Mattis: ‘Storm clouds gathering’ over Korean Peninsula...

AP ^ | Dec. 22, 2017 | ROBERT BURNS

[caww]

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — “Storm clouds are gathering” over the Korean Peninsula, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis declared Friday. And as diplomats try to resolve the nuclear standoff, he told soldiers that the U.S. military must do its part by being ready for war.

Without forecasting a conflict, Mattis emphasized that diplomacy stands the best chance of preventing a war if America’s words are backed up by strong and prepared armed forces.

“My fine young soldiers, the only way our diplomats can speak with authority and be believed is if you’re ready to go,” Mattis told several dozen soldiers and airmen at the 82nd Airborne Division’s Hall of Heroes, his last stop on a two-day pre-holiday tour of bases to greet troops.

[trebb]

My Dad was an airplane mechanic during Korea - he would say we should have let MacArthur loose to finish the job....

[bagster]

Hey. My dad was in the air force. Whatever his job was led him to a career in aerospace. Maybe my dad and your dad knew each other. Wouldn't that be something.

Yea, I imagine the guys in Korea felt like they left a job undone. At least they held the line for South Korea.

[trebb]

I spent a Winter at Osan - ice on the streets of “The Ville” (Songtan Si) was a foot thick for quite a while -icy ruts made traffic interesting..... Glad they issues parkas, mukluks and mittens....

[trebb]

My Dad was also AF (I guess being an airplane mechanic might lead one there but it could have been different) - ended up becoming an electrician, then an electrical engineer.

Had a story about stealing aircraft fuel for their cars because it gave them a definite boost - got caught and the punishment was.......guarding the aircraft fuel.....spent last year in Cheyenne, Wyoming before getting out on hardship as I was born in Nov '52.