Grati-Wednesday 15th Apr 2026

Happy Wednesday Friends!

There are, as always, some awesome letters which definitely pull at the heart strings.

First however, it is our turn to say thank you to Navy Health for their generous recent donation. 

"Navy Health were delighted to recently donate to the tremendous work and support provided by the team at Aussie Hero Quilts.

At Navy Health our mission is to support the health and wellbeing of Australia’s Defence Community by providing great value, high quality health insurance.

As such we felt an immediate connection to the recognition, appreciation, and proactive care that you provide to those who have served.

We were pleased and proud to back such a great cause."

How good is that?  Huge thanks to Navy Health, not only for their generous donation but also for their belief in our mission and what we do. 

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Now, grab a cuppa or cool drink, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!

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Hi Ruth S,

I hope you are doing well.

I wanted to express my immense gratitude to you and everyone at your organisation for taking the time to make these incredible pieces for us. You absolutely nailed the brief for my laundry bag, and it brought a massive smile to my face when I saw it waiting for me at work. 

I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your day to make something special for me. I am truly blessed to be able to serve my country, and people like you and the others at your organisation make it all the more worthwhile.

Best wishes to you and your family!

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Hi Ellen N,

I hope this finds you in good spirits with the opportunity of sharing a blissful Easter with those you love.  

Oh my goodness what a lovely surprise collecting today's mail, you're an absolute gem creating the laundry bag..... you've made my week!

I absolutely love the beach theme, I'd visit the beach every day if I could, water brings so much calm to the soul.  

I hadn't realised I was to receive a laundry bag when I placed the order for the quilt, which I've also received.  

I appreciate your beautiful letter and your warmth in creating a treasured keepsake.  

Congratulations in being a dedicated member to Aussie Hero Quilts as you celebrate 15 years to an amazing service to the ADF.  

One day when I improve my sewing skills, I'll consider what I could do to assist AHQ, for I seriously cannot express how meaningful these creations are to personnel.  

Warm regards 

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Hello Jan Maree Ball OAM and ladies,

 

Your lovely quilt made by Ann S arrived at home today. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Aussie Quilt Heroes and all involved for the beautifully crafted quilt representing my service in the Royal Australian Navy. Your dedication to recognising veterans and serving members is deeply meaningful, and I am honoured to receive such a thoughtful gift.

 

Thank you so much for considering me in this exercise. I am truly grateful.

Jan-Maree Ball OAM – thank you for all that you do .

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Dear Aussie Hero Quilts team, especially Clarissa L.

I write to extend my sincere appreciation for the remarkable contribution you make to the well-being of Australian Defence Force personnel. Your quilts and laundry bags are tangible reminders that our members are supported and valued by the Australian community.

I wish to acknowledge in particular the efforts of Clarissa, whose dedication and generosity have touched many. Her work embodies the compassion and commitment that make Aussie Hero Quilts such a meaningful organisation. Your quilts and laundry bags carry warmth, beauty, and a sense of home — gifts that speak deeply to the hearts of our Defence members and me.

Thank you for all you do to uplift and encourage those who serve.

Kind regards,

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Hello Fran T,

 

I wanted to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for your time and effort that went into lovingly crafting my laundry bag. My mum has done many of these sorts of things including quilts and I know the time that it takes to do it. She often referred to it as a labour of love and I am guessing it might be the same for you.

 

My road to Chaplaincy was not straight forward. After initial time in the Army out of school (both reserve and full time) I was discharged after 6 years and thought that was the end. I then spent the past 22 years in various ministries in Darwin and Narrabri never thinking that an opportunity to come back to serve in the Army would be possible. Little did I know what God had planned and how he would direct my path.

 

I eventually came back into Chaplaincy last year after being ordained as a Presbyterian minister and am now currently in Darwin. I am not sure what the future will hold and if I will go full time into the future, but I am looking forward to being able to serve alongside the members of my unit, helping them to figure out life in the military and being able to pastorally care for them in whatever circumstances come up.

 

I know that God has equipped me well to be able to serve him in this way and I look forward to seeing the way he uses me into the future.

 

Thanks again for the ministry that you have providing these bags and the quilts to those who deploy. May God continue to bless you in these endeavours.

 

Regards,

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Dear Fran T,

Two days ago, while on course here in Canberra, I received a washing bag, a loving gift  from yourself, and even now I have no words to describe how it has impacted me.  It is the silhouette of a soldier, head bowed against the sunset.

I know that you have given your time to make many beautiful items but I want to let you know that there is nothing better I could have received to fit the journey that God has led me on and the reason why I am now here as an Army Chaplain.

In this short time that I have I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of your time, skill and thoughtfulness.

I hope this email finds you well and that all the other personnel that have received such gifts from yourself are as grateful as I am.

Many Blessings

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Hi Pat G,

Thank you for the laundry bag as I received it today in the mail. I appreciate the effort you put in and it looks great. 

We have been in the US for 3 years and have enjoyed the travelling and the life style. We are due back later this year and still enjoying my time in the Navy. Thanks again for all that you do it I appreciate the Laundry Bag. 

Regards,

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Hi Fran T!

 

Thank you so very much for the beautiful quilt. Im so grateful for all the time and skill you have put into creating this for me. I will absolutely cherish this quilt forever!

 

I am doing well, I’m about four months in of a six month deployment so I'm finally on the home stretch now. Although I am very grateful for the amazing opportunity and experiences that I’ve learnt from, theres nothing like coming back home to Australia. I am actually going to be moving to Canberra when I get back so the only thing I'm not looking forwards to is the fact I’m going to have been experiencing cold weather for about 9 months straight!

 

Thank you again for this amazing quilt, receiving this has absolutely been one of the highlights of my deployment. I feel very blessed to have been able to receive such a thoughtful gift. 

 

All the very best to you and your husband, and thank you for everything that you both do. Your work is greatly appreciated.

 

Kind Regards,

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Hi Lynn K,

This is just a quick email regarding a care package that my Son received earlier this week, he has asked me to contact you on his behalf.

He would like to thank you and others involved for the package and to let you know that the laundry bag is particularly special, as he has served in the Army and now serves in the RAAF.

As his Mum, I too would like to thank everyone involved. I am sure that every package received puts a smile on someone’s face and reminds them that it is not only their families that are thinking of them and appreciating what they do.

Kind regards

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Cheers Catherine D

Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.  Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!

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