Veteran’s Corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

I hope everyone is done with their shopping and solidifying plans for Christmas. Please take a moment to remember those that are not home.
Compared to years passed we do not have as many deployed. We still have troops even local ones that are/can be in harms way.
One such place is Syria. We have had troops there since 2013, around 900 plus. Syria is a melting pot of bad actors. You can liken it to the iconic bar scene in Star Wars where Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi ended up meeting Han Solo. Recently the iron fisted leader Assad of Syria fled to Russia. Assad and his family fled pre-dawn taking as much cash and jewels they could carry. This was quite surprising as he told no one. His brother in charge of the military, cousins and staff members all were angry. It should not have been a surprise. Assad was raised mostly by his father’s intelligence officers; many say he lacked any empathy. He grew up soft and privileged. He was educated in England as an Ophthalmologist. He had no sights on political power. His elder brother Bassel was killed in a car crash which changed his destiny. He was recalled home to become heir to his father.
His Father ruled Syria from 1971- to his death 2000.
The bad guys in Syria are many. A large Russian presence, Al Qaeda and ISIS, Turkey backing the Free Syrian Army, US backed Kurdish backed Syrian Democratic Forces, Israeli. Iranian backed Hamas and Hezbollah fighters. As you can see what plays out in Syria the next few months will be interesting.
Also of interest the Iranian Khamenis health is bad and his death could lead to a civil war.
The Belgians are going all out on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Battle of the Bulge started on 16 December 1944. The conditions were amongst the most brutal and against overwhelming odds ever. Despite all the US forces prevailed.
The Belgians are showing unbelievable gratitude for the US sacrifices. King Phillipe and Queen Mathilde are hosting surviving troops from the Battle of the Bulge. They dined with the soldiers and the famous Le Nuts Cafe. Named for the historical response General McAuliffe gave the German commander asking for the US surrender. He simply replied “NUTS!” The royals took the veterans to the town square. High above the packed streets on a large balcony they threw nuts down on the packed streets. They have many other events planned. Thank you Belgium. I’ve heard the Philippines does an annual event to remember the Bataan Death March.
This Christmas let’s all be grateful for everything we have.

Send your veteran-related items to me at 11btwk@gmail.com.