U.S. Air Forces sending 80+ yr olds to Iraq for troop "encouragement"

[rainbow4321]

WTF???

http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TUSKEGEE_AIRMEN_IRAQ?SITE=TXSAE&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2005-10-22-10-21-43

Lt. Col. Herbert Carter is 86 years old and ready for deployment. More than 60 years after his World War II tour with the pioneering black pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen, Carter's new mission will be shorter, though no less courageous.

Carter is one of seven aging Tuskegee Airmen traveling this weekend to Balad, Iraq - a city ravaged by roadside bombs and insurgent activity - to inspire a younger generation of airmen who carry on the traditions of the storied 332nd Fighter Group. "I don't think it hurts to have someone who can empathize with them and offer them encouragement," he said.

The three-day visit was put together by officials with the U.S. Central Command Air Forces to link the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen with a new generation.

The retired Airmen who will make the trip - five pilots, a mechanic and a supply officer - shrugged off the dangers of Iraq, saying they have stared down the enemy before. Some fought in Korea and Vietnam as well as World War II.

[Owl]

1. More and more money spent....

apparently an endless vault for the Bush adminstration.

[rainbow4321]

2. Knowing this chimp regime, they'll leave the 80 yr olds over there

Bad enough they use firemen and hurricane victims as props for chimp's news clips...now they resort to this??
And wouldn't one of those big teleconference TV screens have sufficed in these two generations meeting/bonding??

[Danmel]

3. Let's just hope he doesn't get killed over there

eom

[Fla Dem]

4. How pathetic n/t

[leftchick]

5. same age as my Father

he must be suffering from pre-dementia as well. :eyes: