Tuesday, January 26, 2010

I Love a Sunburnt Country

it's Australia Day, and although we have our faults i am proud to be Australian. Sure we have some shitheads, the small percentage of them get most of the press, but on days like this where good people like Trooper Mark Donaldson get honoured i'm glad to live under the Southern cross. This is his story

Mark Donaldson enlisted in the Australian Army in 2002 and displayed an early aptitude for soldiering, winning a number of prizes for his skills. As part of the Special Service Regiment he was deployed on operations to East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq. An incident in Afghanistan led to his being awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest military honour for acts of bravery in wartime. When Mark’s unit was hit by an ambush, nine Australians were wounded.

As the battle raged around him, he deliberately drew enemy fire to himself on several occasions so that wounded soldiers could be moved to safety. Then when he saw a coalition force interpreter lying wounded, he ran 80 metres across exposed ground to rescue him and carry him to safety. This complete disregard for his own safety displayed exceptional courage. Since being awarded the Victoria Cross, Mark has conducted himself in a way that is impressive and makes him a role model for young and old. His bravery in the face of great danger saved lives and won him the highest respect.

I also love that Maggie Beer is senior australian of the year, we love a good cook.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

hot




happy new year, it's hot, i should be here
to hot to think
i'll be back when it cools down.