I am sure we can all agree that this is a special collection of thank you's, as always....


Till next week.... 

Monday 29 August 2022

Request List 29 August 22

Hey folks,

Just a reminder that there is only one week left if you want to book tickets for the bus tour we have arranged for those who attend the weekend in Canberra.   We need to commit to the number/size of buses hence the early date.  You can book your tickets through Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=798247&  

Don’t leave it too late. You don’t want to miss out.

It is now two months today until our Anniversary Dinner.   If you haven’t bought your tickets, don’t leave it too late. 

You can purchase them here https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/798247

Additionally, if you are interested in getting one of our name tags check out our blog post from Saturday https://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com/2022/08/it-is-that-time-time-to-order-some-new.html

Now is the time to order them.


It is now two months today until our Anniversary Dinner.   If you haven’t bought your tickets, don’t leave it too late. You can purchase them here https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/798247

Don’t miss out.

And now, here are the requests for this week.

PRIORITY LAUNDRY BAGS….

We are trying to get these laundry bags to Darwin before their ship sails so they need to be in the mail no later that 8 September and earlier would be wonderful. If you can help please take any of the LBs numbered No 1.

PRIORITY QUILTS

Request No 3 is our only priority quilt this week.  I would love it to be taken up this week and to be posted by the post by date.

POST BY DATE

The post by date for all Requests on this list is 3 October 2022 please, or earlier if you can manage this.  If you cannot make that date, please let me know. Do reach out if you have any timing issues and we’ll resolve one way or the other. In fact, if you are going to be late posting it please let me know BEFORE you post it.  Also, if this time frame is too tight for you, there are options, just email me to discuss, thank you.    

Request Information

When selecting a request, remember, you do not have to include everything they have asked for. Footy quilts do not need to have the logo or even the team’s name. Using the team colours is all that is required. Simple is perfectly acceptable.  A number of these requests have given you favourite colours as well as footy teams or other hobbies and interests. It is fine to make a quilt using their favourite colours and include only one of their interests.  It is fine to keep it simple. 

If there is more than one request on this list that you would be happy to do I suggest that you send me a list of requests and tell me how many you want to be allocated….i.e. one of the following please….  There are always a few requests that everyone wants to do (and I can never pick them) so if the first one you ask for is taken then I can allocate another from your list if I have a list. 

Any queries you might have, please don’t hesitate to contact via the AHQ email as per usual with any queries and we will assist you from there.  We may not know the answer, but it will be our pleasure to research and get back to you.   

A reminder, when you are ready to post the quilt or laundry bag you’ve created, please use the PMKEYS number given you in any correspondence with the admin team.  This helps the volunteer admin team keep a track of what’s been sent etc.  The PMKEYS number is included in the address details we supply for your recipient e.g.  the 7-digit number in bold below. 

CPL Wanda Quilt 8765432 

TG 3456 

AFPO XX 

ADF 

Sydney NSW 2890

Also, please use the Aussie Heroes PO Box address on your parcel in the event the parcel is Returned to Sender -  the PO Box is a safe place in the event of  any mishaps with postage. 

Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags) 

PO Box 248,

Cherrybrook, NSW 2126 

Don’t forget to take a photo of your completed quilt or laundry bag to email to AHQ with the name and PMKEYS of the recipient and we can include in the Weekly Dispatches blog and add to the tally of quilts and laundry bags sent off to the troops.  I personally love viewing the photos of those projects dispatched – so inspiring. 

If you are using a AHQ supplied prepaid satchel please kindly use the AHQ address for the return address– also for your own packaging – if a parcel is Returned to Sender it is likely we can expedite its journey to the recipient from Sydney.

Please also please hold on to the Tracking number (the pink sticker that you should remove before posting – we’ve experienced mail delays lately (haven’t we all?) and having the Tracking number is very reassuring to keep an eye on the parcel’s progress in arriving at its destination. 

Don’t forget, if you look at today’s Request List and need help choosing, please feel free to get in touch to discuss, we will be ready to reply and offer guidance by email. Our goal is to help you find a request that you will be comfortable with doing. If you need a crest etc we may be able to post embroideries / printed fabric images or email some of these to you. 

Helpful info may be gleaned here  http://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com/2019/07/information-post-for-those-that-sew-for.html    I look forward to seeing the photos of completed quilts and LBs when they are ready to post off. 

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE copy the ENTIRE line if you wish to nominate for a quilt or laundry bag.  

For example…. 

Marvel Theme. Ironman     M       LB      1 

This is really important to make sure that neither you nor I copy the wrong number which could lead to me giving you the wrong details for specific request.  If you find it hard to copy and paste, please copy the line out as above.  

Decoding The Columns 

The first column is the theme or preferences requested. 

The second column indicates the gender of the recipient. 

The third column is as follows. 

B=both quilt and laundry bag (feel free to nominate to JUST do the laundry bag if you wish) 

Q= just a quilt 

LB = just a laundry bag 

F= female 

M= male 

Please let the Admin crew know if you have any other questions....Just email friendsofahq@gmail.com  

Looking forward to seeing what you want to make this week. Happy stitching! 

Cheers, 

Jan-Maree

P.P.S.  Don't forget to check out AHQ on the Blog, our Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 


Farm machinery, trains and the beach

M

LB

1

Royal Purple and Bright Green, heavy metal theme if possible please.

M

LB

1

Classic movies, Books and History

M

LB

1

Black and purple bag with digital camo look and motorbikes and Fireball whiskey designs

M

LB

1

I like the gym, boxing and martial arts

M

LB

1

I’d love something that represented Arunta, its namesake people (Arente Tribe), central Australia, Uluru, the perentie etc. RAN Crest (We can provide the crest and a silhouette of the Arunta lizard)

M

LB

1

Black and white theme, I really enjoy 80s-90s music (Guns and roses, Metallica, motley crue, Def leppard, Nirvana  etc), 80s nostalgia

F

LB

1

Wests Tigers, Sailor Jerry Tattoo’s, Australia, Skulls, Black, White and Orange

M

LB

1

South Sydney Rabbito’s theme.

M

LB

1

Purple colour, Lego theme.

M

LB

1

Vancouver Canucks (Canadian Ice Hockeyteam) the Colour Purple, and fishing.

M

LB

1

Love the NRL Cowboys and Trucks

M

Q

3

Canberra Raiders and Carlton Blues

M

Q

4

RAN crest, HMAS Choules crest, White ensign, Nautical Theme
(we will provide you the crests)

M

Q

5

HMAS Choules crest / Motoring + Cars (we can provide ship's crest)

M

Q

6

Black, Gold, Purple and Blue/Japanese Animation

M

Q

7

Brisbane Bronco's

M

Q

8

South Sydney Rabbitohs

M

Q

9

Star Wars or Planet of the Apes please, Dark Blue, Black, Dark Green

M

Q

10

Red and Black, Anime - Itachi (From Naruto).

M

Q

11

Anything Fishing, boating, Paramatta EELS.

M

Q

13

Manly Sea Eagles, HMAS Choules Crest

M

Q

14

NSW Blues theme

M

Q

15

Melbourne Storm theme

M

Q

16

Chelsea Football Club, Blue

M

Q

17

Blue Music, Star Wars, Moto GP

M

Q

18

Red & White Nottingham Forest Football Club UK

M

Q

19

 4WDs Sunsets and camping would be cool.

M

Q

20

Pop Culture, blue black and green

M

Q

21

Blue, beach, surfing, rowing, Carlton FC, Skiing and golf

M

Q

22

Darker colours, 4WD, Scuba Diving and Greater Western Stdney (GWS) Giants

M

Q

23

Black, blue, Navy blue, angels and demons with the letter V on it please

M

Q

24

Orange, blue, white, green. Hobbies/interests: Swimming at the beach, hiking, travelling, running.

F

Q

25

Lego and Starwars or planets

M

Q

26

Barbie, Girl Lego,  How to Train Your Dragon, Pokemon

F

LB

27

Little Mermaid (The Disney Movie)

M

Q

28

Gaming, Surfing, Sport, Pokemon

M

Q

29

Landmarks from around the world, Gaming

M

B

30

4x4ing, Staffies, Turtles, Cats, Boating, Disney

M

Q

31

Rugby League (West Tigers), Japanese tattoos

M

B

32

Starwars, Sharks, Suzuki motorbikes, 4WD

M

B

33

Rugby League (Canberra Raiders and QLD Marroons)

M

B

34

tribute to my husband and children. Daughter 7, loves purple, art and dancing
Son, 2, loves blue, dinosaurs and eating pancakes.
Husband is a LT in the 1MP Battalion, C COY, loves reading books and history.

F

B

35

Rising Sun, ANZAC theme and Australian Fire Fighting as I am a Volunteer Fire Fighter for the Country Fire Authority in Victoria. Australiana. CFA logo is easy to applique and we can provide a Rising Sun.

M

Q

36

Sydney Swans (White and Red) RAN crest with posting details and Ship names. (Embroidered patches of posting and ship details plus RAN crest are ready and waiting for you)

M

Q

37

RAAF crest, Air Force, Rugby League, Brisbane Broncos, Nature, Camping, Green, Blue, Orange. (we can provide the RAAF crest)

M

B

38

Rising Sun Badge and Royal Australian Corps of Transport badge. Red colour. Ice Hockey is my hobby. Name and PMKeyS on Laundry bag, please.
(We can provide the badges)

M

B

39

Rising Sun Badge, Royal Australian Armoured Corps Badge. Surname and PMKeyS on laundry bag, please.
(We can provide the badges)

M

B

40

Formula 1

F

Q

41

essendon bombers

M

Q

42

musical drums, bass drum, bongos

M

Q

42

Neutral colours, beige, tan, burnt orange. Little daisies and bees as a border hobbies: Experiencing different cultures and food, travelling, hiking.

F

B

43

"Rhodesian Army Logo, Animals of Africa : Lion, Cheetah, Rhino, Hippo, Leopard, Giraffe
2CDO badge
Poppies"

M

Q

44

helicopters, MRH90 808 squadron,

M

Q

45

Jeep Wrangler Front n center, background Anvil Grey with  Nickname in Red written below jeep.

F

LB

46

Neutral earthy coulours with flower pattern with first name at the bottom.

F

Q

47

Spiderman, Power Rangers

M

Q

48

Marvel Hulk and Wolverine "

M

LB

49

Tri-service Bagde/ poppies / Aviation
(We can provide the badge)

F

Q

50

Blue, mix of animals for a young child to grow into please.   

M

Q

51

The flower Roses, the band KISS, Singer/band The Weeknd, and thunder storms. Colours: Black, red, and other colours relating to the subjects.

M

Q

52

Star Wars, Marvel, American and Australian Muscle/Classic Cars, WWI and WWII Aircraft

M

B

53

Army Camoflage, Tanks

M

B

54

RAAF crest, Canberra, France and Red Poppies, Bright Colours (We can supply the crest)

F

Q

55

Mermaids, ocean theme, red poppies and sunflowers. Colours: neutral, cool colours and pastels

F

B

56

Red and similar shades
ANZAC Day Turkey,
Planes (C130), Ship (LHD), trucks (Bushmaster)

M

Q

57

Mountain biking themed, with tri-service (Army, Navy, RAAF) (We can supply three service cretes)

M

B

58

Blue & Green & Camo
Wolves, Dogs Etc.

F

Q

59

Black, green camo; Military Working Dogs

F

Q

60

Star Wars

M

Q

61

AFL Team Melbourne Demons

F

Q

62

Reef pattern/Australian outback - Hobbies: Fishing, camping

M

B

63

Rising Sun, RAEME flag including badge
We can provide the badges)

M

B

64

Royal Australian Armoured Corps Badge (RAAC)
 Sig Sqn,
Afganistan 2009
Lest We Forget/ANZAC Design.
(We can provide the RAAC Badge and Sig SQN Badge)

M

LB

65

dragon, game of thrones / Fantasy black red gold blue

M

B

66

Blues. Harry Potter House - Ravenclaw. Pokemon - Tentacruel, Vaporeon, Gengar, Cloyster, Muk, Starmie (all water or ghost types)

M

LB

67

Brisbane Broncos & Black Sabbath

M

LB

68

Steph Curry & Golden State Warriors Basketball Club

M

LB

69

Kittens & Otters (with purple flowers) with name onto it

M

LB

70

Fishing Themed - Australian Fish, eg. Marlin, Snapper, Jewfish, Kingfish, Mackeral, Dolphin Fish and fishing lures

M

LB

71

West Coat Tigers- NRL (Orange/Black)

M

LB

72

Colour - blue & pink. (Fighting) Fish

F

LB

73

Ninja turtles

M

LB

74

Maritime. Scuba diving. Snowboarding

M

LB

75

WWI. German Navy theme

M

LB

76

Forests. Outdoors

M

LB

77

Aircraft/RAAF themed. RAAF Crest (We can supply the crest.)

F

Q

78

Red 4 door Jeep Wrangler.on a mountain.

M

LB

79

Royal Blue, Australian Army Rising Sun Badge, Royal Australian Infantry Corps Badge, poppies. (We can supply the badges)

M

Q

80

bicycles, coffee, cameras (photo and video), military aircraft and golf. Could my current unit is 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit be represented.

M

B

81

Astronauts

F

Q

82

Red and White, Army PTI Badge with WOPTI underneath, Southern Cross, Trail Running, ANZAC theme
(We can provide the PTI Badge with text)

F

B

83

Submarines, Submariner's Badge (We can provide the Sunbmariner's badge)

M

Q

84

Purple & yellow. Poppies &
Rising Sun and RAAC Badge
1st Amoured Regiment,
1st Recruit Training Battalion,
2nd Cavalry Regiment,
RMC-Duntroon
Work vehicles:
ASLAV, M113AS4, M1A1 Abrams Tank
(We can  badges and list of units - vehicles could be appliqued from silhouettes)

M

Q

85

Female Belgian Malinois (light tan colour) near the water. 

M

Q

86

Parramatta eels themed. Navy Themed with RAN crest (We can provide the crest). Please include letters "MCT1"

M

B

87

deep ocean blues. Something abstract that acknowledges service in the Navy and represents a positve future. RAN Crest (We can provide the crets)

M

B

88

Rising Sun / RAN Crest/ TSE106.
(We will provide the crests)

M

Q

89

Autumn colours and sunset

M

Q

90

Rising Sun, 8/7 Royal Victorian Regiment, Infantry. Purple Green or blue. Music, bagpipes
(We can supply the badges)

F

Q

91

Ocean beach themed, Navy, Butterflies, Sunflowers

F

Q

92

TSE 106, Navy Ships, Cute Dinosaurs, Shots (drinks), pit vipers sunglasses, cow boy hats, Sunset, Swimming Pool, vapes (smoking), bad mess food, 9mm pistol + Baton,Apill, RAAF C130 Plane, Pool table, Bush Hat

F

Q

93

The letters "C1", TSE 106, Navy Ship, Asahi Beer,Corona Beer, Cowboy Hat, Dog-Cocker Spaniel, Crocs the shoes, 9mm pistol. Colours - Black, purple,green, blue

F

Q

94

Tri Service theme, Rising Sun, RAAF and RAN crests & colours & crest. Letters "TSE 106" (We can provide the crests)

F

Q

95

RAN crest, Ocean, Scuba diving, sharks, Manta Rays, Navy Ship, TSE 106,

M

Q

96

Colourful sunset over the water with a navy ship in it.

F

Q

97

Blue, Beaches & oceans. Birthdates of Grandmothers in a heart

M

Q

98

Op Resolute / TSE Theme (Tropical) With a silhoutte of a Navy Patrol Boat

M

Q

99

Swords, Scottish Crane (bird), video games, Medieval Knights

M

Q

100