Tribute to a Coalition Partner ~ Australia
Tribute to a Coalition Partner
AUSTRALIA
Photos from Australian Defense
"We believe in a free and democratic world, a world where people can pursue their own interests in a free and open way. I think we share the same value set (with the United States), and we stand against the people who want to change that."
-Angus Houston, Chief of the Australian Defence Force
"Just looking at recent history, clearly Australia has been able to operate in Iraq, has been able to operate in Afghanistan at the same time, and provide a peacekeeping force in East Timor and help solve some of the problems of other island nations. I think Australia has clearly demonstrated the ability to lead globally."
-Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Australians are one of our greatest allies in the War on Terror. They are involved in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom through Operation Slipper. They are invloved in Operation Iraqi Freedom through Operation Catalyst. Australian Special Operations Soldiers are considered to be world-class. I am proud to call them Allies!
To read about their specific contributions:
http://www.centcom.mil/sites/uscentcom2/Coalition%20Fighting%20Terror/CoalitionPages/Australia/Australia.aspx
Links to the military, political and diplomatic sites are there.
Australia has lost soldiers in OIF and in OEF.
Please remember them:
KUWAIT
WO David Nary SASR (Trg prior to deployment) 16 Nov 05
WO David Nary SASR (Trg prior to deployment) 16 Nov 05
IRAQ
Flt Lt Paul Pardoel RAF (Serving with UK MOD Air Force) C130 crash Baghdad Iraq 1Feb 2005
Private Jake Kovco 3RAR (Para) Regt Shot/Misadventure Baghdad Iraq 21 Apr 2006
Ex-ADF PMC’s killed in Iraq:
Chris Ahmelman Edinburgh Risk Mngt Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 21 Apr 2005
Wayne Schultz Armor Group Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 8 June 2006
Jon Hadaway Armor Group DOW Germany Baghdad Iraq 15 Aug 2006
Steve Gilchrist Armor Group Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 17 Dec 2006
Brendan Hurst BLP Int Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 15 Jul 2007
Justin Saint BLP Int Killed in Ambush Baghdad Iraq 15 Jul 2007
AFGHANISTAN
Sgt Andrew Russell SASR May 2002
Tpr David Pearce 2/14 LHR (QMI) Oct 2007
Sgt Matthew Locke SASR Oct 2007 (Medal of Gall Holder)
Private Luke Worsley SASR. Nov 2007
L/Cpl Jason Marks 4 CDO Regt May 2008
Sig Sean McCarthy SASR July 2008
Lt Michael Fussell 4 CDO Regt 27 Nov 2008 Oruzgan Prov
Rfmn Stuart Nash 1st Bn Rifles (Serving with UK MOD Army) Dec 2008
Pte Greg Sher 4 CDO Regt Jan 2009 Urgzgan Prov
For those of you who would like to write to an Australian soldier:
Messages can be sent via e-mail to:
messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au
Alternatively postcards (not enveloped letters or parcels) can be addressed to:
Messages to the Troops
Department of Defence
R1-5-A056
Russell Offices
Canberra ACT 2600
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia
I try to drop a few postcards to them from time to time. Standard postcards require 94 cents in postage from the US. I have actually heard back from an Australian soldier - they are quite grateful to receive supportive mail from us. We owe them much and they need to hear that we support them, too!
I try to drop a few postcards to them from time to time. Standard postcards require 94 cents in postage from the US. I have actually heard back from an Australian soldier - they are quite grateful to receive supportive mail from us. We owe them much and they need to hear that we support them, too!
Updated February 2009, thanks to the Legion of Frontiersmen of Australia who provided current information.
9 comments:
We do owe them much and should at the very least, drop them a postcard! Thanks for posting this!!
We do owe them, we were side by side in Vietnam, a lasting friendship.
Acute Politics will rip your heart out today.
Their contribution has gone largely unreported here in the states, but they are a great ally and always have been. PM John Howard really tells it like it is. We owe them a huge debt.
Thanks for this tribute! From time to time, I think I'm the only person out here who is worried about Prime Minister Howard! TMI POST You may like the John Howard words about the War on Terror. Excellent choice of photos - impressive and informative.
Thank you all for reading. I'm proud to call the Aussies allies!
We love the Diggers from downunder. If you aren't familar with her, find Beccy Cole's "Poster Girl" song, dedicated to the soldiers from Australia.
Australia and John Howard have been a blessing.
Thanks for the post...great pics.
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