Glenn

Under the terms of the development contract, a prototype vehicle will be assembled and validated, marking a crucial step towards full-scale production.

Expressing enthusiasm about achieving this significant milestone in the advancement of next generation fighting vehicles in Hungary, a spokesperson stated, “We are thrilled to have reached another key milestone on our journey towards manufacturing cutting-edge armoured vehicles.”

Distinguishing itself from the system demonstrator exhibited at Eurosatory, the Panther KF51 EVO will be armed with the proven L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun, a feature also found in the latest Leopard 2 variants. This choice ensures logistical compatibility with Hungary’s existing fleet of Leopard 2 tanks.

Declared as the world’s most advanced main battle tank, the Panther KF51 sets a new benchmark for the combat effectiveness of mechanized formations and offers a high level of future adaptability.

To future-proof the platform, the Panther KF51 EVO will come equipped with an autoloader. Furthermore, the turret architecture allows for subsequent retrofitting of new 130mm gun.

Built on a foundation of advanced digitalization and networkability, the Panther KF51 incorporates state-of-the-art force protection technologies like the StrikeShield stand-off protection system. The tank’s design emphasizes a low aggregate weight, leveraging the Buffalo armoured recovery vehicle’s chassis.  This design choice, combined with the tank’s low total weight, enhances the Panther KF51’s mobility and results in synergies across logistics, maintenance, and training due to commonalities with the Leopard 2 family.

The Panther KF51 features a core crew of three – the commander, gunner, and driver – with an additional station reserved for a subsystem operator or battalion commander. This flexibility enables the tank to function as a mobile command post.

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black & white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o’clock for the 7:30 signing. When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage.

Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted. Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI’s so far from home.

Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as 2nd in line, it was soon Richard’s turn. He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, “I understand. I just wanted her to see it”.

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, “This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for “my gentlemen”. With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him.

She then made quite a to do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren’t too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he was the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he’d like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. “That’s the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army”, he said.

Richard, like many others, came home to people who spit on him and shouted ugly things at him. That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet.

I’ll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband. I now make it a point to say Thank You to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces.

Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you’d like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.

Origins:   Ann-Margret (born Ann-Margret Olsson in 1941) caught the entertainment industry’s eye while still a teen. Her vivacious spirit and startling good looks helped propel her into a successful career as an actress, singer, and dancer, but she was initially saddled with a sex kitten image that limited her to siren roles. With the help of her husband (Roger Smith

of television’s 77 Sunset Strip), she began to shake free of that perception during her thirties; and she has since been twice nominated for Academy Awards (for Carnal Knowledge in 1971 and Tommy in 1975) and has been the recipient of numerous Emmys.

The book signing story presented above adheres to the facts of Ann-Margret’s life, and according to Bruce Thompson, webmaster of Ann-Margret.com (the star’s offical web site), it is indeed true. Ann-Margret entertained American servicemen in Vietnam as part of Bob Hope’s traveling troupe in the 1960s, and she participated in a number of signings at book stores when her autobiography, Ann-Margret: My Story, was published in 1994. (My Story made the New York Times‘s best-seller list scant days after its release.)

Ann-Margret is still remembered fondly by many of those soldiers who served in Vietnam and who were lucky enough to be in the audience for one of her shows. In press interviews she has often spoken about former G.I.s who have stepped forward to thank her for taking the time to do her part back then, so it’s hardly a stretch to think she would be thanking them in return.

In April 2015 a reader wrote to us to report his recent encounter with the star, who still runs true to form in her love for our veterans after all these years:

I actually had the pleasure of meeting her at an autograph signing at Chiller Theatre in Parsippany, NJ this past weekend.

With the limited time I was permitted with her, I brought up the article on Snopes and thanked her for always supporting our veterans.

She told me she hadn’t known about it being on Snopes but verified that the story was true and said that she was so overwhelmed with emotion.

She told me she had just been at a VA hospital the previous week and said she always tries to see “[her] boys” whenever she can.

At 74 years old (her birthday was yesterday, actually!) she’s one of the classiest celebrities I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. She spent as much time as she could talking to each person that came up, and said she was having the time of her life being able to meet such wonderful people. A true sweetheart, and still loves her vets every bit as much to this day.

I told her, “God bless you for what you do for our soldiers.”

She replied, “And God bless you for recognizing how important they are.”

And that’s how she signed my photo, “God Bless”.

Thanks for sharing the original story, it certainly gave me a unique experience in meeting Ann-Margret.

ED: Video follows the article.

In a landmark aviation feat in 1928, the legendary Charles Kingsford Smith etched his name in history by completing the first-ever trans-Pacific flight from mainland US to Australia aboard the iconic Fokker F.VIIb/3m trimotor, famously known as the Southern Cross. Covering an astounding distance of approximately 11,670 kilometres (7,250 miles), this pioneering journey was a testament to human ingenuity and aviation prowess.

Fast forward to the present day, where the spirit of the Southern Cross has been resurrected in the form of a meticulously crafted replica. Constructed in South Australia over the span of seven years, from 1980 to 1987, this full-sized flying reproduction stands as the largest known replica aircraft in the world, paying homage to the golden age of aviation.

However, fate dealt a blow to the Southern Cross on May 25, 2002, when it suffered a severe takeoff accident, resulting in major structural damage. Undeterred by the setback, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) stepped in, acquiring the historic aircraft from the South Australia Government in 2010. What followed was an exhaustive and intricate 12-year restoration effort by dedicated HARS volunteers, breathing new life into this aviation marvel.

The culmination of this laborious restoration journey was marked by the Southern Cross achieving airworthiness in the year 2023. On the historic day of December 8, 2023, the aircraft emerged from its cocoon of restoration, taking to the skies once again in a resplendent display of its revived glory. This momentous occasion was graced by a public flight demonstration that garnered widespread acclaim for its seamless execution and the remarkable dedication exhibited by the restoration team.

At the helm of this historic flight were esteemed Qantas pilots Bruce Simpson and Mark Thurstan, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to guide the Southern Cross through the skies. Their presence underscored the significance of this achievement, connecting the past and present of aviation history.

The rebirth of the Southern Cross stands not only as a tribute to Charles Kingsford Smith’s pioneering spirit but also as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the aviation community to preserve and celebrate the heritage of flight. The Southern Cross replica, now soaring through the skies once more, serves as a living testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who paved the way for aviation exploration.

With potential conflict brewing in the region, Ben Packham, The Australian’s renowned Foreign Affairs and Defence correspondent, unravels the $7.8 billion lethal weapon load-out that will keep Australia safe.

By the mid-1950s the RAAF started to consider a replacement for the Australian produced CAC Sabre. A joint evaluation team from the Departments of Air and Supply toured Europe and North America in 1960 to consider Australia’s options. The Mirage was chosen as the first supersonic fighter for Australia.

On July 16, 1965, the resounding echoes of artillery fire pierced the air as 161 Battery, strategically stationed at Bien Hoa air base near Saigon, unleashed its firepower upon a Viet Cong position. This formidable display of force was undertaken in unwavering support of 1RAR, the Australian Army unit intricately attached to the renowned American 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Fast forward just over a year to August 18, 1966, and 161 Battery of the 16 Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA), found itself in a pivotal role once again. Positioned within the 1st Australian Task Force at Nui Dat, South Vietnam, this artillery unit played a crucial role in the Battle of Long Tan. Collaborating seamlessly with Australian artillery units—103 Battery and 105 Battery of the Royal Australian Army, and the 2/35th Howitzer Battalion of the US Army—161 Battery, RNZA, made history.

The Battle of Long Tan saw the valiant efforts of D Company, 6RAR, against overwhelming odds. The Forward (Artillery) Observers attached to D Company, including Capt Morrie Stanley, Bdr Willie Walker, and Bdr Murray Broomhall from 161 Battery, RNZA, took charge of orchestrating the firepower from 24 guns. Stationed in the rubber plantation known as Long Tan, they maintained an astonishing rate of fire, averaging 6-8 rounds per minute—2 above the intense rate—for over 3.5 relentless hours.

In a remarkable testament to courage and resilience, 105 Australians and 3 New Zealanders from D Company, 6RAR, faced off against a staggering force of 2,500 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers. The battle concluded with a decisive victory for the Australian and New Zealand forces, but not without a heavy toll. Eighteen Australians and more than 500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers lost their lives in the ferocious encounter.

The Vietnam War marked a significant chapter in New Zealand’s military history. Between June 1964 and December 1972, over 3,000 New Zealand military personnel served in South Vietnam. At its zenith in 1968, the New Zealand force numbered 543. Notably, this conflict was distinctive as it marked the first time New Zealand did not align itself with Great Britain in war. Instead, New Zealand collaborated with the United States and Australia, reaffirming its commitment to global alliances and its role in international conflicts. The toll on New Zealand forces was profound, with 37 men losing their lives and 187 sustaining injuries during their active service in Vietnam.

WARNING THIS REPORT IS 271 PAGES OF GRANTS

https://www.aph.gov.au/-/media/Estimates/fpa/supp2423/addinfo/1_NIAA_Grants_between_1_January_2023_and_30_June_2023.pdf?la=en&hash=25D1D35C27BB6305EFF80F8607FA2FBE33699897       

In recent times, a comprehensive 271-page report has emerged, shedding light on the allocation of government grants to Aboriginal communities over the past six months. The contents of this report have ignited controversy and stirred public discontent, with some individuals expressing their dismay over what they perceive as a misuse of taxpayer funds. The revelation of these grants has sparked debates about government priorities, particularly in the face of other pressing issues such as veteran affairs, healthcare, and homelessness.

The report has become a focal point of public frustration, with many expressing their outrage at what they consider a misallocation of resources. Critics argue that the government is diverting significant funds towards specific initiatives, neglecting other critical sectors of society in the process. The concern is not just about the monetary allocation but also about the lack of transparency and public awareness.

The issue becomes even more contentious when considering its potential impact on public opinion. Some individuals suggest that had this information been made available before a recent referendum, the outcome might have been different. The public’s trust in the government’s decision-making processes is now in question, as citizens grapple with the revelation that funds might not be allocated in accordance with their expectations.

The frustration expressed by some citizens extends beyond the Aboriginal grants to encompass cutbacks in essential services such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare. Concerns have been raised about the implications of these cutbacks on the well-being of veterans and the general population’s access to healthcare. The revelation of seemingly limitless funds for certain initiatives while essential services face cutbacks has further fueled public discontent.

One recurring theme in public discourse is the perception that no matter how much is allocated, it is never enough, and the “Gap” continues to widen. The allocation of substantial funds to specific projects, as revealed in the report, raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing broader societal issues, including homelessness, medical research, and education.

Critics argue that the government’s funding priorities, as reflected in the report, highlight a misalignment with the needs and expectations of the wider population. While there is apparent generosity towards certain projects, essential services and programs that directly impact citizens’ daily lives seem to be underfunded or neglected.

The emergence of the 6-month government grants report has undoubtedly sparked controversy and public outcry. As citizens grapple with the revelation of seemingly disproportionate fund allocations, questions arise about the government’s decision-making processes and its commitment to addressing pressing issues affecting the broader population. The impact of this revelation on future elections and public trust remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds fuel to the ongoing debate about government transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.