I would just like to highlight this amazing story:
A British Army explosives specialist who became a legend by risking his life to defuse more than 60 Taliban roadside bombs was killed in Afghanistan during his final mission before he took leave, the Times of London reported Tuesday.
The specialist’s name was Staff Sergeant Olaf “Oz” Schmid (picture below), and he was thirty years old. The heroic self-sacrifice of thousands of NATO troops fighting in Afghanistan is to often easily lost in the constant discussions about US/NATO policy, strategy, elections, security, dithering, quagmire, etc., and this is unfortunate to say the least.
I would like to take this moment to offer a special thank you to the American foreign partners fighting and dying in Afghanistan, especially among the British, Canadians, Dutch, who have been battling insurgent and Al Qaeda forces in some of the most dangerous areas of the conflict for years now. These soldier’s dedication to their country, fellow citizens, democracy, freedom, international security, and of course to their fellow brothers in arms is a value worth treasuring. Thank you and your families for your sacrifice.
