Got to Love Them Aussies!

There are those that derisively call American soldiers "cowboys" and baby-killers, and a host of awful names. And once in a while you find people who see American soldiers for how terrific they are, willing to do the right thing just because it's the right thing.

I found this amazing letter posted at Born Again Redneck, who found it at Black Five (comments are posted there):

Via Corporal Seamus, I received this email: 

Gentlemen

I am an Australian and my son is an Australian - 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 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 Marines are 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 little 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

Yep, that made me tear up good!

Comments

[Fireham114]

I'm gonna hold my breath until I see that in the Lamestream media. Oh, wait, if I do that, I won't see you in July!!

[Jenn]

Awww! That was so wonderful. Too bad the newspaper and other media will never print it! They only print the negative things because they would rather people feel riled up than have warm fuzzies! Too bad the media does not have the caring attitude our service men do!

[max]

It's an interesting letter, presently listed as of undetermined origin.

[?]

Too bad its a fake. American words and the fact that Australian troops generally don't hold the Yanks in much high regard pretty much exposes this. If you need to feel good about your country, fine. But please, at least make it believable. I was waiting for 'tell Bruce and Sheila to feed the kangaroos for me' at the end of the 'conversation'

[HMIL]

Well, Ethan, it's nice to know that you have such a great handle on which words Americans use and which ones Australians never use. Seems to me that the last time I looked, we tend to use the same ones, and when we hang out together (say, in a mess hall or elsewhere) sayings sometimes rub off.

"But please, at least make it believable."

Um, right ... are you trying to say that I wrote this myself, Ethan, out of some need to feel good about my country. Let's set one thing straight. I don't need to read letters from others to feel good about my country. I feel pretty good about it without them, but I thought others might find it interesting.

Oh, and way to be so caring and open minded ... "tell Bruce and Sheila to feed the kangaroos for me" ... I guess you don't mind working in stereotypes. Is that the only way you can characterize Australians? (If I were to have written this letter, and made reference to feeding *something*, it would've definitely been koalas 'cause they're so cute and cuddly.)

As Max said, it's currently listed as "of undetermined origin" ... until I hear something else, I have no reason it's not real.

Buh bye now.

[Bill]

According to 'Snopes', it's still researching the validity. If it is fake, well, as said prior, It doesn't really matter to me. I am proud of my country.

[missy hibma]

This story was so touching. My son served in Iraq in 2007. I was so pleased to hear how our soldiers, Marines and Airmen are treating other soldiers from other countries. I'm sure my son would do the same. I'm happy to know that Australia is serving with us and serving with respect. My son is expecting to be deployed to Afghanistan next year. I pray for his safety and know that he will serve with honor.

How do we get this message out in the mainstream media? Our countrymen need to hear this!