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.
AMEN! Fantastically Stated and to the Point.
Great post. I wonder if this kind of email actually angers liberals?
Ping
ping
And the Brits! Quality folks, our allies are.
Damn, my Grandmother would have been shocked, my mother outraged, we haven't been properly introduced.
Agreed. Cheers to the Brits.
ping
If not us, then who???
Absolutely wonderful!
ping
This was such a refreshing respite from the seemingly unrelenting criticism heaped on our great country and its brave men and women in uniform- criticism that comes not just from enemy nations but too often from our own citizenry.
Thanks to this Australian father.
I am and always have been so proud of this country. God bless America.
It will take a hundred years to know the answer. I certainly hope so.
Point is that we appreciate the Aussies as much as they do us...
Its a common cause that all free men will embrace...
FREEDOM ISN'T FREE
Good men and women will fight for it and will die for it...
One of my favorite Aussies from a couple years ago in response to anti war lefties there sang this.
Check it out
A serious question here. Was WWII worth the deaths of over 400,000 of our bravest?
Exactly...If their military had our numbers and we had theirs, we would be helping them, instead of them helping us...
You might want to read a little real history, not the crap they taught you in public school.
I’d like to buy the Aussies a beer, and give Beccy Cole a (nice long) hug.
Never met an Aussie that wasn’t a good person......
Hey, LSU fan. Roll Tide. We love Nick Saban. My hope is to beat Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn in the same year- maybe this one. Hope springs eternal.
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.