#Thelegionnaire
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- Опубликовано: 16 сен 2024
- #Thelegionnaire - Why I left the French Foreign Legion
Three reasons why I left the French Foreign Legion. The main reason was that I felt guilty, it was my fear occurred during the OPERATION PÉLICAN in Congo Brazzaville 1997. My fear was a result of love. And I would do it like this again, and again, and again …..
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If you want to support me: Thanks a lot !
Thomas Gast
Sparkasse Bayreuth
IBAN DE58 7735 0110 0038 1037 35
BIC BYLADEM1SBT
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Here is my channel in German language
/ @thomasgastlegion
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This channel aims to give information about the French Foreign Legion. The author - Thomas Gast - knows what he's talking about. He spent seventeen years in the French Foreign Legion. He voluntary talks about his life and his adventures in the FFL and he gives young applicants accurate advices.
I'm 60. Former Marine. Actually drank beers with Legionaires in Marseille while deployed. 80's... Here's how I view this. War is a young man's pursuit. The ambush was a no win situation. You had matured and had become a father. For the first time in your career, the Legion was no longer your #1. Fatherhood changes a man. Don't be hard on yourself. You found yourself in a no win ambush. C'mon, take it easy. Nobody else could've done any better. You protected your flanks. You deployed a sound defensive position. Stop beating yourself up. We love you buddy. USA
PS. I would follow you into battle right now. Without hesitation. I'm ready.
Moi aussi. Merci pour votre témoignage. Votre honnêteté. Vous avez tout mon respect Monsieur.
Gunny Frith?
You did not have any options. You did the best you could do. You were set up for this ambush
God Bless. I spent a year in Vietnam as combat soldier. Enjoy your life and be proud of your service.
I second this Marine "Fish"
I would Too
This is not just a video .This is a story of a soldier and of a man,spoken from soul and heart.Respect,Thomas.
Love
@@tylervanorman492 1
Yes amazing I was spellbound, captured with his plight and conflict.
I completely get this. I’m a former US Marine, I served in Iraq. When I came home and we had our first kid, everything changed. My head and heart wasn’t “in the game” anymore. I went from being all about my guys, to being a husband and father first. I got
out shortly thereafter. I look back now 13 years later and it’s like a lifetime. I’m proud of what I did. I would join up again if I was 19. And serving as a Marine in combat was one of the proudest things in my life. But it is a young mans game.
I have a ton of respect for the Legion. I view them in the same light as Marines. These are tough, professional soldiers.
Semper Fi brother!
MDR6531 I know where you are coming from, I was a young soldier in my twenties when I met a girl and made her pregnant, after being posted to Germany, well after two tours of Northern Ireland I realised my heart and future didn't belong to the army anymore but to my family. It was a hard decision but I had to put my family first.
A young man's game? Yet there are people over 40 years of age even in combat units, right?
Over 40 does not necessarily mean not fit for duty anymore.
@MDR6531
A bit off-subject...
but I was in the Army, and I ALWAYS
had the hardest time with Ruck Marches
(aka, "Humps" in the USMC).
To elaborate a bit more...
I was always in good shape
and I never had a hard time with
PT or Runs or anything like that.
But, when it came to Ruck Marches...
omg!!... it is no exaggeration
that EVERY SINGLE ONE
of those gawd-forsaken things
tore my a$$ up like nothing else.
What was so shocking
for me was that (as I said above)
other PT events or exercises
were never a problem for me at all.
So the immediate difficulty I had with
Ruck Marches was both very immediate
and very shocking (if not scary).
The silver lining is that I can honestly say
that I never fell out of a Ruck mark
and never failed to complete one.
That being said...
every single one I ever did
put me in a world of hurt.
What advise would you give to
anyone who has such a difficult time
with Rucks / Humps??
(Ps...
Thank You for Your Service!!🇺🇲💯).
Corpsman here, 1/5 and 2/4. Currently transitioning out after 6 years. I often find myself missing "the rush" of the infantry, and would consider the legion in another life. But as I'm getting older, I'm realizing the military (any military, for that matter) is a rabbit role, and the further you go down it, the harder it is to come out. A couple of my friends reenlisted out of fear, because the Marine Corps gave them their identity and now they don't know what else to do, even if they're miserable. It's sad. Makes me think of that one Marine who went from the Legion to the Pershmega, then killed himself.
I figure I'll get out now before I completely lose myself in another deployment or foreign army, because I want to be a dad/husband one day. I love my guys, and I will miss it, I already do, but at some point you have to put down the rifle and carry on with life.
SEMPER FI MARINE
In 30 minutes. You did exactly what you were trained and put in position for 17 years. You did your job and lead your men home. Success is you telling this story.
You have no idea how much respect you still inspire. You are a warrior and a good man.
So honest, so courageous, so moving. You deserve huge respect, Mr Gast.
A man who has walked on the dark side, come back and with evan more courage has said enough. Deep deep respect to a very brave man.
Legion has a dark side.. we are crafty we are rogues..we are no ordinary men...
Thank you for sharing this: A gunnery SGT once told me, Son, if the Marines wanted you to have a wife, we would have issued you one. I found that it made sense.
MICHAEL, SAME BS. I GOT. IWAS IN THE AIR FORCE. MY WIFE WAS PREGNANT, I NEEDED THE WEEKEND OF. SHIT HEAD MSGT TOLD ME SSGT YOU WEREN'T ISSUED A WIFE AND CHILD IN BASIC WERE YOU? SAID NI SIR. WERE YOU WILL BE AT SAC HILL. THANK GOD FOR MY BEST FRIEND SGT STERNS HE TOOK MY PLACE. MY WIFE HAD A CHILD THAT SATURDAY. I'LL NEVER FORGIVE THAT ASSHOLE. BEST OF LUCK BROTHER. 20TH SPEC OPS DET USAF RET
@@couchwarrior2449 He took care of his son, he is right now enjoying his family while mr Soldier is deployed in a shithole doing nothing because there are no orders to go anywhere, jerking off everyday in Iraq while being feed by tax payers money is really a heroes action
@@couchwarrior2449 fitting name lol
@Ivan
Some people are always so quick to slander, belittle, deride all things military. Always so quick to gloat about having spotless clean hands while conveniently not mentioning the others getting theirs dirty in their place.
Nothing waw ever built without having soldiers at the ready.
Being a soldier has to pay decently, but it must not be the primary factor in deciding to enlist. Otherwise, you have mercenaries, not soldiers.
I left the British Army for the same reason, i met a girl she had my daughter and i wanted to see her grow up so i got out then i got divorced, big mistake.
Man. Similar story for me. I left the USMC after over 8 years of active duty. My then fiancee did not want me to reenlist as she didn't want me to deploy every 6 months. I got out and became a civilian again. Things got bad for us really quickly as she just didn't get how tough it was readjusting to civilian life and left me shortly there after. I'm not going to say it was a big mistake to leave as i eventually picked up my life, met someone else, and started a family, but not a day goes by where I don't think about my time in the Corps.
I was a street cop for 17 years and then got out. I don't believe I will ever be a "civilian." They're a different species.
@@CundaliniWantsHisHandBack Yeah violating people's right must have been real hard for you to do on a daily bases, writing your BS ticket's to meet quota's
Same here, buddy. 9 years airborne infantry including time in the Ranger Regiment.
I did the same, left the British Army for a girl and yes big mistake
My friend it was not fear that over took you. No! It was the love you have for your Daughter who was born to change your life and to save it from you ever falling in battle and never having the opportunity to enjoy the greatest gift given to you, your Daughter. As U.S. Veteran of Foreign Wars I salute you.
Thomas, it sounds like Operation Pelican is still very traumatic for you. I was in the US Army and there are things that I regret. I think that you should talk to someone about the guilt that you feel. You don't need to suffer.
I was a British Soldier and I'm all too familiar with the feeling. Thank God for Rum.
@@HappyBear376 Thank you for your service and sacrifice. But mate, masking pain with alcohol or drugs will destroy your life. And getting off of either will become a greater battle than any combat. It's a war you will never win if you give in. Turn to God, not substances brother.
@@lmnopxyz5796 💔
Shrinks cause more mental health issues than they cure these days. Talk to the lord Jesus Christ instead.
It was a dirty operation, I was there. In an another unit of the french foreign legion. I had more luck, I just was shelled and had heavy machin gun fire on me. But I hadn't to face the loss of comrades in ambush. When Thomas was ambushed, Gobin was shot at point blanc, straight to the heart and others heve been injured. One bullet missed my head for millimeters at another ituation. One will ask the reste of his life "why did I survive" am I guiltu-y?
Your honesty is extremely admirable and shows true courage.
Thomas, thank you for this honest account. I served 10 years in the British army and left after spending my last year doing recce work in Northern Ireland. I realised that I no longer looked forward to operations. I just wanted them to be over. I knew I shouldn't be doing that kind of work feeliing like that. I was lucky that I got out without having to face a situation such as the one you found yourself in. Respect.
That's a real man, not a full of shit self proclaimed hero.
17 years in the French Foreign Legion are equivalent to the hardest military life in an elite combat force respected worldwide. You gave it your best, until you assumed the responsibility of being a father.
Enjoy the rest of your life, Legionnarie!
Anyone who says that they had no fear during a firefight, especially when stuck in an ambush is either a fool or a lier. You have no control over certain situations in combat. You can just react and let your training get you through the situation. It is never easy to lose a Brother in Arms. You always have the slightest thought that if you would have done one thing different then it wouldn't have happened. It is hard to think that when it is your time, it is just your time. I lost Brothers in Iraq and think of them every day. It was not your fault and people will always die in combat no matter how hard you train or how well you respond in a firefight. Much Respect my Brother and fellow Warrior.
Anyone who says that they had no fear, was never in a firefight. They're just liars.
@@332912 I agree my Brother.
Or there a Gurkha that's what we say in the British Army
You do know that there are psychopaths that are not scared of anything.
@@boxerwayne6660 Everyone has some amount of fear. You can learn to control it many times.
" Blessed is the Warrior who hears the whispers of peace in his heart."
You heard the whispers of love for a soul that you hadn't even met yet, the whispers of love for a life that you helped to create. You heard the whispers of your future. What you felt was the fear of not being able to defend the one true and ONLY reason for you to exist as a biological entity, your daughter! From the moment of her conception, you became her sword and shield, and what you felt was the uncertainty of the outcome of her life without your guidance and protection. You sir are human. And your Warrior Spirit was wide awake under that dark sky.
Often Tested Always Faithful Brothers Forever. Love your daughter, draw strength from her love for you, and know that you did your job by surviving. The greatest operation that you will ever take part in? Fatherhood! Be well.
Sincere respect and my complements Sir. Not everyone can so directly acknowledge, much less calmly express, the moment that they determined that their service as professional soldier has run its course. Thank you for your example.
Love your videos….straight from.the heart…no bullshit, no,excessive claims, no grandstanding…just honest description of feelings…
You are indeed a hero Thomas; but, above that you are human. I salute you and wish you and your family great fortune.
It sounds like you realized just how much you had to live for in that moment. That fear was probably what kept you alive. You Served honorably for a very long time in one of the toughest outfits on earth, and have clearly seen more things than most people would see in several lifetimes. The universe had different plans for your future and that included being around for that beautiful little girl you always wanted. thank you for sharing your story with us Mr. Gast!
Thomas you have nothing to be ashamed of.i was out there at the same time with the British army as part of the JRDF on Op Determinet the situation was absolutely crazy never doubt yourself or actions your a awesome warrior never forget that...
Respect brother. From a South African comrade who fought in Angola. In some parts of Africa (I do not not Generalize) they will rip out your heart and eat it raw. My reaction was similar to yours. Once I had kids, i was different. I do not judge whether this is wrong or right. But I had that deep/instinctive feeling that I have to care for my kid's future, or dying here is in her best interest. Which is the right decision? Salute!
Hoorah ! Wish military service was still mandatory in South Africa 🇿🇦
@@N.O.2C.B the current government doesn't care about us and we don't care for it either, none of us wants to fight for the ANC. It's their loss and the Legion's gain, since that's where we end up now.
you've got to be a real man to speak about your weaknesses with such honesty. i can only imagine how hard it was and in fact still is for you. in my opinion you deserve a real respect. all the best warrior.
"Eyes can kill more than words"...point well taken Sir.
Looks say more than words at times.
Sir?
@Boyer De La Giroday Michel,
The only one I see her that is a big bluff is you! Don't hide behind the keyboard and act like a warrior! For I still have the copy of soldier of fortune with that article in it! Reading that article is another reason I served in the military myself. The pride, honor, dignity to self and country to be the best that I could be! The allure of battle, ability to travel anywhere in the world and to learn different cultures. You are as shallow as the trail left behind from a snail!
This video deserves more views
Katanga brazeville hotbed of trouble since 1960 surprised any amount money lures anyone there as it would be one hell of an extraction.
In today‘s world where you look at girlie men or scared species...it is a refreshing hope knowing that there are still a few tough and real men. God bless this real man and born soldier.
the one i realized about you thomas during our time at castel was you always gave a great deal of thought beore reacting listening to that heartfelt confession i know one thing thomas gast made the right choice in the moment but in death theres always someone who thinks they could have made a better choice in reality they could not so i know its hard but do not let that decision rule your life .Look at how far you have come and the great family you have.Remember this thomas although our paths seperated after castel . Me danny mitchel will never forget you and my door will never be closed to you and your family .
Awesome stuff
@@teller1290 Legionairies will stay along for ever.
Beautiful
As a former Soldier myself, I know you deserve honor. Be proud that you have done things that others can only read about or only imagine in their dreams to be a warrior like you. Merci.
He had a bad feeling. But that doesn’t mean he fought badly. I don’t think he told the whole story. Why? Because I think there was some reason other legionnaires boycotted him. They don’t do it for no reason. He simply was no longer wanted in the Legion. If I’m speculating, I’d say he was indecisive in leading his group and that’s what the soldiers felt. They may have condemned him for ambushing them. Maybe they thought he didn’t resist the command and took them to their deaths.
@@ispeciprasebaunko111 That's not true. I was in Brazzaville and I know the whole story. Thomas led his platoon in combat without failour. Shame on you. We fought there, Thomas at the paratroopers and me at the cavalry. And we were fucking alone, despite the numbers of the regular army. Go ahead, the legion! All losses on the french side where legionairies. Killed or injured. I fought other wars later, but theses days were the bloodiest in my life, trust me. Never had so much smel of of bodies in my nose.
From the sound of it from your story You did what you were supposed to and were a good leader for your troops. At 56 I would follow you into battle.
A Moving Recount Legionaire Regast. ...But after all We are all Human (hopefully).....And you probably imposed the most harshest discipline upon yourself by leaving your beloved Legion earlier than you intended. Don't beat yourself up about it !...Respect to you. You certainly seem to have it from all the Comments. Bon Chance !
What is our legion hosts national origin
@@lawrencefox563 Not sure mate...Better just ask him I suppose !!
@@andyjackson994 yes this was my venue to that end .gday mate thanks
@@lawrencefox563 No worries, you're welcome. B Lucky !
American serviceman father, German woman. Raised by mom in Germany. Served in German para unit for a number of years. I don't think he had much contact with dad. This is what I recall from previous video of his.
You are and always will be a elite warrior in my eyes .Being a soldier myself ,I know that fear .You have very good sense of responsibility and you left the legion with with your dignity still in tact .I will always respect you for always .In my eyes you are and always will a warrior elite.I respect you .
Guilt is often the heaviest burden. You are a brave man talking about it.
A old combat veteran form WW2 told me " there are only two perfect people , God and liars. " That saying got me through many things in my life. may ti help you also.
You remain an inspiration Thomas, your days in the Legion may be in the past but i am certain that this world needs more men like you, cheers from Colombia.
The shamans would explain it this way: intense love creates a channel to the Other, possibly tearing a hole in the warrior's light body. Hence the warrior experiences fear for the first time.
Thanks for the story mr gast. I made up my mind to join the ffl because of you. Even though i argue with my family. Btw my family now support me (not everyone hehehe). Insyaallah 2024 i will join the ffl after finish my college. Always hope the best for you. You are my inspiration
Danke das Sie das so offen besprochen haben. Auch diese Dinge machen einen Man aus.
LG
There should be no shame in doing your best. It sounds almost like your unit was set up - maybe it was just poor intel prior to the action. I dare say that you and your men fared far-better than most small units would have against such an overwhelming Congolese force. Sure glad you made it back! Thanks for posting the video.
17 years is a long time and would say you have nothing to feel bad about, Sometimes we reach a point something changes and you have to do something. It takes courage to leave what you love so much but when your mindset changes you have to do something for the sake of you and your comrades lifes as possibly bad decisions follow. It also takes great courage to admit what you felt and that it was time to leave. I hope you have a peaceful life.
Much respect to you sir.
My grandfather was a French Foreign Legionnaire durning WWI, WWII and French Indochina.
My father was a French Resistance Fighter in WWII.
Thank you for sharing your story.
You are a true warrior and always will be. A real soldier admits his fear and fights through. You did and and were/are a good leader who soldiers would gladly follow. Awesome and honest story.
I was in the U.S. military. I fell in love with this fabulous lady. Well long story short I lost her. Its been about 30 years now. Usually if you have been in the military stuff happens beyond our control.
Its an ambush totally random unpredictable. Talk to other veterans. Stay on your feet Legionaire keep going. Your have my respect. I'm sorry for your lose. Your never alone Jesus is there with you.
Respect. Many of us have had that ‘one encounter’ that’s changed our lives. Soldiering is hard and it doesn’t get any easier when you retire. It’s all about you and your daughter now. Good luck.
No shame, there is nothing to be ashame at all... you have done so much for the legion. you have pushed the envelope too far already and there comes a time to know when it is time to stop. Salute to you.
A brave and honourable man, much respect Mr Gast.
Lots of respect for you Thomas. A true warrior and with a very healthy perspective about life and people.
Thomas,at the end of the day ,we are only human! It's refreshing to listen to your honesty. Respect ,I salute you!
I can relate to the anguish. My ex got full custody when my child was 1 year old. It was the darkest moment of my life. Thanks for sharing
Thomas you are a very special man, so honest
Well said Thomas. That must have been a very difficult time for you
I am a former army from the parachute unit.. I was Served for 15 years, after which I stopped because life was depressed in the rules in the military.... The Malaysian Army is very boring no bright life full of pressure from the commanding Officers...
Respect to you
Very nice video. Thank you very much for the insights into your soul and for being honest with yourself. Greetings from Hamburg
You should be proud of your achievements Monsieur
@@thelegionnaire9488 I hear you bud...I fear you may have PTSD ...speak to someone and set new challenges for yourself...that's what I did...train for an ultra marathon...learn something new build something learn a new skill ..keep going
Never give up and never surrender
Powerfull stuff! I used to be a sailor, talking many risks etc. The day I became a father, everything change. You really have something you can loose. Everything has it time and place
Hope to meet you later in the future sir I want to follow your footsteps in becoming one of the worlds finest warrior!!!
Merci Thomas d'avoir développé ce point précis avec autant de franchise.
Si vous avez publié en français ou en anglais, je lirai vos livres avec plaisir, vous avez vraiment un grand talent pour raconter vos aventures.
Continuez les bonnes vidéos, vous nous régalez (j'en ai encore beaucoup à voir parmi les moins récentes et je m'en réjouis ;-) ).
Merci, amitiés de Belgique.
Former Canadian Infantry here, Recce and Marksman. You did what you could with what you had at that time brother. An ambush is nothing like a regular battle and its not meant to be ''survivable''. You thought it out like a Father yes, but also like a father to those mens, that also camed back home. Your mens loved you enough to return fire and not flee so don't treat yourself too hard brother, we all hade those freeze/flight moments. Some last longer than other. Legio patria nostra, bon repos soldat, d'un frere Canadien! houa
He just bared his soul. Agree or disagree who the hell gave a thumbs down?! Thank you for your service.
Monsieur en premier je vous présente tous mes respects. Pour moi vous avez fait votre devoir et vous n’avez rien à vous reprocher. Cordialement Adel FRANCIS.
A married soldier, marine or legionnaire is always ready for deployment/battle. Our wives and family suffer the most as they become second in the relationship. Thus suffer the most while we are gone wondering if we will come back. I am lucky as my family is still with me. Others are not so lucky. The wives of warriors are very special! Even those who could not stay. I hope you are able to find peace and form a relationship with your X and especially your daughter! Semper Fi my warrior brother.
I'm a retired army officer. Don't doubt yourself Thomas. What you are feeling is not unusual for a commander of men, particularly after a difficult contact. You have thought about that particular event and condemned yourself. Don't! You were the commander. You took the action required in the moment. Sadly a man was lost. If you had acted more aggressively, then many men would likely have been lost. It is what it is. We can all look back and imagine that we would make different choices, hind sight is a wonderful thing, but as a soldier, you act in the moment, and live or die with the consequences. Bon chance mon ami!
I have a lot of respect for you..... 👍
This video struck and shook me. My salute to you.
My father was in the French Air Force and he was in Brazzaville for operation Pélican, respect. He has some pretty terrifying stories from then.
Tell a story
Thanks Mrs Gast, really inspiring for us, willing to joining in the legion
Thank you, Thomas, for your story, I'm sure you did your best, sometimes shit happens, and good men die. In my book you are a real HERO. And the FFL is one of the best forces in the world. Thanks for the video and thanks for your service in the Legion. We must never forget the brave men and women who gave their all.
Thomas you are great mate -enjoy life-I know you do!!!Thanks for you stories -me -Tommy(uk) when I was a young man.Viv Le REP!!!!! Timothy
ps Just watched the rest of this -you are a beautiful fellow GOD BLESS LOL TIMOTHY
My friend old Steve called him Geordie Steve ( He wasn't French) was in the legion last i saw him was 20 years ago he was a takeaway driver his last job big difference from the Legion lol, Tough guy too, And i hear you i lost a friend in Afghanistan he was a Royal Dragoon Guard James Leverett he was 21 years old and was going to be a father, Well he never got to meet his son, Roadside bomb got him. Too young way too young left alot of broken hearts behind.
When you introduce loved ones into the mix, its all over. You head will never be in the game like before. Sad truth and great story Thomas.
You need to realize that you are not at fault and you feel what most Marines felt when charging into battle. You think and know fear but you also have your orders and your training. You have to make sure all your men come back but you have to remember that you are human and those feelings on dying are very real. What I learned as a Marine is to put everything in the back of your mind because if you dont do this, more kids are going to die. I was in a leadership position and I made decisions for my men. I remember hearing of this operation. Thank God you survived to live another day. You did your best. I'm glad you made it and came back. Your daughter needed you more than this world.
Thomas, all I can say is to repeat the sentiments of everybody here. You don't owe anybody anything. You were put in an almost impossible situation and you handled it to the best of your ability at the time. From the details of the operation, you had a lot of variables to work through, and you handled them to the best of your ability and training. If you didn't, you could have lost a lot more men. The men that you lost knew their jobs, and they also knew the risks. I think if you could go back and ask them, none of them would ask to do it any differently. They were Warriors. You are alive now to tell their story. Additionally, when your perspective changes because of family..that doesn't make you weak. It just changes your priorities and that's just life. You are a Leader. You are a Warrior. And you are still HARD. Even now. You want to go do it? Let's go. You lead, I will follow. Thank you for sharing your stories and your videos. Much love and respect from the U.S.
Thomas, just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your English speaking content because I'm about to join the US military a German citizen and I appreciate your support.
Drive on with life lad ! Yer a good soul and combat can destroy any man in many ways. Your a warrior and warriors are needed. Know you are not alone ! Semper Fi .
Near ambush with so much opposition, the fact that you did not have a lot more casualties shows you did something right..
Thank you for your honest and humble memory. I’m former military with no combat, so I can’t relate, but I have two daughters and when my first daughter was born, that changed my life, feelings of a love so deep I couldn’t comprehend. I definitely get it!
Wow.respect to you my friend.👍
You are a MAN!
My brother 💪🏾🙏🏾👍🏾❤️
No matter what we do in life, fear is the most formidable enemy we will ever face. It is a battle that I don't think that we can completely prevail in.
I salute you.
👍👍
Great story brother. Just so you know you are more of a man than some of these "men" in america will ever be brother.
You are the truest solider anyone could ever be! Always keep your head up brother. Hope to meet you some day
I appreciate it's fashionable to hate americans but it's unjustified.
Where did you serve ?
@@OldManRocketLeague david I am American lol
@@samuelf8879 that's classified information brother
I am Arbiter no it’s not lol
You found your soul and humanity. It's dangerous to place too high of importance on other people's opinion of you. You know your true worth and skill. Don't let others take that from you; you have that power, use it. I see in your eyes that you do know you did the best that could be done.
Once my son was born, I left the military when my enlistment was up. I felt the same way you did. When you are single you only have to look out for yourself but once you hold that child everything changes. I do not regret it.
Wow! Great story.
Sounds like your soul was transitioning to something greater, but at the time you don't know why, it's like a blessing in disguise. Has nothing to do with you as a soldier because you were a top-notch soldier warrior. You will find wisdom in this if you haven't already. Peace brother.
Damn you get full benefits in the legion at 18.5 years, French pension, retirement. You’re still an inspiration though brother. This video deserves way more views than it has. Respect my friend.
En tant que Français je te remercie pour ton service, de ton sacrifice et de t'être battu pour la France, ne t'en veux pas sur ce qui c'est passé, dans une guerre on est jamais certain ce qui peut arriver, soit fière pour ce que tu as accomplis.
Vive la Légion étrangère
Vive la France
Mes meilleurs voeux Thomas Ghast à toi et ta fille.
Former Israeli soldier here. I enjoyed your story very much. My father was a French soldier and I spent half of my childhood there, it is my second home.
I miss it in many ways, but we all must put our weapon down at some point, our children need us more. Vive la France! 🇫🇷
The adjutants last reason ... well, more the result part, being shunned, shame and self disappointment. I been there. Not military related but .. I been there. I hope you've coped with it or at least managed to somehow lessen those effects my friend. RESPECT!
I lived in serbia for ten years during the civil war i was in the serbian military for 12months we got called to go to war 4hours later the peace treaty was signed and we didn't go to war I thanked God every day that I never been to a war zone its a horrible thing to see and live through I would not wish my worst enemy to experience war or war zones
Hi sir don't blame yourself all of us are only human and I salute you to have done 17 years in the legion
Thomas, that is not your guilt to carry. You were human. Everyone has a breaking point, that night was yours.
Prior to the news of your daughter, you had nothing to lose. Now your had everything to lose. You are a Warrior!
You have a good heart ❤ and very brave man 👨 not just any body become a French Leigh you are great leader you afraid for your friends not for self
Respect frerot. You’ve done your job. The human mind is entwined with emotions, les commandos de recherche dant la profoundeur (CRAP) will realise this one day. You’re a true soldier, Legionnaire.
Powerful story. Thanks for sharing it!
It requires so much bravery to admit that you had fear and tell your feeling. I cant imagine how it feels to be in battle.
I really enjoy of your storys of life. Thanks for share
Few people can serve as Soldiers. We're human. You served honorably, Thomas.
You're a good Legionnaire, Soldier and man. Your honesty will help others. It's easy to judge when one hasn't been under fire; or even under fire, being the leader.
Blessings to you and your daughter. And the Legion. To 'legitimate' Uniformed Service Members across the world.
Wow. Much respect for sharing your story. I hope you found peace 🫡🙏
Respect to you for openness and honesty…
Enjoy your channel, riveting story. Just in telling honors your troops.
Thomas,,
Nous ne sommes que des Hommes…..
The Capacity to Learn, from difficulty, or Any Experience, is often the Objective of Life, to Be Shared With Those Willing to Learn.
Merci,,, Bon Courage, Toujours
,, as We Say, en Français (North America),
« Lâche pas la Patate, Mon Ami ! » 👍🇨🇦
very good vido you are a true soldier in every sense of the word you put your men above yourself i salute you sir thank you
A terrific career with honour and fidelity.. best thing you knew when to leave after a mind bending 17 years. Takes more courage to leave than to stay. Respect.
There is a time for war, and a time for peace…… i have huge respect for the way you carrie your self and your honesty