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General discussion

Real life Charlie Wilson of "Charlie Wilson's War" dies

by Angeline Booher Feb 10, 2010 10:26PM PST

He sat on a key House subcommittee and helped to secure huge increases in funding for CIA efforts to help Afghan Mujahidin fighting Soviet occupation forces after the 1979 invasion.

As a long-time member of the House Appropriations Committee, Mr Wilson quietly helped to steer billions of dollars to the CIA, which distributed the funds to buy Afghan fighters high-tech weapons such as Stinger missiles, which were used to shoot down Soviet helicopter gunships.

Robert Gates, the US Defence Secretary, said that when he was director of the CIA he knew Mr Wilson, who ?was working tirelessly on behalf of the Afghan resistance fighting the Soviets?.

Mr Gates said in a statement released overnight: ?As the world now knows, his efforts and exploits helped repel an invader, liberate a people, and bring the Cold War to a close.

"After the Soviets left, Charlie kept fighting for the Afghan people and warned against abandoning that traumatised country to its fate ? a warning we should have heeded then, and should remember today.?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7022817.ece

He approved of how Tom Hamks portrayed him.

Angeline

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2 Posts

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A hero of the Cold War.

by EdHannigan Feb 10, 2010 10:36PM PST

I used to follow his exploits in Soldier of Fortune. I was surprised when they made the movie.

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If they had not made it

by Angeline Booher Feb 10, 2010 11:16PM PST

.... I would not have known of his heroism until his obituary.

I realize the necessity for secrecy, but it is one of those times that it would have been nice to say, "Thank you!"

Angeline

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