Wounded

petergfiffin

Only managed to catch part 2 of this documentary about soldiers who were injured in Afghanistan as they started to put their lives back together, have to say it was one of the most moving things I've seen in a long time. To see guys who are 18/19 years of age and are now multiple amuptees - especially one guy in particular who lost both legs and one arm - really brings back the true cost of war.

I've seen posts on this board where people have accused the government of trying to "protect" our troops and keep them out of harm's way rather than sending them into areas like Afghanistan, to those people I'd say watch this and then imagine it was your brother, son, friend and then ask yourself if it's wrong to protect troops. I think what this programme really showed was for some people wars don't end when the shooting does.

Off now to see if I can catch the other 2 parts.

iceage

Agree with you there. I had intended to give it a miss but came across it accidently, switched over, then decided I had to switch back. Glad I watched it now. I was humbled to see how these guys managed to cope with the horrendous injuries that they suffered due to IED's in AFG. Not ashamed to say I was in tears watching this, Andy went on to see his new born Son....and Tom went on to learn how to Ski!

I was so impressed with how the Nurses and Doctors looked after these guys outstanding care given by these professionals, they defo deserve a mention too.

Manic Moran

I've seen posts on this board where people have accused the government of trying to "protect" our troops and keep them out of harm's way rather than sending them into areas like Afghanistan

I would think soldiers should have a vague idea what they're signing on for before they enlist. Once they've made that decision, they know they may be sent to someplace where they may suffer the risk of injury or a death as they attempt to further Ireland's interests. The fear of injury or death should not be the overarching factor in deciding whether to deploy military forces. More important is 'is the job worth doing?' As I told my lads before we got on the airplane, we are expendable. Our lives are not worth the overall mission in Afghanistan.

NTM

petergfiffin

Manic Moran wrote: »

As I told my lads before we got on the airplane, we are expendable. Our lives are not worth the overall mission in Afghanistan.
NTM

Bet that cheered them right up!!:D

I 100% accept your point that sometimes there is a greater good I just think that those who call for soldiers to be put on the front line should be fully aware of what they're asking of people.

Fratton Fred

petergfiffin wrote: »

Bet that cheered them right up!!:D

I 100% accept your point that sometimes there is a greater good I just think that those who call for soldiers to be put on the front line should be fully aware of what they're asking of people.

the opposite is also true.

doubledown

James Gandolfini (of Sopranos fame) made a documentary a couple of years ago for HBO. He talked to a handful of US soldiers who had been injured in Iraq. It's called Alive Day Memories and can be viewed on YouTube.

Well worth a look.

Part 1 here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j08fvUk67U

McArmalite

petergfiffin wrote: »

Bet that cheered them right up!!:D

I 100% accept your point that sometimes there is a greater good I just think that those who call for soldiers to be put on the front line should be fully aware of what they're asking of people.

Greater good ? I don't think Bush or Blair had anyone's greater good in mind regards Iraq than the big oil companies. ( Bit like Aherne, Cowen and co. and the property developers and big builders in Ireland when you come to think of it.)

Poccington

McArmalite wrote: »

Greater good ? I don't think Bush or Blair had anyone's greater good in mind regards Iraq than the big oil companies. ( Bit like Aherne, Cowen and co. and the property developers and big builders in Ireland when you come to think of it.)

Nobody mentioned Iraq, Blair or Bush. Nobody mentioned oil and nobody has any desire to see a reference to Bertie, Biffo or anyone else.

In fact, the show focused on two lads injured in Afghanistan.

Let's keep this on topic.

iceage

Latest vid from Tom...seems to be doing very well and has moved into his own place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXudnxACHUc

And Andy is raising money with a charity Landrover pull. Outstanding attitude guys, well done.