... in my previous life, I worked within the Electronic Intelligence community... from 1990 to 1995, we helped to keep tabs on bad guys around the world... SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT, HUMINT, satellites, HF/DF, you name it... whether flying in an AWACS, a P3, or a desk on a RAF base, we monitored communication, SAM illuminations, missile launches, ships at sea, and enemy flights...
... having my morning coffee, I was just reading Matt's post on the friendly fire accident of Eagle-1 and Eagle-2... as I read the words, "Cougar, tally 2 HINDS", my blood ran cold ...
... go now, and read it... it is a tragedy remembered that should never be forgotten.... friendly fire is a truth of War... accidents happen.. faulty equipment, low visibility, lack of training, etc... it doesn't matter.. the fact is, a group of Heroes died that day...
"They came to save us, and to give us dignity. Their sacrifice will remain in the minds of our children for the rest of their lives. We will teach their names to our children, and keep their names in our books of history as heroes who gave their lives for freedom." - Kurd Sheik Ahmet, April 17th, 1994 memorial service in Zakhu, Iraq
... God Speed, Gentlemen...
That is really sad. I don't remember that incident very well but I do remember when three soldiers were killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan (2001). I don't know how I would feel if I lost my husband to friendly fire. Would it be more tragic? Somehow, I might view such a death as 'senseless.'
That said, I don't mean to place blame...I can only imagine how those that caused the death would feel.
Bullshitted by Snowdancer on April 14, 2005 11:36 AM