Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 05/05/2003

Dear Sgt. Shaft 
As a new phase in the Iraq war begins, I believe it is appropriate to point out that patriotism is not only an American emotion – it is alive and well in all Coalition countries.

We need to support all of the Coalition forces from America, Australia and Britain. We need to see more throughout the American broadcast networks regarding ALL of the Coalition forces’ activities in the war against Iraq as well as with the war against terrorism in Afghanistan. I believe the American public wants to see coverage of these Coalition efforts.

What seems strange to me is that when 9-11 happened everybody put his or her flags out here in America – you couldn’t buy a flag at any cost. In the war against Iraq and in Afghanistan against Al-Qaeda there has not seemed to be that same display of love of flag and country that was apparent then. We need to remember the tragedies of September 11th, but we need to acknowledge the sacrifices of over 350,000 of our troops protecting us today.

I think the sacrifices of the Coalition troops must be remembered. There is 24/7 coverage of the war. The networks are paying out so much money that they have no choice but to broadcast everything they can as often as they can. During 9-11 they put up that red, white and blue ribbon for weeks and weeks afterwards. We don’t see too many places with red, white and blue or yellow ribbons up anywhere much now!

When are the British and Australian troops going to be included on the television coverage? When are they going to be considered to be truly part of the Coalition and worthy of coverage? When are we going to see some appreciation for their unique skills and training? Sooner is much better than later! A true Coalition is made up of fighting forces – right now only three countries fall into that category – Britain, Australia and the United States. It seemed so all important to legitimize Operation Iraqi Freedom by having a Coalition, yet we hear little of the countries other than the U.S. that are involved.

Australia and Britain have been Allies of the United States of America through many world turmoils. When will some appreciation be shown? I am proud to be an Australian, a Vietnam combat medic veteran, the U.S. Vice Commander of the Veterans of the Vietnam War, and the Australian Commander of the Veterans of the Vietnam War.

What we see on American television is that there are 2,000 Australian troops joining in the fight – 15,000 is more like it. Australia has been providing much more than that - there are five ships, two patrol boats, a squadron of FA 18s, five AWAC aircraft, and Special Air Services/Special Forces. Big deal you think – well, remember that Australia is a country of only 19 million people.

In Vietnam the Australians provided nearly 60,000 troops throughout the war. We were there to support the Yanks then and we are back proudly standing with the Brits and Yanks again. It would be nice to be recognized for our efforts.

I am proud to be involved with a group of Americans putting a Memorial Day – May 26, 2003 “March a Mile for our Military” on across the whole of the United States. What we need to see is all of the Brits and Australians visiting or living in the U.S. becoming involved in this Coalition effort and support it with participation – bring out your British and Australian flags.

We are proud to be close allies of the United States – now all we can hope for is some recognition of our past and present efforts.

A Coalition is only as strong as the commitment of those involved and Australia is proud of its commitment.

For more information on all of the efforts being undertaken by the Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. to Support Our Troops, please go to our website at www.vvnw.org.

Peter Forbes
U.S. National Vice Commander
Australian Commander

Dear Peter,
This is one of many Americans who deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by our comrades from down under. I urge everyone to show support for coalition troops by participation in your patriotic endeavor, March a mile for our military on Memorial Day, May 26 at 2:00 PM Eastern time.

Dear Sarge:
Today's column prompts me to ask if you know about the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, i.e., the "River Rats." They have  a fund for scholarships for the children of men or women KIA or MIA, not only Viet Nam but any war. Most of my CFC contribution goes to the River Rats, who always acknowledge it. My reply is more or less, don't thank me, I am thanking YOU. (I served safe and sound at Fort Dix in the 1950s, so this is my only way of thanking the men who  really served.)

The formal name is the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, aka River Rats. There are several Web Sites. I suggest trying Lurch@rrva.com, maintained by Joe R. "Lurch" Richardson. I like contributing via the CFC - the RRVA always acknowledges.

Great column - keep it up.
Best regards,
Paul L.

Dear Paul.
I checked out the website of this fine organization and saw that the RED RIVER VALLEY ASSOCIATION was organized as a military fraternity of fighter pilots to commemorate inter-service teamwork, strong esprit de corps, and unprecedented sacrifices demonstrated by American fighting men during the campaign over North Vietnam. The River Rats provide aid and comfort to the families of military POWs and to the surviving spouse and children of those KIA/MIA Patriots who do not return. 

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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