Good morning,

This week we have all sorts of interesting stories, from the soldier that didn’t sleep for 40 years post battle, the jet pack for front line soldiers, more readers stories and more! So lets jump straight in.

But first lets not forget what happened…

On this day in 1963

The USS Thresher was a nuclear-powered submarine of the United States Navy that sank during a deep-diving test, killing all 129 crew members aboard.

It was the first nuclear submarine lost at sea and led to a comprehensive safety review of the US Navy's submarine fleet. I can’t even imagine what it was like in the last hours for that crew.

The Iron Man Style Jet Pack

Is this how soldiers will get to the battlefield in the future?

This man (a British Commando) and his company called ‘Gravity’ have been designing jet packs for years now. The company has been conducting operational trials with the British and American forces.

It’s seen as the worlds leading jet pack and if you have a spare $400k then you could get one as well. If you want to watch a demo he did last year with British forces just click here.

This weeks readers stories

“At the age of 20 I finally got my first taste of war as part of the first group of Soldiers into Helmand Province, Afghanistan. At the age of 21 I went to Iraq, 5 years after watching the war on TV. Subsequently I went on to the front line in Afghanistan 3 more times. Totalling over 3 1/2 years of fighting on the front line.”

“So many people have different views on Afghanistan and Iraq, which they are entitled to. What I can tell you is how hard we all fought to help the innocent local people. Women and children were extremely vulnerable in these countries. Time after time I have seen UK Soldiers willing to die to save their lives (myself included). I have also seen Soldiers die saving the lives of local civilians.”

“I am proud of everything I and everyone I served with have done in both these countries. We served honourably and we all paid the price to some extent.” Paul

Splendidly fun idea…

“My Father and a friend of his were aboard an aircraft carrier, having to clean the runway due to less than admirable behavior on deck (fighting the sailors).”

“Well the cart they were using to carry their cleaning supplies had a big handle on one side. They had finished their cleaning early in the morning, and instead of walking all the way back they had a splendidly fun idea.”

“They each took off their button up shirts, buttoned them together, and tied the sleeves to each side of the handle of the cart. Now, the wind that day was tremendous, not to mention I'm pretty sure the ship was moving.”

“The shirts billowed tight in the wind and they both hopped onto the cart and they were off down the runway. As it turns out, the rest of the ship was on the deck for the flag ceremony, including the ship's officers.”

“So there are all these people saluting a flag as two reprobates fly by on this man-made wind-powered go-cart, and all their heads turn slowly watching them fly down the runway. Yeah, he was in trouble a lot.” Hugo

If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear it. Simply reply to this email.

He didn’t sleep for 40 years

I discovered this incredible story and thought it was too good not to share. Paul Kern, an Austro-Hungarian soldier who, during World War I, suffered a head injury that left him unable to sleep for the rest of his life.

Despite numerous attempts to induce sleep through medications and other treatments, Kern remained awake for years on end, eventually spending almost 40 years without sleep before passing away in 1955.

Kern's case attracted the attention of medical professionals and researchers, who sought to understand the physiological and neurological basis for his condition. Some hypothesized that the injury had damaged Kern's sleep center, while others suggested that he had developed a psychological aversion to sleep due to the trauma of his wartime experiences.

Gift ideas

So after receiving some nice messages after last weeks featured idea, some wanted to know what else I had seen while researching. Not original, but I did like this hip flask from Amazon.

From our YouTube Channel

Check out our YouTube Channel which tells the story of the Jason Dunham, who we have featured on a previous newsletter.

In the news this week

So each week I share news stories that I found interesting.

• So the Chinese spy balloon didn’t collect any information over US that satellites couldn’t get, Pentagon says. Do we believe this?

• Remains of a California soldier killed in the Korean War have been identified over 70 years later. Incredible!

Did you know?

GPS (Global Positioning System) was originally developed by the United States Department of Defense for military use.

The technology was initially developed in the 1970s as a way for the US military to accurately determine the location of its forces, and weapons systems around the world. Now we can track everything because of it, with one tap on my mobile I no longer struggle to find my car in the parking lot!

Picture of the Week

A few weeks ago, former enemies - who have now become allies - returned to the volcanic sands of Iwo Jima, to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the 36-day battle that took place 78 years ago.

The annual Reunion of Honor ceremony was attended by around 220 visitors from the United States and Japan, including Marine Corps Commandant Gen.

David Berger and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, to commemorate this significant event of World War II. Among the attendees were also 80 to 100 Japanese family members who had lost their loved ones during the battle, as well as a few remaining U.S. veterans who had participated in the fight.

Sponsor this newsletter

If your business or company is interested in reaching an audience of veterans, serving military personnel, or supporters of our brave men and women who keep us safe, you may want to advertise with us.

What do you think of the jet pack? What should I be adding in here each week? Hit reply and let me know but have a great week and see you in a weeks time.

Rob 🫡