Run in with COL Antal

[Jonesy]

Well, I'm here in Bagram Afghanistan waiting to get on a plane to go on leave. I stop into the PX and there is the COL with a LTC "Maggie" having a book signing. A real war hero, I couldn't refuse. And so at first I walked by with a couple buddies of mine and the COL walks up to us to explain why he's here to thank the soldiers and all that jazz. I told him that I saw him on TV and he said "Well you must be the only one, but forget about me and go get a book." It was pretty weird but also very cool. I don't know if the COL comes on the boards at all but if he does, thanks it was pretty cool seeing you here, last thing I was expecting, other than a plane showig up to get me home.

[Woz]

Welcome back at home!

[ThisIsWar]

Antal is the man though
Shame on me I still need to buy his book

[Stiler]

Did you mention BIA to him?

[Jonesy]

No I didn't, it was a pretty quick run in.

[MattyD]

That's really cool of him to go visit the troops. I take it he was giving out copies of his book? I think it's great when people do that for the troops. People don't realise how utterly boring life is in theatre when you're not actually on ops.

[ThisIsWar]

Hopefully he did not need to correct anyone on the rifle quote.

[botman]

Just got an email from the Col. and I thought I'd share...

"It is late night here. I am at Bagram Airfield Afghanistan right now and just spent the entire day with troops of the 101st Airborne.

I am in Afghanistan with 91 year old WWII airborne hero James Megellas -- also known as Maggie. We are giving away books -- his book and our BIA HH novel and talking to troops and I telling them about our upcoming BIAHH game

All of my travel and care is taken care of by the US and Dutch military with no expense to Gbx as this is considered a morale visit. The Army is treating me very well

It is a great honor to be here with Maggie and to tell our troops how much I and everyone at Gbx appreciates them.

The 101st troops are in high spirits, even though there has been some heavy fighting today in the south

As I write this F-16s are taking off from the airfield on bombing runs

I fly by helicopter tomorrow to visit one of our Forward Operating Bases (FOB Salerno). I have a full schedule each day visiting the hospitals and troops until leave here on 10 Sep.

On 12 Sep I help kick off a BenelLux press event for the Hell's Highway game at Son, NL ."

HOOAH!

botman

[ThisIsWar]

I have a copy of Maggies book right here it really is quite good although he was 82nd, but still Airborne. I paid around $7 for mine brand new it's worth a read in my opinion a good account from what he frequently describes as an experience looking down the weapons sights.

[MickityMike]

Wow. The Col. sounds like a pretty good guy.