A mate and a fine soldier killed in Afghanistan

Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan

I clearly remember a steadfast resilience, and an utter commitment to his fellow warriors and friends.

I served with him at home and abroad, and he will be sorely missed.

My service was cut short due to injuries sustained in combat, and it's a harsh reality check to see where I could have been if I stayed in.

I wanted to share Woody's story, because it deserves to be told, so his name is not forgotten.

I would also like to end with a quote, which sums up his, and other operators service to their country;

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

reply to post by ExCommando


What greater honor than giving your life for something you believe in and show the greatest passion for.

Let those who criticize stay on the sideline where their place in life will be.

Semper Fi.

Rest Easy Digger.

"and at the going down of the Sun, we will remember them!"

reply to post by ExCommando



Its so sad that our men and women are being lost in these pointless wars.
Sorry for your loss.

reply to post by tombangelta


He did what he believed in. What is pointless to you, may not be pointless to others.

I'm glad the trolls have stayed away from this post - I would really, really appreciate any personal attacks / inflammatory comments be kept away from this post.

Regardless of everyone's view on the war, the simple fact remains that this solider fought for his mates & died. He lived, and died by the sword, of his own compunction - but let's not turn this into an anti-war flame fest.

Cheers guys (and girls)

Originally posted by Astr0
Rest Easy Digger.

"and at the going down of the Sun, we will remember them!"

It's unfortunate that "lest we forget" isn't remembered.

reply to post by ExCommando


Heartfelt thanks to you and Woody for your service.
I am extremely sorry for your loss.
Godspeed,Woody........

reply to post by ExCommando



"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."


Last paragraph of "The Last Inspection"

From one Vet to another, Rest Easy Soldier!

Originally posted by LoverBoy
reply to post by tombangelta

 

He did what he believed in. What is pointless to you, may not be pointless to others.

I think he means pointless as in we aren't fighting to protect attacks against us, but rather to occupy.

Still though, he gave his life for his fellow people. He deserves much respect for that. For being able to come to terms that you may never see your friends and family again is hard.

RIP

I would have loved to have met the man.... Thank you Woody. You are one of the hero's that will continue to watch over us all for eternity. One day your sacrifice (and that of your family and friends) will make this world a better place to live in. To his family and friends,,,I am sorry and my thoughts are with you and Woody.

reply to post by LucidDreamer85


I will not turn this thread into an anti or pro war thread. I do agree with your statement and his. However, the reason each soldier fights is unknown to you and to most. As a vet I can say almost every soldier fights for what he believes in. If its pointless to the man sitting on the sideline, you can bet its not to the one enduring the hell. He gave his life for what he believed in and nobody will ever be able to take that from him or his family.

Thou Shall Not Kill

He most likely deserved it, he probably killed allot of people with out justification, and even if it was justified, god clearly states, ‘Thou Shall Not Kill
I guess what goes around comes around. They say karma is a bitch!
You live by the sword you die by the sword…simple as that.

Originally posted by Immortalgemini527
Thou Shall Not Kill

He most likely deserved it, he probably killed allot of people with out justification, and even if it was justified, god clearly sates, ‘Thou Shall Not Kill
I guess what goes around comes around. They say karma is a bitch!
You live by the sword you die by the sword…simple as that.

I certainly don't agree with these Wars, especially since we didn't start them and the only gain we have is blow back from the Arab world...how ever I can attest to the fact he most certainly didn't deserve it and can assure you that he conducted himself in the most professional behavior that a soldiers job will allow.

I try and find good reason why we are in multiple theatres right now and forgetting the original reason why, there has to be continued presence in these regions as smarter people than you and I are making those calls. Don't think its your right of freedom of speech to denigrate these good people such as Woody so much as its also not your your right to let our respective Countries become a Target due to inaction.

We now live in a World where Nuclear Weapons are unaccounted for from places like Ukraine and Pakistan not to mention rogue states such as North Korea flexing its muscle so times such as now necessitate the presence of our combined Military to at least slow the inevitable.

reply to post by mazzroth


i would go to jail and die before i kill someone,its not the best of choices but its better then losing your soul for a lie or for any goverment ON THIS EARTH...PERIOD!

Originally posted by Immortalgemini527
reply to post by mazzroth

 

i would go to jail and die before i kill someone,its not the best of choices but its better then losing your soul for a lie or for any goverment ON THIS EARTH...PERIOD!

Me too, but whats that thing about judging someone?

Sorry for your loss brother.
Semper Fidelis

Originally posted by Immortalgemini527
reply to post by mazzroth

 

i would go to jail and die before i kill someone,its not the best of choices but its better then losing your soul for a lie or for any goverment ON THIS EARTH...PERIOD!

You obviously don't have children, if you did, you'd take life to protect them in half a hearbeat.

(Sorry for the derailment ExCom)

Rest in Peace from America.