[pigdog]

Some very sad news. As some of you may be aware, a second severe earthquake hit Sumatra a few days ago.

The Australian Naval vessel HMAS Kanimbla had spent the last three months off the coast of Sumatra helping with the Tsunami relief effort.

It had only recently left the area and was berthed in Singapore, giving its crew some well earned R&R, before heading back to Australia.

When then latest tragedy occurred, all shore-leave was cancelled, and she went right back to Sumatra to help the victims of this latest disaster.

On the 01APR05, One of Kanimbla's Seaking helicopters crashed on the Indonesian island of Nias, killing nine of the eleven personnel on board. The other two are currently in a critical condition.

I spent three months in Aceh working with the majority of those people. I can't begin to describe what a wonderful bunch of guys and girls they were.

I cannot begin to describe my sense of loss. And I cannot imagine how their friends, family and crewmates must be feeling right now.

I do know that helping the people of Indonesia was not just a job; Their compassion for the victims of the Tsunami was incredible. They were the sort of people that felt very stongly about "being able to help - in any way we can".

I keep finding myself crying. After what we went through together after the Tsunami, to have this happen.

Life is so cruel.

To have known you and worked with you is a memory I will always cherish. I will take you with me wherever I go. I will have you with me always. Every time I'm sent to some far-flung corner of the world, to help those in need, you will be there with me.

And each year on ANZAC day (the Australian version of Veterans day- sort of) I, and my fellow soldiers, will raise a beer to your legacy.

Lest we forget.

[Zardon]

[Sargentwhitey]

My heart goes out to all those lost and their friends and families.

[Callandor]

My sincere appologies and respects...may they arrive at a better place.

[e v o]

Let the fact that they were doing something to help other people, help rest your mind. My condolences goes out to their family and friends

Ben

[davidsar]

Very sad indeed

[Falstaff]

this is global in impact, but the suffering will go on I am afraid..

[pr0digal jenius]

wow, I missed this somehow....my regrets and condolences to all affected

[pigdog]

Thankyou very much for your thoughts. Greatly appreciated. I went to one funeral yesterday, and another one today. Tomorrow I'm going down to Canberra, Australia's capital, for the state memorial service. I will be in the Honour Guard.

Last week, when the guys coffins arrived back home, the Indonesian President came to Australa to greet them, beside our Prime Minister. Indonesia had awarded special medals to the dead, and the Indonesian President personally laid them on the flag-draped caskets. He then met their families and others (like myself) who had served with them during the Tsunami rescue mission. It was extremely moving, and very much appreciated.

Considering that only a few years ago(1999) we were shooting at each other in East Timor, it was a very special moment. It's such a shame that it takes a tragedy to brings us together like this.

Today, the mothership of the fallen, the HMAS Kanimbla, was ordered home. She arrives back in Sydney at the end of the month.

I'll be there to greet them.

[pr0digal jenius]

best of luck bud...hope things cheer up soon

[mkk]

Originally Posted by pigdog

Considering that only a few years ago(1999) we were shooting at each other in East Timor, it was a very special moment. It's such a shame that it takes a tragedy to brings us together like this.

Let's hope it lasts the longer as a wakeup call. Even if the situation may have been taken advantage of in some places, the larger part of the minds in the area should be affected in a positive way. In essence simply because it's difficult to cry out for a blooded revenge on the forces of nature.

[riles9262]

Another tragedy