Father of an Australian soldier thanks America-Unproven!

Father of Australian Soldier in Iraq Thanks America-Unproven!

Summary of the eRumor:
A message said to have been written by an Australian named Peter Turner. He talks about his son, who is serving in Iraq with the Australian army. Based on conversations with his son, he praises America and the American fighting forces.

The Truth:
We have not authenticated this eRumor. If you know the father or the soldier, let us know.

Updated 4/16/08

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:

Gentlemen,

I am an Australian and my son is an Australian - as far as we are
concerned there is not place on God's earth better than Australia, and
there are no people better than Australians.

That was until the past week or so.

My son is in the Australian Army and he is currently on deployment
in Iraq. I can not go into his duties in great depth, but shall we say
that he and his fellow army buddies are on a glorified guard duty looking
after the Australian Embassy. They don't go out looking for 'action',
though it is a different story in Afghanistan, there the Aussie troops
chase the baddies over the hills and into the valleys..

My son and I just ended a long 'phone conversation and here are
some of his comments, believe me this is what he said. We have all seen
the bullshit email's written by some clown in his lounge room pretending
to be at the coal face, but this is what was said.:

'Before I came over here I thought we (the Australian Army) were
pretty shit hot..... was I ever wrong!....The Yanks (I hope you don't
mind me using that word) are so professional from the top to the bottom
that it is almost embarrassing to be in their company, and to call
yourself a soldier....don't get me wrong, we are good at what we do but
the Yanks are so much better.....they are complete at what they do, how
they do it and their attitude is awesome....they don't complain they just
get on with the job and they do it right.....I carry a Minimi (SAW) so I
am not real worried about a confrontation but I tell you I feel safer
just knowing that the US Army is close by....If we got into trouble I
know that our boys would come running and we could deal with it but they
would probably be passed by a load of Hummers.

No questions asked, no glory sought, the Americans would just
fight with us and for us because that is their nature, to protect those
in need of protection.....We use the American Mess so you could say that
we are fed by the Americans.....they have every right to be pissed at
that but they don't bitch about that they just make us feel as welcome as
possible....what gets to me is that the Yanks don't walk around with a
'we are better than you attitude' and they could because they are, they
treat us as equals and as brothers in arms. If nothing else, coming here
has taught me that the Americans are a truly great Nation and a truly
great bunch of people.....

Let's face it they don't HAVE to be here, they could stay in
America and beat the shit out of anyone who threatened them, BUT THEY ARE
HERE because they believe they should be here, and the Iraqis would be
screwed if they weren't here.....When I come home, you and I we are going
to the US, we will buy some bikes and we are going riding....'

The reason why I am sharing this with you is because I realize
that you (as a nation) must get pretty pissed with all the criticism you
receive by the so-called 'know it alls' who are sitting at home - safe.
The reality is that they are safe, just as I am, because of America. If
the world went arse up tomorrow there is little all we (Australia) could
do about it, but I know that the Americans would be there putting
themselves on the line for others. That to me is the sign of greatness.

The most precious thing in my life is my son, I look at him and I
thank God that I am fortunate enough to be able to spend time in his
company. We laugh, we discuss, we argue, we dummy spit, we have the same
blood. I am not happy that he is where he is but that is his duty. He
joined the Army to protect and to defend, not to play games. I mightn't
like it but I accept it. My reasons for not liking it are selfish and
self centered. I felt assured that he would be safe because he is in a
well trained army with an excellent record, BUT NOW, I feel a whole lot
better knowing that he is with your sons, daughters, brothers and
sisters.

Whilst he was growing up. I was always there to look after him, I
would not let harm befall him and I would always put myself before him to
protect him. I can't do that now. When it comes to looking after him now
he and his mates will do the job, but also THANK GOD FOR AMERICA.

Gentlemen, I have rambled on for too long. But as I finish I say
to you, as a foreigner and outsider, a nation is only a collection of its
people and its attitude is the attitude of its people, collectively and
as individuals. I am really glad you are here on this Earth and I respect
you as a nation and as people.

Stand up and feel proud because you deserve it, there is no one
else who will do what America does without question. The next time
someone howls you down, take some comfort in the fact that America is
defending their right to act like an idiot.

Finally, thank you for looking after my son.
Peter Turner