Had a visitor today - Aussies, watch for me on TV

[BonnieT100]

GEN Petreaus came to visit us today. It was kind of a big deal, considering our status. The fact that the man in charge of all coalition forces in Iraq flew down to see us on our little base half the size of a football field is kind of impressive. It was even cooler for me because he was my division commander the first time I was over here. I set up the landing zone for the helicopters that brought him - not really an officer's job, but it fell to me for a few reason - I'm the only one here technically qualified to do it and I considered it an honor because of my past history mentioned above - Air Assault! Of course, the bloody pilot of the third helicopter didn't land where he was supposed to - a nice, packed down, extremely level piece of ground. Instead, he landed on some really rough terrain that we hadn't even looked over before - civilians (ok, so they were Black Water guys who probably flew for the Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers). At least the other two landed exactly where I planned them. He walked up to the base, handed out coins to everyone, took a group picture, and gave a little pep talk. Then he moved to a place we had set up to brief him. My commander did a very good job briefing him and he seemed genuinely impressed by what we had out here and the different skills we had. After that, he walked back out to the helicopters and left. It was getting dark and cold, so we really didn't mind. It was just cool having him visit our little insignificant outpost. He also gave a one minute interview to an Australian Army news crew where he wished you all a happy Australia Day. Not sure when that is exactly, but hopefully one of you sees it. I should be in the back ground briefly. Look for a fat(too many treats from home), really pale guy (too much time indoors) with a single black bar on his chest or a Screaming Eagle patch on his right shoulder, just blow the US flag. That'd be me.

[Hachiman]

...He also gave a one minute interview to an Australian Army news crew where he wished you all a happy Australia Day. Not sure when that is exactly, but hopefully one of you sees it.

Australia Day is January 26. It's the day that celebrates the establishment of the colony in 1788...the colony that eventually became Australia. In many ways, it's similar to the 4th of July in America.

There you go, a little Australian history for everyone.

cheers

Hachiman (who won't be in Australia for Australia day for quite some time, having finally arrived in Atlanta).