Our Australian friends
 

I just thought it appropriate to give a moments pause for our Australian friends.

Many of whom lost their lives , and their homes in the recent terrible bush fires.

The Australian people have been among our countries closest friends and Allies. We fought side by side in Vietnam, while others ignored us. The war was unpopular in the eyes of the world, but they stood by us, right or wrong.

This photo is indicative of their nature. Some of the best people I have ever met.

Ron

yes, there fires have been far worse than California's in recent years, they have less population yet something like 180 people ahve died. Just horrible.....

We have a missionary friend there now in the middle of the fires, please know that the US is sending help, and to a nation that deserves it....

My prayers are also with our Australian brothers. As we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder.

Jesse

Ron, I concur: great folks. An unfortunate and unnessary loss of life. I believe that most of the "annual" California fires are greater in intensity but slower moving, so most folks get the hell out of the way. With the faster scrub fires in Australia, most folk are accustom to fighting them, themselves. Unfortunately, this time they sucked up all the oxygen and over came many people. Next year act like us (former) Kalifornians, and get the hell out of the way. TH

Tom,

I watched an interview with an older Australian gentleman who said he had experienced several of these fires in his life. He said that this one was so rapidly moving that it was like a blast furnace. Very explosive and too fast to out run.

Ron

The photo of the fire fighter sharing his water with the injured Koala touched me deeply.

Compassion!

David

Thanks fellas , your kind thoughts and words are appreciated .

Yes I believe there is a team of at least a 100 American Firefighters at work right now . many fires are still burning out of controll , but the threat to life and property is now greatly reduced .

We have over 180 dead with the toll expected to rise considerably , more than 750 homes destroyed and over 5 thousand people homeless. Some small towns wiped off the face of the earth , whole communities wiped out .

We are hurting pretty badly at the moment . without a doubt the worst natural disaster we have ever suffered .

Having spent 32 years in Fire Management I can really appreciate the problem they are experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers go to all involved. Bill