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Ditto that joedog.
Jack, you seem to be painting yourself as a contrarian my friend.
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Am very cynical. Haven't read Bat-21 in a while. But I recall serious assets diverted for one rescue and many ground forces were in some serious firefights that could had used the airpower.
I applaud the rescue. At what cost???
Patton diverted some serious assets to rescue either a kin or son-inlaw in WW2 at a POW camp. Lost damn near 200 vehicles.
Jack
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Cynical is as cynical does. After this war is over, and the documentary about this rescue operation is playing on The History Channel, go back and read Bat-21. Also reference the history books on Patton's little excursion. The rescue operation that unfolded yesterday will in no way resemble either the Bat-21 or Patton incident. Our fighting forces have learned from those previous incidents, and do not want to repeat them.
As an American fighting man, all human life is priceless. I am looking forward to the time when I have enough experience to be checked out as a Sandy flight member. Sandy is the callsign used to denote A-10 Combat Search And Rescue flights (the callsign is a holdover from the A-1 Skyraiders used for the same purpose during Vietnam). Historically, actual CSAR missions are some of the most dangerous and demanding we will ever fly. That thought is in the back of my mind, but for me, there can be no greater reward than assisting in the pickup of a friendly from the clutches of our enemy. If that means that I have to forfeit my life in the process, so be it. I know that the man (or woman) on the ground would do the same for me, and you simply can't put a cost on that.
Here's a little something for you:
http://www.i-mockery.com/Cards/images/card39.jpg
Remember, just because you think everyone is out to get you doesn't mean they aren't!
ATTACK!