GI who went to battle in pink boxers becomes "iconic image"

[CougarKing]

And I am aware that GAP already posted this in the sandbox thread, but I figured it needed its own thread.

By: Agencies Date:  2009-05-23 Place:WASHINGTON
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday praised an Army soldier in eastern Afghanistan who drew media attention this month after rushing to defend his post from attack while wearing pink boxer shorts and flip-flops.

In fact, Gates said he wants to meet the soldier and shake his hand the next time he visits Afghanistan.

"Any soldier who goes into battle against the Taliban in pink boxers and flip-flops has a special kind of courage," Gates said in remarks prepared for a speech in New York.


Boxer Braveheart: Zachary Boyd (19) rushed from his sleeping quarters on May 11 at a base in Afghanistan after the unit came under fire from the Taliban.

"I can only wonder about the impact on the Taliban. Just imagine seeing that: a guy in pink boxers and flip-flops has you in his cross-hairs.

What an incredible innovation in psychological warfare," he said.

Army Specialist Zachary Boyd (19) of Fort Worth, Texas, rushed from his sleeping quarters on May 11 to join fellow platoon members at a base in Afghanistan's Kunar Province after the unit came under fire from Taliban positions.

A news photographer was on hand to record the image of Boyd standing at a makeshift rampart in helmet, body armor, red T-shirt and boxers emblazoned with the message: "I love NY."

When the image wound up on the front page of the New York Times, Boyd told his parents he might lose his job if President Barack Obama saw him out of uniform.

"I can assure you that Specialist Boyd's job is very safe indeed," Gates said in the speech.

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/may/23050...rmy-soldier.htm

 

[40below]

Pink is actually a remarkably effective arid camo colour, so this guy was a bit ahead of the curve.

 

[Mike Baker]

Pink is actually a remarkably effective arid camo colour, so this guy was a bit ahead of the curve.

Yep. That's why the British use to have "Pinkies" (pink jeeps) in North Africa during WW II.

 

[Jammer]

Good on him

 

[Love793]

"Any soldier who goes into battle against the Taliban in pink boxers and flip-flops has a special kind of courage," Gates said in remarks prepared for a speech in New York.

Compared to the guy who fights in Man Jammies and Flip flops? I am sure this guy isn't the only one who hasn't taken the time to put on his pants and make sure he's ready for an inspection when under fire. Good on him though for getting the priorities right.

 

[agenteagle]

"Any soldier who goes into battle against the Taliban in pink boxers and flip-flops has a special kind of courage," Gates said in remarks prepared for a speech in New York.

Compared to the guy who fights in Man Jammies and Flip flops? I am sure this guy isn't the only one who hasn't taken the time to put on his pants and make sure he's ready for an inspection when under fire. Good on him though for getting the priorities right.

pink boxers and flip flops vs man jammies and flip flops that is a good one.
So I guess if I get the into the Army and go to the sandbox I need to remember to bring my Toronto Maple Leafs Boxers to get my picture taken. Maybe we can get 5 other people and have all six teams represented.