Posted on 05/02/2008 3:41:37 PM PDT by LSUfan
An email from an Australian father, “I am an Australian and my son is serving in the Australian army in Iraq. As far as we are concerned there is no place on God’s earth better than Australia and there are no people better than Australians, that was until the past week or so.
“My son and I just ended a long phone conversation and here are some of his comments:
”Before I came over to Iraq I thought the Australian army were pretty hot stuff -- was I ever wrong! “The Yanks (I hope you don’t mind me using that word) are so professional from the top to the bottom that it is almost embarrassing to be in their company, and to call yourself a soldier. “Don’t get me wrong, we are good at what we do but the Yanks are so much better. They are complete at what they do, how they do it and their attitude is awesome.
“They don’t complain they just get on with the job and they do it right. In a confrontation with the enemy I feel safe knowing the Yanks are nearby -- they assist, no questions asked, no glory sought.
“The Americans would just fight with us and for us because that is their nature, to protect those in need of protection.
“What gets to me is that the Yanks don’t walk around with a ‘we are better than you attitude’ and they could because they are. They treat us as equals and as brothers in arms.
“If nothing else, coming here has taught me that the Americans are a truly great nation and a truly great bunch of people.
“Let’s face it they don’t have to be here, they could stay in America and beat up anyone who threatened them, but they are here because they believe they should be here, and the Iraqis would be screwed if they weren’t here.
“When I come home, you and I are going to the US, we will buy some bikes and we are going riding.”
Australian father’s comments to America:
”The reason why I am sharing this with you is because I realize that you (as a nation) must get pretty angry with all the criticism you receive by the so-called know it alls are sitting at home -- safe.
“The reality is that they are safe, just as I am, because of America. My son joined the Australian army to protect and to defend, not play games. “My reasons for not liking him to join was selfish and self-centered. I know he is in a well-trained army, but now I feel a whole lot better knowing that he is with your sons, daughters, brothers and sisters.
“Americans, as I finish I say to you, as a foreigner and outsider, a nation is only a collection of its people and its attitude is the attitude of its people, collectively and as individuals.
“I am really glad you are here on this earth and I respect you as a nation and as people. Stand up and feel proud because you deserve it, there is no one else who will do what America does without question.
“The next time someone howls you down, take some comfort in the fact that America is defending their rights to act like an idiot. Finally, thank you for looking after my son.”
Peter Turner, a proud Australian father of a proud Australian army soldier!
What a wonderful testimony from a wonderful supporter.
Speaking of support -- according the Associated Press on April 14, Iraq’s government moved to restore discipline within the ranks of the security forces, firing more than 1,300 soldiers and policemen who deserted during recent fighting against Shiite militias in Basra.
These soldiers were dismissed, according to the press release. Let’s put it in veterans’ terms - those cowards ran from defending their own country -- leaving the brave Americans to take the bullet.
We lost 19 and the deserters could care less because they were aware that the Americans and Aussies were present to do the dirty work. In the American army, one can get the death sentence if you cut and run during combat.
The comments by the Australian soldier and his father validate the strength of our all-volunteer forces who are willing and ready to fight for and suffer 4,000-plus deaths to defend a country whose own soldiers will run from battle - ungrateful and unconcerned that we are in their country to help.
Link Savoie is a U.S. Army retired officer, a Korea/Vietnam veteran, and past state commander of the La. Veterans of Foreign Wars.
So true.
So true in fact that that was wail of the dems and libs throughout the 90's, right?
George H.W. Bush's fault...((;O)
Thank you for posting this piece LSUfan, and I love ya, Little Bill.
Excellent read! I read it a few times. Those words about America and Americans were a refreshing glass of water in a desert media of 24/7 hate America.
You answer your question first, and in detail, and I will gladly take the time to answer your question.
Excellent response to that question!
I can say with absolute certainty, having been there/done that, the answer is yes!
-Traveler
I seldom sign up to reply to something. This time I did.
I would encourage others to say thank you. This man and his son are true friends of the United States.
“A serious question here. Was Iraq worth the deaths of over 4,000 of our bravest?”
Yes. I lost a family member in Iraq. I have a nephew who is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army and is awaiting orders. My father fought in WWII. My brother and I are Vietnam vets. I have a great grandfather who served in the Spanish-American War. I have a great-great grandfather who was a Confederate cavalryman with Nathan Bedford Forrest; before that all my people were still in Europe. My family have always served. And we have always believed that it is better to fight the threat when it’s still away from our shores than it is to fight it here, where our families are in harm’s way. Yet, the nature of our present enemy is such that many of them ARE here, and it’s just a matter of time before we have to pop some caps in our own neighborhoods.
God Bless our troops!
You read the letter at the top of this page right? And you have to ask?
Whew!
“A serious question here. Was Iraq worth the deaths of over 4,000 of our bravest?”
Worth ending the threat from Saddam on American interests across the Middle East?
Worth eliminating a primary terrorist supporter and potential terrorist safe-haven?
Worth demonstrating that we have the resolve to eliminate the regime that regularly fired on our jets and painted them with targeting radar daily?
Worth scaring Iran into reportedly halting high profile elements of their nuclear program in 2003?
Worth scaring Qaddafi into turning over his nuclear development gear to international agencies?
Worth leaving Syria’s foreign minister saying something to the effect that they will not rebuild their recently bombed facility because they don’t want to give America an excuse to attack them?
Worth dropping a big fat Democracy right in the heart of the Islamist fascist world that has been directing attacks at us and letting their people see for themselves that freedom is possible, that we don’t want to steal their oil, convert them to Christianity, prostitute their daughters or put ecstasy clubs and liquor stores on every street corner?
Worth creating a military capable of regime change and democracy creation in any Islamic Country if we are sufficiently provoked and committed?
I think you know what I think. You can decide for yourself.
Allow me to ask the question another way if you will. Was using Iraq as a trap for jihadists from around the world, who would surely be attacking American interests world-wide otherwise, worth the deaths of over 4,000 of our bravest?
How old are you? Twelve?Read a history book.
God Bless the Aussies! (Poles too!)
Please let us know. I don’t like to pass things along without verifying the source first. As much as like what this letter states, it is a bit suspicious.
Was Iwo Jima worth 14,000?
Ping. Good stuff here.
Please thank your family for me, for their service and sacrifice to our country, and God Bless them.
I’m not angry at the way Americans are disrespected by foreigners. But I am angry at the way some Americans treat other Americans.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.