Executive Outcomes Book

[EebenB]

I would like to say thank you to all who supported me during the writing of my book and the many who supported me after publication. Whereas I cannot single out any person as there were so many, I would like everyone to know that I am very grateful for everyone's support and good wishes.

However, I believe a great thanks to Paladin is in order for the generous donation he made to the VA to get a signed copy of the book. I really hope you enjoy it.

Also, I hope the VA will place Paladin's name of the Wall of Honour - his donation certainly deserves that.

EebenB

PS: Interested parties can visit www.galago.co.za to see the reviews the book has had thus far.

[Keith]

Hi Eeben

Firstly thanks to Paladin for his continued support and I note he has also registered to rejoin the forum.

I believe all credits will be given and apologies for any delay as geographic locations and time available between all parties involved sometimes gets the better of us.

Cheers, Keith

[Barry Roper]

Hi Eeben,

Have fnished reading your book and it was certainly an eye opener. It also confirmed what I had suspected by reading between the lines for a long time. I am not going to go into detail as those who have read the book will know what I mean and for those who have not read it go out and buy a copy.

[Paladin]

Thanks are not necessary.

I live and breathe under the blanket of freedom, priviledge, and prosperity that was afforded to me through the service and sacrifice of others.

Consider it partial payment on a debt long over due.

Congratulations on the book, it looks like its going to be a Best-Seller.

I'm proud of you.

[EebenB]

Thanks for that, Paladin. I just hope you get it soon. However, be warned: There are some that believe the book is about me "whinging" about everything. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinions...

I still think that the manner in which you supported the VA deserves major recognition.

EebenB

[Lubbe Herholdt]

Eeben, i will have my book today and looking forward to read it. Will give you feedback, the feedback i have received so far is very positive. Congrats:)

[EebenB]

Hi Lubbe,

Many thanks for that.

I do need to point out - and I said this on the "old" forum - that it is a simple story, told simply. It is, however, my way of paying tribute to some very good men who deserve every bit of recognition they can get for their achievements. If people want to view that as a "whinge", then so be it. The fact of the matter is, I was - and still am - totally p*ssed off at what eventually developed, but, life presents us all with challenges. I suppose at the end of the day, it is how we handle those challenges.

EebenB

[Lubbe Herholdt]

Thanks Eeben, will send you a PM when i am done with the book.

Cheers

[EebenB]

Hi Stan,

That is an interesting take on the book.

I have, however, always believed that people are entitled to their own opinions, even if I do not always agree with them. That said, I also find it amusing that people who have a lot to say, are usually the ones who were never involved in the very thing they have a lot to say about.

I do not believe that anyone who stood on the outside of the situation can actually tell me what they “think” happened or that they have a deeper understanding of the issues that were on the table. After all, if they were not involved at a certain level, they really cannot really comment on it. If what happened is construed as “whinging”, then we also have very different understandings of the word itself. However, at least I then "whinged" on behalf of a group of men who were done a grave injustice. I have no regrets for that.

What I have noticed was that a few people who voiced an opinion were people who were not even in the company at the time, or when certain things were happening, or were never admitted into the company. What I wrote, I backed up with documentary evidence, something the “knowledgeable” people on EO were never able to do – or even attempted to do. To some extent, the media have backtracked on what they wrote and apologised for being the mouthpiece of a disinformation war against EO.

Without wanting to start a bun-fight, I believe that any author welcomes criticism and if that criticism is warranted, it will be acted on. If however, the criticism is of little or no consequence, then obviously it will not be acted on. If they have a genuine criticism and feel strongly about it, they are of course very welcome to write their own book.

I would also like to point out that Paladin made a massive donation in exchange for the EO book. That donation was for the forgotten ones out at Pomfret. I think it is somewhat unfair to ask for another one.

Regards,

EebenB

[EebenB]

Hi Stan,

It was only since you reminded me about the little swine who tried to steal my knife off my webbing that I recall the incident and smacking him across the chops. It gave me something to smile about. Wasn't it strange how those who chose to steal jam always tried to act as though they produced it? However, those types were certainly not unique to us - they are found the world over.

I have twice in my life met people who introduced themselves to me - using my name - without them knowing who I am. I just quizzed them on "me" and heard the wildest stories about myself and several of the senior EO men. If nothing else, it gives one something to laugh about.

Keep well - and thanks for that memory.

EebenB

[Clive]

Hi Eben

Was in East London a week ago and many a civilian were looking at your book and must say that there were many a wry smile on some of their faces.

quickly paged through the book (photo,s) and noticed one distinctive issue................from Piets book to this one you have most definatly getting old and balder :D :D

Clive

[EebenB]

Hi Clive,

Too true. Time marches on and it is not always easy to stay in step with the beat of the drum. Age, I am afraid, is catching up on all of us. Whereas in our minds we feel we are still 20-years old, it is no longer possible to do some of the things we were once able to do.

Regards,

Eeben

[Mother Goose]

Ja some of the paratroopers on the airborne site said that you are wiginging, but most are very impressed with the book.
cool:

Hey, watch it Boet. One guy`s comment does not constitute "some paratroopers".:)

Eeben, I have ordered the book and am looking forward to reading it. I have a lot of friends who served with your organisation and as a result, I took a keen interest in their activities. Due to the fact that I was with the NIS / SASS at the time, this negatively affected my relationship with some old friends such as Laffras for example. Trying to explain to them that I worked covert external did not seem to help either. In retrospect, I guess they rightfully mistrusted all and sundry who were linked to the government of the day.

Congratulations on a job well done and a book well written (according to reviews). All the best.

[EebenB]

Hi Mother Goose,

At the time when you were a secret squirrel, we were under an enormous assault by the intelligence services, so much so that they (MI in particular) were ordered to fabricate intelligence - which they did - and then leaked it to the media. The media created a perfect platform for blow-back, which they (MI, DFA and NIA) then used as a confirmation of their lies. So, I can understand that your old friends viewed you with a somewhat jaundiced eye. However, please bear in mind why they did so. I am sure it was nothing personal - it was just that at that time, you represented the "enemy" as far as EO was concerned.

To give you an idea as to what we had to contend with - the services circulated a document which claimed that EO was involved in the assasination of Dr Verwoerd - in 1966. Of course, this led to a somewhat media feeding frenzy.

We actually took a SASS operative to Luanda to see for himself what was really happening. When he reported back what he had seen and heard, he was told that we had "bought him off". That being so, we were in a no-win situation.

Thanks for ordering the book. I really hope you will enjoy it.

Regards,

EebenB

[pietnortje]

Hi Eeben

Think I was most probably the first one to receive your book outside the country, it was not on the shelves in SA yet when Peter Stiff send me my copy. A good and honest book. Well done. Like mentioned in our private e mail, there will always be the ones that only critisise, and when the opportunity is given to them to give their side of the story they just dissapear!

An exellent book, well done

[EebenB]

Hi Piet,

Many thanks for your comments - they are much appreciated.

I haven't forgotten your request and I am busy with what you asked for. I shall forward on to you as soon as I have completed them.

I have long given up being concerned with what people say or think. As I said in a previous post, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Those who feel very strongly about them, can, as you said, always write their own book.

Thanks again.

Regards,

EebenB