Meeting one of Australia's finest (1 Viewer)

[Rob]

Whilst at the IWM today I had the pleasure of meeting a young Aussie soldier who was on leave from Afghanistan for two weeks. He been to Berlin but was a bit disappointed as there didn't seem to be many War remains/museums to see. However he loved the IWM and was then heading off to Bovington Tank museum in the next few days. This guy had twice had an IED explode under his vehicle but the vehicles the Aussies and Brits are using now are much better protected and he said he hardly felt the explosions. I thanked him for all he and his comrades are doing for us out there, he thanked me for the tour, we shook hands and I wished him well.

With Aussies like him and those Brit snipers doing the business out there I wouldn't want to be in the Taliban.

Rob

 

[marco55]

That must have been really nice to meet him.Sometimes here in the states we sometimes forget that other fine men and women from different countries are doing their part.It actually feels good to know that were not alone and have friends in this world.
Mark

 

[Louis Badolato]

Good on you, Rob.:smile2:

 

[Northgate Woods]

Rob mate,
Good on you cobber. Many thanks for helping a lonely digger on leave. Our Army is only a small one but is summed up in a classic saying. "Its not the size of the dog but the size of the fight in the dog"
Once again many thanks as our boys along with our great allies go forward to defeat terrorism.
Cheers from the Land Downunder, Howard:salute::

 

[Rob]

Rob mate,
Good on you cobber. Many thanks for helping a lonely digger on leave. Our Army is only a small one but is summed up in a classic saying. "Its not the size of the dog but the size of the fight in the dog"
Once again many thanks as our boys along with our great allies go forward to defeat terrorism.
Cheers from the Land Downunder, Howard:salute::

It was my great pleasure Howard, I am so glad he joined my tour group and he said some very kind things about the tour afterwards. He just loves the war stuff and was very pleased when I told him I often attend the Anzac day early morning service. The Aussies have always stood up to the plate for us in WW1,WW2 and they are doing it again now, it was an honour and a pleasure to have a modern hero join my tour.

All the best Howard

Rob

 

[Rob]

Good on you, Rob.:smile2:

Thanks mate

Rob

 

[breslau]

That must have been really nice to meet him.Sometimes here in the states we sometimes forget that other fine men and women from different countries are doing their part.It actually feels good to know that were not alone and have friends in this world.
Mark

marco55 - the USA and UK have many friends who share the same values and hopes. Australians are first amongst them.

Rob - well done. I'm sure the young digger valued your time and words.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Rob,
All the Aussie guys get a two week break during their tour in Afghanistan. The family guys seem to come home to spend time with their family whereas the single guys often head over to Europe. I know some from the current tour will be in Europe and attending ANZAC day ceremonies over there (as we have sent their replica medal sets to them) so hopefully you will see some more. Most of the current tour are normally based in Darwin at the top end of Australia. The previous tour was from Brisbane.
Regards
Brett

 

[trooper]

If any of them turn up at the show their first drink is on me. Trooper

 

[Rethymno]

A big well done from me too Rob. Thank you.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Trooper,
I get many soldiers through my shop each day and I would have to say the level of interest in Toy Soldiers is quite low. I have come across Infantryman who have never heard of Rorkes Drift or even seen the movie Zulu. Now if there was a good computer game on Zulus their knowledge levels might go up.

I do my best to get them interested. For example if the soldier is an Engineer I will point out the Chard (his direct descendent is an Aussie Reserve soldier I have met) and General Gordon of Khartoum figures and in many cases have to tell them who they were. If an Ordnance / Supply type I have fun pointing out Conte's set with the Quartermaster with ammo box about to be speared by the Zulu.

Have a good show.

Regards
Brett

 

[Rob]

Thing is over the years I've met hundreds of WW1/2 vets but very few of our young heroes , we owe them all a great deal so it's always a pleasure. He did say he will be returning in 2015 for the big Anzac memorial.

Actually for anyone planning a visit to London in the next couple of years I should point out that the IWM is due to be closed during 2012/13 for the major building project that will be completed for the hundred year anniversary of WW1. I understand it will be open until the end of the Olympics and then the work starts.in fact so important is this anniversary to the government that during huge recent spending cuts they ring fenced the money for this project .

Sounds like the finished project will be superb

Rob

 

[trooper]

Thing is over the years I've met hundreds of WW1/2 vets but very few of our young heroes , we owe them all a great deal so it's always a pleasure. He did say he will be returning in 2015 for the big Anzac memorial.

Actually for anyone planning a visit to London in the next couple of years I should point out that the IWM is due to be closed during 2012/13 for the major building project that will be completed for the hundred year anniversary of WW1. I understand it will be open until the end of the Olympics and then the work starts.in fact so important is this anniversary to the government that during huge recent spending cuts they ring fenced the money for this project .

Sounds like the finished project will be superb

Rob

It sounds good, but I sincerely hope that they do not go down the "minimalist" road that so many museums seem to be travelling. I went to one some time ago and there was a large room with just one showcase when previously the area had been crowded with interesting bits and pieces.It makes you wonder just where all the stuff that was there has gone. Just pushed into store where it will never be seen again? Sold off? It wouldn't be so bad if photographs of the individual items were available at a sensible price, the prices charged by the National Army Mueum are horrendous and the service is lackadaisical to say the least. Trooper

 

[Currahee Chris]

Thing is over the years I've met hundreds of WW1/2 vets but very few of our young heroes , we owe them all a great deal so it's always a pleasure.

Nice work mate. %^V

One of the greatest, most cherished memories of my life was when I had my leave following AIT (advacned individual training). I had saved up for several months and bought my girlfriend (now wife of 17 years) a GORGEOUS black and red dress to take her to dinner before I deployed to Currahee country. I took her to a fine restaurant where a great friend of mine (her former boyfriend for 2 years mind you :tongue volunteered to be our waiter. I was in my dress uniform and looked terribly out of place next to my queen.

So anyway, we are eating and I look up and am surounded by 6 or so gentlemen with gray or graying hair. "Son, we are all ww2 or Korea vets and we wanted to come over and shake your hand and wish you the best. (this was a few weeks before Desert Storm kicked off). I snapped up and shook their hands and it was at that moment I realized what a fantastic brotherhood I had just joined.

These younger warriors need people to support them- you'd be surprised how magnificent that makes them feel. It was one of the defining moments of my life. I still get choked up whenever someone says something to me (Yes Louis, I was able to keep my composure at your house but my eyes did water up on the ride home from the symposuium).

 

[Louis Badolato]

Nice work mate. %^V

One of the greatest, most cherished memories of my life was when I had my leave following AIT (advacned individual training). I had saved up for several months and bought my girlfriend (now wife of 17 years) a GORGEOUS black and red dress to take her to dinner before I deployed to Currahee country. I took her to a fine restaurant where a great friend of mine (her former boyfriend for 2 years mind you :tongue volunteered to be our waiter. I was in my dress uniform and looked terribly out of place next to my queen.

So anyway, we are eating and I look up and am surounded by 6 or so gentlemen with gray or graying hair. "Son, we are all ww2 or Korea vets and we wanted to come over and shake your hand and wish you the best. (this was a few weeks before Desert Storm kicked off). I snapped up and shook their hands and it was at that moment I realized what a fantastic brotherhood I had just joined.

These younger warriors need people to support them- you'd be surprised how magnificent that makes them feel. It was one of the defining moments of my life. I still get choked up whenever someone says something to me (Yes Louis, I was able to keep my composure at your house but my eyes did water up on the ride home from the symposuium).

Chris, it was both and honor and a pleasure to thank you for your service. I just did what I felt was your due as a veteran. I thought Ken and Erika Osen and Richard Walker's generosity was by far the more gracious gesture. Having broken bread with you and your lovely wife Jill, I now consider you a personal friend, and I hope I get the opportunity to spend time with you both again in the near future.