Tribute to a Coalition Partner ~ Australia

Tribute to a Coalition Partner

AUSTRALIA

Australian Forces in Iraq and Afgahnistan

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

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

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!

Updated February 2009, thanks to the Legion of Frontiersmen of Australia who provided current information.