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        Daily Chat >> General Posts >> Letter from an Aussie
        
(Message started by: Callico on Apr 24^th, 2008, 10:42pm)

Title: Letter from an Aussie
Post by Callico on Apr 24^th, 2008, 10:42pm

Our Key Volunteer with the Marine Corps passed along a letter that was sent to our guys in Iraq that I thought you all would appreciate. Being that he is an Aussie I will overlook his calling our Marines "soldiers"! :) I'm including the entire letter with gratitude to the Australian Army for what they are doing with our guys in the war on the Islamic radicals. I for one appreciate the way Australia has always stood with us.

Gentlemen

I am an Australian and my son is an Australian - as far as we are
concerned there is not 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 is in the Australian Army and he is currently on deployment in
Iraq. I can not go into his duties in great depth, but shall we say
that he and his fellow army buddies are on a glorified guard duty
looking after the Australian Embassy. They don't go out looking for
"action", though it is a different story in Afghanistan, there the
Aussie troops chase the baddies over the hills and into the valleys..

My son and I just ended a long 'phone conversation and here are some of
his comments, believe me this is what he said. We have all seen the
bullshit emails written by some clown in his lounge room pretending to
be at the coal face, but this is what was said.:

"Before I came over here I thought we (the Australian Army) were pretty
shit hot..... 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.....I carry a Minimi (SAW) so I am
not real worried about a confrontation but I tell you I feel safer just
knowing that the US Army is close by....If we got into trouble I know
that our boys would come running and we could deal with it but they
would probably be passed by a load of Hummers. 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.....We use
the American Mess so you could say that we are fed by the
Americans.....they have every right to be pissed at that but they don't
bitch about that they just make us feel as welcome as possible....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 the shit out of 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
we are going to the US, we will buy some bikes and we are going
riding...."

The reason why I am sharing this with you is because I realize that you
(as a nation) must get pretty pissed with all the criticism you receive
by the so-called "know it alls" who are sitting at home - safe. The
reality is that they are safe, just as I am, because of America. If the
world went arse up tomorrow there is f**k all we (Australia) could do
about it, but I know that the Americans would be there putting
themselves on the line for others. That to me is the sign of greatness.

The most precious thing in my life is my son, I look at him and I thank
God that I am fortunate enough to be able to spend time in his company.
We laugh, we discuss, we argue, we dummy spit, we have the same blood.
I am not happy that he is where he is but that is his duty. He joined
the Army to protect and to defend, not to play games. I mightn't like
it but I accept it. My reasons for not liking it are selfish and self
centered. I felt assured that he would be safe because he is in a well
trained army with an excellent record, BUT NOW, I feel a whole lot
better knowing that he is with your sons, daughters, brothers and
sisters.

Whilst he was growing up. I was always there to look after him, I would
not let harm befall him and I would always put myself before him to
protect him. I can't do that now. When it comes to looking after him
now he and his mates will do the job, but also THANK GOD FOR AMERICA.

Gentlemen, I have rambled on for too long. but 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 right to act like an idiot.

Finally, thank you for looking after my son.

Peter Turner

Is it possible to be Proud and humbled at the same time? That is kind of what I feel.

Jerry

Title: Re: Letter from an Aussie
Post by AussieBrian on Apr 24^th, 2008, 11:15pm

An Aussie voicing a personal opinion and all power to him - this is a democracy and we take that right very seriously.

It just surprises me that he publicly gives out his son's name, exact location and armament.

Title: Re: Letter from an Aussie
Post by Callico on Apr 24^th, 2008, 11:32pm

I'm with you on that Brian. I'll bet his son gets a chewing if it gets back to his CO, but I am very appreciative of his sentiments. I really don't think your guys have anything to hang their heads about either.

Jerry

Title: Re: Letter from an Aussie
Post by mummymac on Apr 25^th, 2008, 3:29am

I have read this post gone away and thought about it.

I now have to come back and say I think it is all a load of crap.

I grew up with a Navel Father was in the Army myself and married a solider, I cannont belive for one miniute (and would not want to) that any solider, sailor or airman from Britian , Austrailia or America would for one minute declare another counties forces better than their own.

I can belive someone stating that another force, unit whatever may have better equipment, transport, shelter and even food - The Royal Airforce always had much better food than us Army types, but everyone knows that the Army is the first force and the best

Are we not trained to belive our Country , our Queen or our Flag that our Forces our unit is the best there is.

I know in my heart that the British Forces are the best, as should Austrailians and Americans think the same about thier own country.

I also know that the Austrailians have a reputaion for being niffty little fighters , so I find it hard to belive anyone in any force not thinking thier own is the best.

Also as stated why would anyone state the persons name and where they are deployed. this cannot be true.

I say again it is rubbish and if by any chance it is true then I would not want that person besides me thinking that way

My tuppance worth is now over

Title: Re: Letter from an Aussie
Post by Becky on Apr 25^th, 2008, 6:01am

I have read it and must agree that it dosnt sound very legit. My Dad was in the Army, and woe betide anyone who said that thier force was better in front of him, he was fiercly proud of his unit. As for giving out name, location and armament that is a BIG no-no.

Title: Re: Letter from an Aussie
Post by Callico on Apr 25^th, 2008, 10:20am

Some of you obviously took offense at the letter I included. NONE was intended. I in no way meant to infer that our guys are superior to yours. I'm in no position to do so. My ONLY intent in passing it along was gratitude to someone who took the time to acknowledge the job our guys are doing. We get so much bad press over here, with every death, bombing, alleged infraction one of our men is charged with, and virtually NO good news about what our men do.

The letter is one that was sent to my son's CO, ans was passed down from him. If it is a hoax it was played on the Marine Corps.

Absolutely no disrespect for Australian troops was intended. Anyone who is a student of military history knows the calibre of the Australian Armed Forces.

Jerry

Title: Re: Letter from an Aussie
Post by Rosybabe on Apr 25^th, 2008, 10:34am

Jerry, if you get to talk to your son, please tell him thanks from me and my family and that we keep him in our prayers.

Hugs

Rosy.

Title: Re: Letter from an Aussie
Post by Cathi_Pierce on Apr 25^th, 2008, 3:45pm

When that son gets home safe, and he and his Dad get those bikes, I hope they find themselves at our doorstep, here in the PNW. I would like to have them at our dinner table, to thank them for their dedication and respect and kind words, and to tell the son he, too, must be one amazing soldier.

All troops who are currently serving in Iraq share the strength and the courage to do what they do, day in and day out.
I, for one, would not criticize any of them for one minute.....

Now, can we ALL get outta there and go home to our families.WHATEVER continent that might be.......

Cathi-who hates politics..........

Title: Re: Letter from an Aussie
Post by Jonny on Apr 25^th, 2008, 10:56pm

I dont see a damn thing wrong with that letter, Jerry. And its not because im an American!

I looked on the most popular site for fraud emails and its not there.

I dont know why anyone would have problem with this thread.

Semper Fi!

Title: Re: Letter from an Aussie
Post by AussieBrian on Apr 26^th, 2008, 12:49am

'
on 04/25/08 at 10:20:44, Callico wrote:

Some of you obviously took offense at the letter I included. NONE was intended...

No offence taken here, mate. Not for a second. My only concern was the terrible security breach committed by the author. 'Loose lips sink ships' is as valid today as ever it was.

Here in Oz the general populace has a few problems with our involvement in Iraq but this time, thank goodness, such antagonism is aimed directly at the government.

Never ever would I wish to see a repeat of Viet Nam when such sentiments were heaped upon the soldiers instead. It was sickening.

I was just a bit too young for that stoush but joined up as a regular straight after, mostly by way of apology for the way my generation treated those men.

It was Anzac Day here yesterday. A fitting time to think nice thoughts about all serving personnel, present and past.